Discharge Planner

Universal Health Services; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Health Services in Anchorage, AK is seeking a Discharge Planner to coordinate discharge planning and ensure continuity of care for clients and families. You will work within an interdisciplinary team and liaise with outside agencies to support treatment goals and smooth transitions.

The role involves documenting activities, coordinating referrals, and assisting with travel and insurance logistics to ensure timely discharges. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates discharge planning and processes to facilitate continuity of care; creates clinical packets, completes applications, and faxes materials to referral sources in a timely manner.
• Communicates with referral and outpatient providers weekly regarding new referrals; ensures the facility and receiving providers exchange necessary clinical materials.
• Documents case management contacts, discharge efforts, and appointments in progress notes and electronic documentation systems no later than 24 hours after contact.
• Participates in treatment teams and multi-agency meetings to update staff on referral statuses, coordinate care, and facilitate smooth client discharges.
• Collaborates closely with the Utilization Review (UR) team to establish and coordinate prior authorization, travel logistics, and insurance applications.
• Coordinates travel arrangements and discharge appointments; actively communicates travel info and schedules to therapists, families, and guardians.
• Maintains a shared, updated server folder tracking the status of faxes, applications, and general discharge planning milestones.
• Participates in community and facility activities as requested by leadership to build sustainable relationships with external healthcare providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.

Job description

Responsibilities

The Discharge Planner is responsible for providing direct and indirect client care; providing psychotherapeutic services to clients and families; serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team supporting the facility's treatment program and philosophy; serves as the primary liaison between the facility and outside agencies for discharge planning, abuse reporting, and continuum of care functions.

Qualifications

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinates discharge planning and processes to facilitate continuity of care; creates clinical packets, completes applications, and faxes materials to referral sources in a timely manner.
• Communicates with referral and outpatient providers weekly regarding new referrals; ensures the facility and receiving providers exchange necessary clinical materials.
• Documents case management contacts, discharge efforts, and appointments in progress notes and electronic documentation systems no later than 24 hours after contact.
• Participates in treatment teams and multi-agency meetings to update staff on referral statuses, coordinate care, and facilitate smooth client discharges.
• Collaborates closely with the Utilization Review (UR) team to establish and coordinate prior authorization, travel logistics, and insurance applications.
• Coordinates travel arrangements and discharge appointments; actively communicates travel info and schedules to therapists, families, and guardians.
• Maintains a shared, updated server folder tracking the status of faxes, applications, and general discharge planning milestones.
• Participates in community and facility activities as requested by leadership to build sustainable relationships with external healthcare providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.