Lifepoint Health·Avondale, Arizona
The Discharge Coordinator manages aftercare coordination and treatment planning to ensure continuity of care for patients leaving inpatient behavioral health treatment. This includes communicating with families and providers, drafting discharge summaries, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary clinical team.
Discharge Coordinator, Behavioral Health
The Discharge Coordinator is responsible for aftercare coordination, treatment planning support, and communication with patients, families, and providers to ensure continuity of care following discharge from inpatient treatment. This role also supports crisis intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration within the behavioral health setting.
Essential Functions
Provide aftercare coordination for patients requiring ongoing medical or psychosocial support post-discharge.
Create and maintain updated community resource listings for aftercare services.
Actively participate in the treatment planning process by scheduling aftercare appointments identified by the patient’s provider and therapist.
Provide patients and families with resource information related to future care needs.
Communicate proactively with clients, families, aftercare providers, and referral sources.
Draft comprehensive discharge summaries and contracts for each assigned patient.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team including physicians, utilization review, and nursing staff.
Complete all required hospital and patient documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner.
Apply appropriate crisis intervention and de-escalation skills during emergencies.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure all HIPAA standards are upheld.
Demonstrate working knowledge of clinical regulations including TJC, Medicaid, and state/federal laws.
Reports to: Clinical Programs Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Prior experience with psychiatric and chemical dependency patients preferred.
Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills required.
A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or equivalent is required, though experience may be substituted. Candidates must obtain CPR and De-escalation certifications within 30 days of hire.
Market context
Behavioral health employers in Arizona often look for candidates who can connect directly with clients through lived experience and strong community-based support skills. These roles can be competitive because they may require a high school diploma, a preferred bachelor’s degree, and quick completion of Peer Support Certification, along with a valid Arizona driver’s license and fingerprint clearance. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your certification timeline and clearance readiness before applying.