Job Details

Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health is currently seeking a Discharge Coordinator to join our team.

The Discharge Coordinator will work collaboratively and proactively across the Care Center Psychosocial and Interdisciplinary Teams to facilitate safe and timely transfers/discharges from the Care Center setting based on Patient/Family needs. The Discharge Coordinator will function as the key liaison for Care Center Patients/Families and navigate the patient/family across short- and long-term care options with our community partners, including our Hospice Patient Care Teams.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates safe transfer/discharge by coordinating all appropriate procedures while working collaboratively with the Care Center Interdisciplinary Team and community agencies, ensuring that all plans are in place for the time of discharge, including transportation.
• Discusses/reviews discharge plans with the patient and family prior to discharge to ensure they understand their plan.
• Facilitates referrals in coordination and collaboration with the patient/family and IDT to health care services or providers in the community.
• Collaborates with community partners/agencies and facilitate transfer/discharge planning for patients with identified continuing care needs and/or complex care needs. This includes coordination of Medicaid applications and other applications through collaborative work with the Hospice Financial Counselor and long-term care facilities.
• Assists the patient/family/authorized patient representative with decision making issues regarding transfer/discharge planning by providing education and support.
• Assists with other aspects of care such as verifying that all arrangements and DME needed are in place for home care or long-term care.
• Attends Care Center IDT meetings, as necessary, to collaborate with the IDT on the status of planned transfers/discharges and convey pertinent information back to the relevant teams and parties.
• Maintains the electronic medical record and follows organization guidelines for completing required documentation.
• Serves as a resource to the care community and builds and maintains trust and rapport with our community partners and community agencies.
• Educates our community partners regarding the Hospice philosophy, Hospice benefits, approach to care and availability of Hospice care based on the care setting.
• Serves as a resource and advisor to the IDT in relation to transfer/discharge planning.
• Conducts personal interviews/meetings with patients/families/authorized patient representatives to articulate and educate about Hospice care in various care settings.
• Works alongside and partners with the Care Center Social Workers and IDT and travels to the patient’s location.
• Ensures patient/family has access to financial resources, including information about Medicare and Medicaid.
• Continually acts as an ambassador for Empath Health/Suncoast Hospice when communicating with all customers.
• Contributes successfully to the development of a high functioning team.
• Participates and promotes the agency strategic goals.
• Consistently updates knowledge of Empath Health/Suncoast Hospice programs and services.
• Performs a self-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses annually.
• Provides after-hours care including on-call rotation.
• Provides group facilitation for the community to assist with caregiving issues or grief and loss issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a school of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or other field related to Social Work, and one year of work experience in a healthcare setting (will be required to be supervised by an MSW) or;
  Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, has been employed by Empath Health since December 1, 2008, and has one year of work experience in a healthcare setting (not required to be supervised by an MSW).
• Knowledge of Advance Directives and ability to educate patients/families about choices available to them. Knowledge of Florida Statues 765.401 as it pertains to the Health Care Proxy.
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of Empath Health/Suncoast Hospice programs and levels of care
• Working knowledge of community resource
• Computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to type 25 words per minute is highly preferred. Must receive a passing grade on a pre-employment computer literacy evaluation.
• Always maintains patient/family confidentiality
  
• Must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file.

Suncoast Hospice, Empath Home Health, and Empath Health Pharmacy are proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission showing our commitment to quality.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!