Lead Discharge Planner

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Lead Discharge Planner supports timely patient transitions from the hospital to post-acute care settings and provides day-to-day guidance to discharge planning support staff. Collaborates with Case Managers, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, patients, families, payers, and community providers to coordinate referrals, services, required notices, and discharge logistics. Maintains an assigned workload while helping organize team priorities, train staff, review documentation, and resolve or escalate discharge barriers. Performs discharge planning support activities under Case Management direction without providing direct patient care. Formal personnel decisions remain with the department leader.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates daily discharge planning support activities, helps prioritize assignments and coverage under the department leader’s direction, and communicates workload concerns to support timely patient transitions.
• Maintains an assigned workload and coordinates discharge referrals, patient choice documentation, post-acute services, transportation, and other logistics under Case Manager direction.
• Serves as a resource for discharge planning support staff, answers workflow questions, reinforces approved procedures, and escalates clinical questions or matters outside the role’s authority to the appropriate professional.
• Provides orientation, training, and ongoing guidance to staff on discharge planning support processes, referral systems, required notices, documentation, and community resources; shares performance observations with the department leader.
• Coordinates delivery and documentation of required patient notices, including the Important Message from Medicare and Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice, as assigned and in accordance with established procedures.
• Communicates with patients and families to explain discharge coordination steps, obtain information needed for referrals, and support informed provider choice; refers clinical counseling and assessment needs to the appropriate professional.
• Serves as a liaison among hospital departments, post-acute providers, payers, and community agencies to follow up on referrals, confirm service availability, and communicate discharge arrangements.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and department meetings, identifies unresolved referrals and logistical barriers, and follows up or escalates concerns that may delay discharge.
• Reviews discharge planning support documentation for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness; helps staff correct omissions and escalates recurring issues to the department leader.
• Maintains accurate patient records and current community resource directories, protects confidential information, and supports documentation needed for payer and reimbursement processes.
• Collects and validates discharge planning and utilization management data, tracks department metrics and delays, and prepares information for reports and committee review.
• Identifies opportunities to improve discharge coordination, supports approved process changes, and reinforces consistent practices that promote quality, safety, and customer service.
• Maintains regular attendance, completes required education, and performs other related duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of discharge planning support processes, post-acute services, community resources, medical terminology, and payer documentation requirements.
• Ability to organize team workflow, balance competing priorities, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Skill in coaching staff, explaining procedures, and providing constructive guidance within delegated authority.
• Effective verbal and written communication with patients, families, clinicians, payers, and external providers, with sensitivity to diverse needs.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify barriers, follow through on outstanding items, and recognize when escalation is needed.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, referral platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and basic data tracking and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, accurate records, and professional working relationships while demonstrating commitment to safety, quality, and service.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role. (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in a healthcare-related field, including a Bachelor of Social Work. (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• LPN or LVN - Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse - State Licensure or RN license in the state of practice Upon Hire (Preferred) Or
• Other: BSW Upon Hire (Preferred)

Experience

• 3+ years experience in a healthcare setting required; acute care, home health, nursing home, or hospice experience (Required) And
• Prior Experience in medical terminology and community resources (Required)
• Prior Experience in Utilization Review or Discharge Planning (Preferred) And
• Prior Experience training staff, coordinating team workflow, or serving as a lead or resource person (Preferred)