Discharge Planner

About NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals (NPH)

NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals (NPH) is dedicated to providing unparalleled service to patients, team members, physicians, and families. By combining compassionate care, specialized expertise, and an interdisciplinary approach, NPH meets the unique needs of those it serves. As a national leader in behavioral healthcare, NPH specializes in caring for patients with acute psychiatric and complex medical needs across locations in Indiana, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, and Arizona.

Role Overview

Medical Behavioral Hospital of Clear Lake, a part of NPH, is seeking a Discharge Planner to join the Social Services team in Clear Lake, TX. The Discharge Planner coordinates with the interdisciplinary team, patients, and families on complex aspects of care and serves as a communication point for patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Social Service discharge documentation and documentation for next‑level of care providers.
• Set discharge appointments and arrange transportation as necessary.
• Utilize knowledge of behavioral health and community resources for proper discharge planning.
• Understand the hospital continuum of care and refer patients within the continuum as able.
• Assist with daily workflow tasks for the Social Services department as needed.
• Document discharge planning activities in the patient chart.
• Communicate with Social Service staff, Utilization Review, physicians, nurses, ancillary staff, and families regarding patient placement.
• Collaborate with families and outside agencies to ensure seamless transitions to the community.
• Serve as a liaison between the hospital and community facilities.
• Arrange and coordinate family conferences as appropriate.
• Participate in physician rounds when requested.
• Comply with all hospital, Medicare, Medicaid, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and other third‑party reimbursement sources.
• Maintain accurate demographic, medical, co‑morbidities, and discharge planning information based on team input.
• Participate in planning and implementing quality‑improvement activities for discharge planning.
• Engage in continuing education to stay current in the field.
• Provide positive customer relations with patients, families, physicians, department employees, referral sources, and service agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect health information in all forms.
• Demonstrate concern, initiative, resourcefulness, and calmness in emergencies.
• Maintain prompt attendance with minimal absences.
• Cooperate and maintain good rapport with nursing staff, medical staff, other departments, and visitors.
• Seek guidance and comply with applicable federal, state, and hospital laws, policies, and ethical standards.
• Adhere to NPH’s Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Stay abreast of pertinent regulations, laws, and policies as they evolve.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with a behavioral health hospital setting.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with physicians, patients, and families.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and foster collaboration with community resources.
• Maintain effective contacts with referral sources, the community, and physicians.
• Strong planning, organization, and presentation skills.
• Ability to assimilate information from various sources, analyze it, and recommend appropriate actions.

Education

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, or a human services field preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience in discharge planning, case management, or a similar clinical setting within a hospital environment preferred.

Licensure / Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• NPH‑Approved Safety Management Course certification (required and obtained during orientation).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Clinical supervision provided or reimbursement by NPH
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• NPH 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO and time‑off policy
• Special tuition offers through Capella University
• Work‑life balance with professional growth opportunities
• Employee discounts through LifeMart