Lead Discharge Planner

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation in Washington state seeks a Lead Discharge Planner to join Recovery Place Inpatient Services. You will support residents in accessing SUD/MH services and coordinating care with hospitals, clinics, and community resources to ensure timely, person-centered discharge planning.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or 3 years related experience, a Washington driver’s license, and the ability to work with a diverse population.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or three years’ related experience required.
• High School Diploma required.
• Obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 2 weeks of hire.
• Experience in medical or residential settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and resources to residents to help them meet goals in individualized treatment plans.
• Provide assistance in linking residents to community-based services and supports.
• Provide liaison functions with hospitals, clinics, private practitioners, and managed care systems.
• Coordinate case management services, treatment planning, and documentation.
• Work with multidisciplinary care team to address resident issues and goals.
• Provide services in 1:1 and group settings as determined by needs.
• Maintain compliance with records per WAC, Medicaid, and contracts.
• Attend trainings and meetings as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Trauma-Informed Care

Adaptability

Flexibility

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 3 years related experience

High School Diploma

Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 2 weeks

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!

(Internal Applicants Only)
Role Overview: The Lead Discharge Planner will function as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing recovery-oriented, person-centered care at Recovery Place Inpatient Services. The primary responsibilities of the Discharge Planners 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 Planners will utilize a harm-reduction approach when delivering services to inpatient residents and collaborate with program staff to support resident goals. Lead Discharge Planner is responsible for the direct oversight of the discharge team’s timeliness and accuracy of planning and documentation.
Key Responsibilities:

• The employee must have the ability to:
• 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
• Provide feedback to discharge team appropriately and respectfully.
• Additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Education

• Bachelor’s degree or three years’ of related experience required.
• High School Diploma Required.
• Obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 2 weeks of hire.

Experience:

• Understanding of and familiarity with addiction, withdrawal, and treatment resources for recovery
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of professionals and a diverse client population
• Experience working in a medical or residential setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with issues related to homelessness and substance use
• Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries
• Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care principles and service provision
• Good communication skills, teamwork, and attitude
• Ability to adapt; flexibility
• Available to work shifts on short notice

Other:

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

We are dedicated to Equal Opportunity Employment & embrace the contributions of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans and does not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.