Discharge Coordinator - Children's Crisis Unit

Job Code:12477

Location:Saco 04072

Department:Crisis Stabilization Chld

FT/PT Status:Full Time

Summary:

Supports children’s crisis units with intake and discharge planning for children, adolescent and families by collecting data and coordinating plans with unit clinicians and supervisor, residential staff, community providers, family and client.

Admissions:

• Complete necessary paperwork needed to admit client to the unit.

• Follow up with referents, such as crisis or hospitals, to assure assessments have been received and are in the clients' charts.

• Obtain pre-authorization from insurance, if necessary.

• Facilitate the admission if during the daytime hours. If admission is planned for evening or after hours communicate with the unit staff. Follow up on any admissions completed outside of business hours to assure authorizations and paperwork are in place.

• Initiate contact with the school district; request assignments; request a copy of IEP.

Education:

• Assist in acquiring schoolwork from school district contacts; assist in coordinating with schools in terms of acquiring tutoring, etc.

• Liaison between the school and CSU when appropriate.

Discharges:

• Complete Aftercare Plan with client and family.

• Outreach appropriate parties to update about discharge, commonly: school districts, outpatient therapists, outpatient psychiatrists, etc.

Referrals:

• Submit and complete frequent follow up with referrals for: HCT, VRP, outpatient therapy, case management, medication management, etc. until a provider is established.

• Join clinician in sessions, as requested by the clinician, to discuss recommended services and explain referral process.

• When applicable, meet with families to explain Katie Beckett insurance coverage process and assist in application process.

Other tasks:

• Liaison between the crisis triage and the CSU departments.

• Complete KEPRO authorizations.

• Call triage Monday through Friday first thing in the morning to give the status of OPEN beds only. Notify any other stakeholders or referents requesting information.

• Discuss any limitations on open beds with Senior Director.

• Assist by following proper TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) procedures, including preventative behavior supports and physical interventions.

• Assist in maintenance of a safe and effective milieu as needed.

• Maintain frequent contact with case managers and/or family for CRCF updates.

• Assist in acquiring continued coverage for private insurance clients. The clinician can update, if needed, by email to the discharge coordinator the “updated clinical” information needed by private insurance companies. Often, insurance companies do not require speaking to clinician directly but at times they will.

• Assist with administrative tasks (for example, helping establish Medicaid-based insurance rides, requesting records from providers).

• Internally audit charts to check for missing documentation and acquire all missing information.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Models the attributes of respect, trust, sensitivity and confidentiality to participants, volunteers and colleagues.

• Demonstrates a complete understanding and integration of the 7 Principles of Integrated Care.

• Ensures high quality care to people in crisis.

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Work collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.

• Maintain strict confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.

• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the organization’s safety policies and practices by attending required safety programs and reporting all accidents and suspected safety hazards to supervisor.

• Fulfill job functions by participating as an active member in trainings and participating on organization task forces.

• Follow Suicide Safer Care practices.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Assure quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.

• Reports accidents and injuries in a timely fashion, demonstrates safe housekeeping practices, notifies supervisor of potential health and safety concerns immediately, participates in health and safety training as required, understands and follows all Sweetser health and safety policies.

• Ability to support and recognize the important role volunteers play. Sweetser employees work with, support, collaborate with volunteers, and promote opportunities for volunteer engagement.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.

• Other Qualified Mental Health Professional.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous child care experience within a group living setting.

• Previous experience involving admissions/discharges in a crisis or hospital setting preferred.