Hospital Discharge Specialist

A Day in the Life of a Hospital Discharge Specialist

The Hospital Discharge Specialist spends a lot of time at Catawba Hospital, planning with patients that are to be discharged and also spends time developing professional relationships with social workers at other state hospitals and other hospital discharge planners at other CSBs. The HDS also has scheduled hours at their office at BRBH, where they complete documentation of contacts and efforts being organized to plan for the discharge of patients, submit requisitions for and track the payments from specialized funding sources, meet with BRBH staff and coordinate how services will be provided once the patient is released. Additionally, there are regular meetings regarding client funding and planning for clients ready to be discharged from the hospital, where the HDS is responsible for reporting on the status of patients and funding. The HDS travels in the community to plan for discharge, which may include visiting a facility or transporting individuals into the community.

Job Duties

The Hospital Discharge Specialist coordinates the discharge planning for individuals hospitalized in state facilities.  Activities include attending treatment planning meetings and making treatment recommendations.  The Hospital Discharge Specialist also participates in activities to ascertain, document and address the preferences of individuals in the discharge planning process that will promote elements of recovery, self-determination, empowerment and community integration.  This position requires frequent local travel.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a human services field or that meets requirements for QMHP
• Experience: At least one year of experience working with adults with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders.
• Background Check: Candidates will be required to submit to a criminal background check.
• Driving Record: Safe driving record required (no more than two moving violations in the last three years and no criminal violations in the last five years).

Why work at BRBH?

• Working with clients: In this job each day you assist people in transitioning back to life in our community.
• Great co-workers: Our staff work hard and support each other in a team atmosphere.
• Day schedule: The schedule is Monday - Friday, day shift.
• Work/Life Balance: We have a great Paid Time Off policy - 29 days annually, which starts accruing on your first day.
• We offer great benefits, including VRS (Virginia Retirement System)! Click here for more information: http://www.brbh.org/benefits/
• Want to know more? Check out our page on Glassdoor to see employee reviews and more information about BRBH: http://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Blue-Ridge-Behavioral-Healthcare-EI_IE464369.11,43.htm

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (BRBH) is one of forty Community Services Boards established under the Code of Virginia to provide comprehensive services for individuals who have mental health disorders, developmental disability, or substance use disorders. We are charged also with continuously monitoring and evaluating our services to ensure their cost effectiveness and applicability to current citizen needs. BRBH operates multiple programs throughout the Roanoke Valley with over 400 employees working to provide or support our services. We are proud to have served our community for over 50 years. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace and equal opportunity employment.