Discharge Planner - Per Diem, Variable (Van Nuys)

Position SummaryThe Discharge Planner is responsible for delivering social services, including psychosocial evaluation and treatment, advocacy, teaching, referrals to community services, and assistance, as needed, with discharge planning. Interviews patients, makes social assessments, and interacts with families, significant others, physicians, and staff, to obtain information that will assist with patient’s ability to understand his or her medical condition(s). Makes recommendations for additional services upon discharge. Ensures documentation in the medical record is clear and complete.Required Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) or related degree in human servicesComputer Proficiency and LiteracyKnowledge of CMS, Medicare/Medi-CalFamiliarity of Joint Commission, CMS, CDPH requirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skills in EnglishAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organizationAbility to facilitate and lead interdisciplinary roundsAHA Basic Life SupportDe-escalation certification upon hire; Upon recertification, SAMA Certification requiredHospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only) Preferred Qualifications One year of healthcare experienceBilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families Physical RequirementsThese are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and applicable, state and local law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Standing - Frequently Walking - Frequently Sitting - Frequently Reaching with Hands and Arms - Occasionally Climb or Balance - Occasionally Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling - Occasionally Talking - Constantly Hearing - Constantly Seeing - Constantly Performing repetitive motions with arms or hands - Occasionally Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 10 lbs - Frequently Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 25 lbs - Occasionally Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs - Occasionally Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling greater than 50 lbs - None Driving - None Essential Job Functions / Major Areas of ResponsibilityThe essential functions below are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the duties which may be assigned to this position if such duties reasonably relate to the position. Interviews patients and significant others to obtain information about social, emotional, and family situation. Communicates social and family information to attending physicians and other patient care team members. Enables patients and their significant others to understand, accept and follow medical recommendations through individual or group conferences. Determines social assessments for discharge planning. Intervenes appropriately in instances of abuse, assault or neglect, or when adequate financial or social resources are not available. Makes appropriate referrals to resolve patient issues effectively.Participates as a team member in conferences on behalf of patients with other health care personnel and other community agencies. Contacts community resources and other pertinent sources in order to arrange services on patient’s behalfPerforms a variety of services such advising on social problems, arranging post-hospital plans for complex discharges and financial assistance. Ensures HIPAA compliance. Empathizes with patient and patient support systems, expresses compassion and understanding for the situation and demonstrates care which is appropriate for the age, and cultural, religious, gender identity, or ethnic background. Engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes deliberate/thoughtful actions regarding how to best carry out interactions with the patient, families, physicians, and co-workers.Participates and assists in departmental studies and projects, reports, etc. required/assigned by Social Service Department.

Created: 2026-03-04