JOB SUMMARY
This position involves discharge planning evaluations and interventions with patients/families under the direction of Case Managers and Social Workers. Under the direction of clinical staff, the Discharge Planner performs multiple activities that support the movement and transitions of patients out of the acute care hospital setting, using current knowledge of hospital processes and community services. It involves frequent contact with patients and families, hospital staff and community resources, agency, facility and /or payor representatives. Serves as a liaison to external case managers, review organizations, insurance companies, and around discharge planning. This position requires flexibility of days and hours.
JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES
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Completes initial discharge plan, per CMS Conditions of Participation, provides appropriate level of intervention and makes referrals as necessary. The initial discharge plan must be co-signed by an RN Case Manager or LCSW.
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When completing the initial discharge plans, reviews the psychosocial situation and discharge planning resources as requested, and provides information to Case Managers, Social Workers, and healthcare team.
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Collaborates with community resources, agencies, and facilities to provide smooth transition of care from hospital to community, ensuring that arrangements are made in a timely, cost-effective manner.
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Monitors patient progress against discharge plan in collaboration with Case Managers and other healthcare team members.
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Works collaboratively with Case Managers, Social Workers, Resource Specialists, and staff nurses to complete discharge planning.
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Works closely with patients and families to complete discharge planning.
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Provides resources to patients and families as requested to meet payor requirements for communication and documentation.
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Delegates insurance issues to the Financial Counselors.
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Provides patients with the Important Message from Medicare (IMM letter), Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) and Outpatient Observation Notice (OON) as needed, along with any other required notifications.
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Recognizes the need for Case Manager and Social Worker collaboration for complex cases and issues and alerts them of potential or actual issues.
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Responds quickly and appropriately to situations, taking responsibility to solve problems.
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Uses hospital resources judiciously, with the approval of the department Director, Manager, House Supervisor or Executive.
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Document in all required programs.
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Follows the IRAISE Values and Mission of the hospital.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Education Req High School or equivalent Pref Bachelor’s Degree In social work. Work Experience Pref 1 year In an acute health care setting, or if a new graduate, field placement experience in an acute health care setting. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Req Exemplary communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills, with emphasis on customer service toward patients, families, community providers and payors. Type a minimum of 40 wpm preferred. Strong computer skills. Ability to manage activities and multiple priorities within complex systems. Tolerance for ambiguity, uncertainty, and change. Ability to function in unstructured environments. Ability to think creatively while keeping safety as the priority. Licenses/Certifications Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association Workplace Violence Training Program Within 6 months of hire. Pref Licensed Vocational Nurse - LVN (CA DCA) Pay Transparency The hourly rate range for this position is $29.00 - $45.20 When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California Arcadia Hospital considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Job ID REQ20174310 Posted Date 04/23/2026
