Discharge Planning Lead: Care Transitions Coach

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare in Columbus, GA is seeking a Lead Discharge Planner to guide discharge operations and support staff. You will coordinate referrals, documentation, and post-acute services while ensuring timely patient transitions.

Role involves collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and payers, with a focus on process improvement, training, and adherence to discharge policies. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• BSW Upon Hire preferred or RN/LPN license may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily discharge planning activities and prioritize workload.
• Manage referrals, patient documentation, and post-acute service coordination.
• Explain discharge steps to patients and families; escalate issues as needed.
• Train and mentor discharge planning staff; support department leader.
• Maintain accurate records and current community resources directories.
• Track metrics and delays for reports and committee reviews.
• Liaise with departments, post-acute providers, payers and community agencies.

Skills

Discharge planning

Post-acute services

EHR proficiency

Communication

Data tracking

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree in healthcare-related field

BSW Upon Hire (Preferred)

RN/LPN License (Preferred)

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Referral platforms

Job description

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare in Columbus, GA is seeking a Lead Discharge Planner to guide discharge operations and support staff. You will coordinate referrals, documentation, and post-acute services while ensuring timely patient transitions.

Role involves collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and payers, with a focus on process improvement, training, and adherence to discharge policies. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.