Discharge Planner

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

403(b)

PTO 21 days

Job summary

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care in Kent, WA seeks a Discharge Planner for Recovery Place Kent – Inpatient Services. You will help residents access SUD and MH services, medical, social, and housing supports upon discharge, coordinating care and linking to needed resources.

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team using a harm-reduction approach to support resident goals, maintain compliant records, and ensure smooth transitions. This role emphasizes compassion, equity, and community impact.

Qualifications

• Understanding of Behavioral Health concepts and care coordination.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and professionals.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and service delivery.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidentiality.
• Experience working in behavioral health settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and resources to residents to help them meet goals included in individualized treatment plans.
• Provide assistance in identifying and linking residents to appropriate community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, housing, financial benefits, etc.).
• Provide liaison functions with hospitals, clinics, private practitioners, and managed care systems.
• Provide ongoing coordination of case management services, treatment planning, resource identification and development, environmental assistance, advocacy, and clinical services as appropriate.
• Work with multi-disciplinary care team members, including mental health and medical providers, as part of a comprehensive therapeutic environment, to assess and address resident issues throughout the workday.
• Collaborate with clinical and residential staff to identify and support residents’ goals.
• Provide services in 1:1 and group settings as determined by resident and program needs.
• Demonstrate effective engagement skills with individuals who have experienced trauma, homelessness, and related challenges.
• Manage the administrative work of an assigned caseload as determined by agency policy.
• Keep client records in compliance with WAC, Medicaid, and other contracts.
• Mediate and/or de-escalate resident conflict as needed.
• Assist residents in safety planning.
• Provide feedback to clinical staff regarding residents’ policy adherence and progress toward goals.
• Attend in-service trainings and meetings as required.

Skills

Behavioral Health

Communication

Trauma-Informed Care

Professional Boundaries

Team Collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Agency Affiliated Counselor registration

Job description

Valley Cities has recently been designated as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), reflecting compliance with stringent national standards in behavioral health care. This status enables broader service availability, improved integration of mental health and substance use treatment, enhanced crisis intervention capabilities, and ensures services are accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

We are excited about the future ahead. We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in behavioral health while growing alongside a mission‑driven team. Employees joining Valley Cities at this time will become part of an impactful organization dedicated to advancing community behavioral health, that is grounded in compassion, equity and community impact. Join us to make significant contributions during pivotal moments in the lives of others!

Role Overview:

The Discharge Planner will function as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing recovery-oriented, person-centered care at Recovery Place Kent - Inpatient Services. The primary responsibilities of the Discharge Planner are to assist residents with connecting and gaining access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and/or Mental Health (MH) services, as well as medical, social, educational, and other services upon discharge from treatment. This may also include direct assistance with accessing services, coordinating care, and linkage towards appropriate service needs. The Discharge Planner will utilize a harm-reduction approach when delivering services to inpatient residents and collaborate with program staff to support resident goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support and resources to residents to help them meet goals included in individualized treatment plans
• Provide assistance in identifying and linking residents to appropriate community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, housing, financial benefits, etc.)
• Provide liaison functions with hospitals, clinics, private practitioners, and managed care systems
• Provide ongoing coordination of case management services, treatment planning, resource identification and development, environmental assistance, advocacy, and clinical services as appropriateWork with multi-disciplinary care team members, including mental health and medical providers, as part of a comprehensive therapeutic environment, to assess and address resident issues throughout the workday
• Collaborate with clinical and residential staff to identify and support residents’ goals
• Provide services in 1:1 and group settings as determined by resident and program needs
• Demonstrate effective engagement skills with individuals who have experienced trauma, homelessness, and related challenges
• Manage the administrative work of an assigned caseload as determined by agency policy
• Keep client records in compliance with WAC, Medicaid, and other contracts
• Mediate and/or de-escalate resident conflict as needed
• Assist residents in safety planning
• Provide feedback to clinical staff regarding residents’ policy adherence and progress toward goals
• Attend in-service trainings and meetings as required

What We're Looking For:

Education:

• Minimum High School degree.
• Obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 30 days of hire

Experience:

• Understanding of and familiarity of Behavioral Health.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of professionals and a diverse client population
• Experience working in a Behavioral Health setting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries
• Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care principles and service provision
• Good communication skills, teamwork, and attitude

Other:

• Pass required background checks
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable transportation with current insurance

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 403(b).
• 21 days of PTO, plus 11 Paid Holidays
• Potential participation Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A positive and collaborative work environment.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our employees/clients.