Discharge Coordinator Per Diem Day Shift - Weekends

Job Title: Discharge Coordinator - Per Diem: 1 shift per week, weekend availability required

Job Summary: The Discharge Coordinator works in conjunction with the cases manager and social worker to assist in the facilitation of the patients discharge to the next level of care. The primary responsibility to is to maximize patient satisfaction and quality of care while minimizing barriers to discharge and hospital reimbursement. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions: 

• Prioritizes daily activities. 
• Active participant in daily huddles/rounds with case management and social work.
• Facilitates discharges through prioritization and by working collaboratively with the team exhibiting a strong sense of urgency.
• Regularly evaluate workload and re-prioritize tasks as needed throughout the day communicating with the CM and SW for consensus on discharge planning priorities and tracks discharge barriers.
• Assist Case Manager and Social Worker with transactional support (faxing, follow up calls, etc.) to arrange for discharge of patients.

o   Durable medical equipment (DME)

o   Oxygen and Wound Vacs

o   Home Health, Palliative Care, Hospice

o   Facility (SNF, LTAC, IRF, Assisted Living) referrals.

o   Transportation

o   Infusions

o   Authorizations

• Demonstrates knowledge of Discharge Planning resources available in the area.
• Maintains good relationships with payers and providers.
• As directed by Case Manager and/or Social Worker, meet with patient/family to discuss and obtain preferences of providers for post-discharge care needs.
• Provide Choice Form to patient/family and document in EHR.
• Complete all appropriate documentation in EHR for referrals.
• Document all discharge planning activities and communications in EHR according to department standard.
• Document final arrangements in EHR including disposition, names, and contact numbers.
• Under the direction of the CM or SW, provide the patient with the IMM and document in EHR.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by Case Management leadership.
• Support Case Managers and Social Workers with any delegated tasks.
• Communicate with patient/caregivers as needed/directed and escalate concerns to the CM/SW immediately.
• Proactively assist in obtaining medical authorizations for facility placement in conjunction with the facility.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members. Utilizes white boards for patient communication.
• Collaborates across disciplines to assist in coordination of patient care, including but not limited to patient transfer, discharge, referrals, and spiritual/psychosocial support needs.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) when communicating with the team.
• Completes and attends training assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards: 

• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints and questions; displays a positive attitude. 
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers. 

Communication/Knowledge: 

• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork: 

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program. 

Qualifications/Experience: 

• Minimum of six (6) months prior experience as a Discharge Planner/Case Management in an acute care hospital, preferred.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within healthcare.