The discharge planner performs duties such as getting Discharge Plans or Continuing Care Plans signed, completing Discharge Summary, calling referrals, helping clients to connect with community services and mailing/sending necessary documents to the appropriate people and assuring there is an appropriate release of information.

Essential Functions:

• Will learn, understand and utilize American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to document and interpret client chart information.
• Will understand ASAM summary documentation to outline areas of progress or barriers that need addressed in post discharge care.
• Will work with counseling staff to facilitate completion of discharge planning and discharge summary information.
• Will complete predischarge plans, transition planning, and appointment coordination with client and in collaboration with counseling staff.
• Will maintain community relationships in various geographic locations and understand accessibility to post discharge resources.
• Coordinate with various providers to ensure relevant and appropriate discharge plan needs for the client.
• Responsible for creating documents regarding client care in coordination with the primary counselor.
• Responsible for assuring the policies, procedures and activities necessary for discharge documentation are carried out.
• Assists the primary counselors and follows directions and recommendations outlined by the counselor.
• Works with health care professionals, has good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical computer skills to work within Electronic Health Record (EMR).
• Understands confidential, state, federal and HIPAA laws.
• Documents in the client file all requests and releases of data to outside sources.
• Coordinates with departments and counselors regarding the process of entering data into The Walker Center’s Electronic Health Record (EMR).
• Contact discharged clients to gather survey results at 30 day, 6 months and 1-year intervals and complete documentation of successful or unsuccessful contact for both residential and outpatient.
• Ensures confidentiality of all client records and personal data in the use of files and the appropriateness of phone inquiries or conversations.
• Makes and introduction during Family Program to both clients and their families to familiarize both stakeholders and those served with person calling and intent of calls.
• Facilitates contact with clients within 5 business days of an unplanned discharge.
• Makes post discharge contact with clients to assess adherence to discharge appointments and provided resources to clients post-discharge when barriers are identified regarding continued care needs.

Walker Center Citizenship:

• Accepts, follows, and sets an example that represents The Walker Center’s policies, philosophy, mission and values.
• Demonstrates excellent service in all interactions to all those we come into contact with (coworkers, clients, families, venders, general public).
• Adheres to an established work schedule.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises good judgement about what to say and when to say it.
• Is a self-starter, exhibits initiative necessary to complete tasks.
• Possesses ability to prioritize tasks to ensure completion according to significance.
• Able to work calmly and handle stressful situations which occur during busy periods of time.
• Consistent in checking accuracy of own work; keeps errors to a minimum and accepts personal responsibility for work.
• Contributes to a positive work environment through interactions with others.

• Experience working in a treatment center serving chemically dependent individuals preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and general computer systems with the ability to learn and maintain Electronic Health Records (EMR).
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, photocopier, facsimile machine, and telephone.
• Able and willing to learn and understand American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and attend trainings related to client care.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position including walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing and repetitive motions.
• If in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder, must have a minimum of two (2) years of sobriety from substances of abuse.
• Must pass pre-hire requirements including a criminal background check, urinalysis (UA), and TB test.
• Must obtain CPR certification within ninety (90) days of hire.