Transitional Care Associate

About the Role

Banner University Medical Center - South Campus (BUMCS) houses the only Level 1 Academic Medical Center in Tucson meeting the needs of the SMI population. The Behavioral Health Pavilion is the largest inpatient psychiatric service in Southern Arizona. As a Transitional Care Associate (TCA), you will work both in the BUMCS Emergency Department (ED) identifying appropriate referrals for inpatient care and on the inpatient unit handling patient intakes and discharges. This hybrid role includes at least one day per week in the ED, managing bed placement, collaborating with nursing and medical staff, and reviewing patient packets for those brought in on a voluntary or involuntary basis.

On the inpatient unit, you will assist with case management, execute intakes, and develop successful discharge plans. This includes coordinating community care, connecting patients with behavioral health resources, scheduling transportation, and completing ART meetings.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the safe and timely transition of clients from acute care to alternative levels of care (e.g., skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home infusion therapy, hospice, home care, or community programs).
• Process and facilitate timely discharges/transfers from hospital care to post-acute settings.
• Notify care coordination team members if patients or caregivers express concerns about managing post-acute plans.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to implement and manage the transition of care, including developing and executing care plans.
• Document all interventions in the patient medical record accurately and timely, including all elements of the discharge plan.
• Transfer pertinent patient information between post-acute care entities.
• Assist patients and families in making arrangements for post-acute care, including follow-up calls to patients and providers.
• Serve as an intermediary for community resources, maintaining clear communication about discharge dates and care settings.
• Maintain knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and other program benefits to assist with transition planning.
• Participate in performance improvement projects, Banner initiatives, and data collection as assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, a related field, or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Respiratory Therapist credential.
• Knowledge of government/community agencies and resources (e.g., Medicare/Medicaid, long-term care).
• Effective communication, customer service, human relations, and time management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends on rotation.
• BLS certification required (not required for employees in the Insurance Division).
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card required for employees working in Behavioral Health clinical settings serving children or at BUMCS (must be maintained for the duration of employment).
• An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire for roles at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, BTMC Behavioral, or BUMG/BUMCT in Behavioral Health clinical settings serving children.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a healthcare service setting, such as social services, emergency departments, inpatient hospitals, or outpatient settings.
• Experience interacting with patients and families, particularly in discharge planning or as a licensed practical nurse.
• Familiarity with Title 36 and Title 14 regulations.

Schedule

Full-Time Day Shift: 36-40 hours per week, 3-4 days between Sunday-Saturday, generally between the hours of 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM. Hours may vary. Weekend differential pay applies.

Benefits

Banner Health offers a variety of benefit plans to support health and financial security, allowing you to focus on your work and personal life. Benefits include comprehensive health and financial security options.