Discharge Planner

Bradford Health Services; Smithville (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Mental Health Support

401(k) plan

Generous PTO

Job summary

Bradford Health Services in Smithville, Texas is looking for a Discharge Planner to ensure safe transitions of patients from healthcare facilities to post-acute care. This role involves comprehensive planning for patients’ medical, social, and emotional needs.

The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of experience in discharge planning or case management within SUD or mental health settings. They will require strong communication skills and expertise in electronic health records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in discharge planning or case management.
• Knowledge of payer guidelines for discharge policies.
• Strong understanding of medical and mental health management.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic case management services to clients.
• Conduct client assessments and manage treatment plans.
• Ensure timely client orientation and resource provision.
• Collaborate with treatment teams for optimum outcomes.

Skills

Discharge planning experience

Case management

Communication skills

Knowledge of SUD patient care

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

Job description

About the Role

The Discharge Planner plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating the safe and efficient transition of patients from healthcare facilities to appropriate post-acute care settings. This position ensures that each patient’s discharge plan is comprehensive, addressing medical, social, and emotional needs to promote optimal recovery and prevent readmissions. The Discharge Planner collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and external care providers, to develop individualized care plans that comply with regulatory requirements and payer guidelines. By assessing patient needs related to SUD, medical and/or mental health services, the Discharge Planner ensures continuity of care and access to necessary resources. Ultimately, this role supports both patient well‑being and healthcare system efficiency by managing complex case coordination and advocating for patient‑centered solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in discharge planning, case management, or social services within a SUD or mental health setting.
• Knowledge of payer guidelines that support policies and procedures related to discharge.
• Familiarity with SUD patient care and coordination.
• Strong understanding of medical management and mental health considerations in patient care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with diverse patient populations and complex care needs.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and discharge planning protocols.
• Training in trauma-informed care and emotional stability techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provides holistic and comprehensive case management services to all clients including intake assessment, biopsychosocial assessment, ASAM, utilization reviews, goal setting, and weekly progress monitoring.
• Acts as an initial contact for each new client.
• Responsible for ensuring timely completion of client orientation pack.
• Responsible for ensuring client has resources and knowledge to progress through program and towards resolution of treatment plan goals.
• Assists therapists as needed.
• Works with the client on a day‑to‑day basis assessing client needs and acting as a client advocate.
• Provides crisis management for clients; makes linkages for interventions as appropriate.
• Maintains records in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Maintains and updates client release of information to third parties.
• Provides aftercare calls for clients as directed.
• Meets each client weekly for a one‑on‑one assessment and documents meeting in EHR.
• Attends clinical meetings and meets regularly with supervisor to exchange pertinent information and receive supervision.
• Works in collaboration with other professionals as part of a treatment team to ensure optimum client outcomes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with referring professionals.
• Acts as client liaisons regarding medical needs and collaborates with the medical department/ professionals in implementing treatment plans.
• Assists with aftercare needs and connecting with legal authorities as needed.

Benefits include:

Medical Coverage – Three new BCBSAL medical plans with better rates, improved co‑pays, and enhanced prescription benefits.

Expanded Coverage – Options for domestic partners and a wider network of in‑network providers.

Mental Health Support – Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.

Voluntary Coverages – Pet insurance, home and auto insurance, family legal services, and more.

Student Loan Repayment – Available for nurses and therapists.

Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan through Voya to help employees plan for the future.

Generous PTO – A robust paid time off policy to support work‑life balance.

Voluntary Benefits for Part-Time Employees – Dental, vision, life, accident insurance, and telehealth options for those working 20 hours or more per week.