Discharge Planner/Social Worker

At ScionHealth, we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

Job Summary

The Discharge Planner plays a vital role in facilitating patient transitions from hospital to post-acute care settings by collaborating with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and families. They ensure timely discharge planning, compliance with regulatory requirements, and coordination with external agencies to optimize quality of care and resource use. The Discharge Planner serves as a liaison among hospital departments, insurance providers, and community resources to achieve positive clinical and financial outcomes.

Essential Functions

Coordinates discharge planning processes and supports the Case Management team

Ensures timely delivery of CMS required notification letters (e.g., Important Message from Medicare, Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice)

Assists with patient choice documentation and facilitates communication with post-acute providers

Coordinates logistics such as transportation and home care services under Case Manager direction

Serves as a liaison between hospital departments, external care providers, and payers

Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and departmental meetings

Maintains accurate patient records, updates community resource directories, and tracks department metrics

Collects data for Utilization Management and other committee reports

Supports documentation and compliance with reimbursement protocols for commercial and government payors

Refrains from engaging in direct patient care tasks

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills

Effective interpersonal and communication skills with sensitivity to diverse populations

Basic clerical and computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications

Ability to multitask and remain organized in high-stress environments

Demonstrates commitment to safety, quality, and customer service

Constant keyboard data entry, sitting, and auditory/visual attention

Frequent standing and walking; occasional pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting light to moderate weights

Rare bending, squatting, kneeling, and exposure to biological and chemical hazards

Primarily office and clinical care settings within the hospital

Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases, and hazardous materials

Requires adherence to safety standards and HIPAA guidelines in all communications and documentation

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required

Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred

Licenses/Certifications

LPN or BSW preferred

All credentials required within time frame required by facility policy

Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in acute care, home health, nursing home, or hospice

Previous experience in Utilization Review or Discharge Planning preferred

Knowledge of medical terminology and community resources required