Discharge Planner

NaphCare, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401K and Roth plans

Tuition assistance

Referral bonuses

Paid time off and holidays

Free continuing education

Job summary

NaphCare is seeking a Discharge Planner to coordinate post-release plans for inmates at the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, IA. You will work with correctional officers and medical staff to assess needs and craft individualized discharge plans ensuring continuity of care.

The role requires evaluating medical, mental health, and social determinants, plus collaboration with community services to arrange follow-up and resources. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in human services, psychology, or social work.
• At least 1 year of experience in a clinical setting, correctional healthcare preferred.
• Active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association) required.
• Knowledge in developing discharge plans and coordinating with community providers.
• Experience with Medicaid and 1115 Waivers preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Excellent communication skills with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Integrity and adherence to Code of Conduct and policies.
• Pass facility criminal background check and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical, mental health, and social needs of inmates to identify post-release requirements.
• Create individualized discharge plans addressing medical follow-up, medications, mental health support, and community resources.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate records of patient interactions, discharge plans, and follow-up activities.
• Provide information and support to inmates and their families regarding discharge planning and post-release care options.
• Act as liaison between the facility and community agencies to facilitate referrals and access to services.
• Assist patients with a specific plan for medication management.
• Assist patients with identifying a support network and future care instructions.
• Coordinate with Apple Health navigators to assist with applications.
• Coordinate care with shelters, employment agencies, and counselors.

Skills

Communication skills

Discharge planning knowledge

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Independent and team work

Criminal background check compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in human services, psychology, or social work

Job description

Discharge Planner

Overview

NaphCare is hiring a Discharge Planner to join our team of medical professionals in the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, IA.

As a Correctional Discharge Planner, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to assist incarcerated individuals with planning their transition back into the community. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Discharge Planner is responsible for discharge planning for all inmates released from the facility. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

• Evaluating the medical, mental health, and social needs of inmates to identify their post-release needs
• Creating individualized plans that address specific needs, including medical follow-up, medication management, mental health support, and access to community resources
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care
• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of patient interactions, discharge plans, and follow-up activities
• Providing information and support to inmates and their families regarding discharge planning, available resources, and post-release care options
• Acting as a liaison between the correctional facility and community agencies to facilitate referrals and access to services
• Assist patients with a specific plan for medication management
• Assist patients with the identification of a support network, instructions for future care and follow-up
• Collaborate with community based Apple Health navigators to assist with application
• Coordinate care with community agencies, shelters, employment agencies, and drug and alcohol counselors

Qualifications

Experience / Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in human services, psychology, or social work.
• At least 1 year of experience in a clinical setting: correctional healthcare experience preferred.
• Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association required)
• Knowledge in the development of discharge plans and coordination with community service providers
• Experience with Medicaid and 1115 Waivers preferred
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
• Excellent communication skills are essential for interacting with patients, staff, and physicians
• Able to work independently and in a team
• Ability to analyze data and solve problems independently.
• Integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time! In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we have opportunities for new graduates and experienced medical professionals, promote educational growth, and strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
• Lowest Cost Benefits!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral bonuses
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Generous paid time off & paid holidays
• Free continuing education and CMEs

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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