Discharge Planning Specialist - Substance Use

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Discharge Planning Resource Specialist (Substance Use) will function as a program manager - assisting Social Workers, Case Managers, and inpatient operations teams in complex discharge planning.  The Substance Use Discharge Planning Specialist will undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at optimizing the discharge process for patients with substance use needs.

Responsibilities of this role and potential supports include (but not limited to): complex familial situations, support with insurance applications, collaborating with Post Detox Facilities, Methadone Clinics, and identifying appropriate patients for admission and discharge from the Inpatient Service at BMC.  The Discharge Planning Resource Specialist will collaborate with Clinical Social Workers, Nurse Case Managers, BMC Hospital Leadership, and Post Detox Facility Leadership to assist with identifying and fulfilling safe and appropriate discharges for patients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Works with patients who are currently at Boston Medical Center on safe discharges.  The Substance Use Discharge Planning Specialist will undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at optimizing the discharge process for patients with substance use needs.
• Acts as a program manager for all patients with complex discharges.  Maintaining logs of current status of all patients in the Program (20-35 at any time) with attention to detail and timelines
• Conduct thorough searches for suitable post-detox treatment beds for patients with substance use disorders.
• Collaborate with relevant facilities and agencies to secure appropriate placement options.
• Coordinate and facilitate the methadone guest dosing process for patients receiving medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders.
• Liaise with methadone clinics and healthcare providers to ensure seamless dosing arrangements.
• Provides assistance with the patient follow-up if a problem develops with the plan
• Participates in discharge planning activities for patients, in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide linkage with post-discharge care providers
• Provides consultation to Care Mangers when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes for program participants
• Works with inpatient social workers, case managers, and the Care Management leadership to identify appropriate patients who could be transitioned to this program
• Leads  difficult conversations with families on discharge planning options and addresses issues of choice
• Partners with patient families and the Patient Finance Service team to  collaboratively complete Medicaid applications
• Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
• Assists management in the operation of a quality department by participating in department programs and complying with department policies and procedures.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Utilizes hospital’s cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital’s mission and goals.
• Responsible for training the patient population on BMC services and how to gain exposure to community patience services.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Responsible for networking with our community to better leverage delivery of care.
• Performs other duties as requested or needed
• .Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

BSW or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.  New MSW graduates are also encouraged to apply.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

None

EXPERIENCE:

Previous work experience in human services, social work or counseling, especially in the context of substance use treatment, provides a solid foundation for understanding the unique challenges individuals with substance use disorders face.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
• Experience working with people with mental illness and substance use disorders very helpful.
• Direct experience in addiction counseling or working with individuals undergoing substance use treatment provides valuable insights into the dynamics of recovery and the needs of this specific population.
• Experience or training in trauma-informed care is essential, as individuals with substance use disorders may have experienced trauma, and a trauma-sensitive approach is crucial.
• Previous experience with Medicaid applications and qualifications very helpful.
• Previous experience with project management and ability to be very detail-oriented and track data strongly preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations.  Cultural competence is very important. Bicultural/Bilingual competency a plus.
• Previous experience in crisis intervention is beneficial, as it prepares the specialist to handle unexpected challenges or emergencies that may arise during the discharge planning process.
• Computer literacy with ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet and database programs and e-mail (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers and search engines. Ability to become proficient quickly in EPIC, Microsoft Office, and THRIVE database.
• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is important).
• Familiarity with community resources, particularly services available to patients who are new to Boston and/or the US.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and negotiation skills in interactions with physicians, nurses, social workers and case managers as well as other health team members.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with hospital colleagues collaterals; ability to manage conflict and deal tactfully with others

SOCWKR

Compensation Range:

$22.84- $31.97

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being. 

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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