Hospital Discharge Liaison

General Statement of Duties:

Coordinates discharges from adult state hospitals such that hospital utilization is managed efficiently and community reintegration is pursued aggressively. Primary focus is on individuals at Western State Hospital (WSH), Catawba Hospital, and Central State Hospital, along with SVMHI, NVMHI and Piedmont Geriatric Hospital.  Supports the Discharge Assistance Program (DAP) Coordinator by providing DAP Monitoring to DAP recipients who otherwise receive no CSB services. This position is supervised by the Hospital Liaison Coordinator.

Incumbents in this position should have demonstrated capabilities and initiative in supporting adults with serious mental illness, as well as demonstrated capacity to work proactively with a variety of facility and community staff in a position of considerable responsibility, visibility, and accountability. Job duties require the ability to make sound decisions, represent the agency effectively in interagency settings, interpret and apply protocols and procedures, consult and collaborate regularly with multiple other staff members, maintain confidentiality, and document the delivery of services.

This position is classified non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as primary contact person for facilitating discharge of individuals receiving inpatient services at Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDS) funded mental health facilities;

Works with individual consumers, as well as their respective inpatient staff and community support teams to achieve timely and effective discharge and effective engagement in community services. Ensures that copies of advance directives, wellness recovery action plans (WRAP), or similar expressions of a consumer’s treatment preferences, if available, are included in the consumer’s service record.

Serves as primary case coordinator for individuals admitted to adult state hospitals who are not already supported by a CSB case manager; develops and documents plans for discharge and initiation of appropriate community services.

Collaborates with the Discharge Assistance Program (DAP) coordinator to create DAP plans, identifying DAP eligible clients, and identifying appropriate Core Services for one-time and ongoing DAP expenditures.

Provides case monitoring and limited coordination for individuals with DAP plans who do not otherwise receive CSB services; monitors benefits and ensures documentation to support DAP-funded services, such as the Universal Assessment Instrument (UAI) and/or DLA-20.

Represents the agency at regularly scheduled treatment planning meetings at state hospitals, providing accountability to the hospital and to the region for aggressive and effective discharge planning for each local individual.

Collaborates with Emergency Services staff to ensure that timely and effective discharge planning is initiated immediately upon admission of individuals to inpatient services.

Assesses, secures, monitors, and coordinates multiple services according to client’s needs;

Provides and documents services in compliance with CSB policy, client rights, confidentiality, licensure regulations, and Medicaid regulations as applicable;

Maintains effective working relationships with coworkers and customers based on courtesy, compassion and respect; ensures that staff protects carefully the confidentiality of clients;

Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, and voice mail in order to enhance customer service;

Demonstrates a desire and willingness to continue growing and learning professionally, as evidenced by participation in appropriate workshops, seminars, and conferences;

Performs other related duties consistent with the mission of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Community Services Board.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of a wide range of client service approaches and resources for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness;

Skills in delivering services and crisis intervention;

Ability to plan, organize, develop, and document services in a manner that maximizes accountability;

Knowledge of and adherence to basic ethics appropriate for a helping relationship;

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others;

Ability to speak and write concisely and effectively;

Demonstrated good judgment;

Ability to identify and solve problems and overcome barriers.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human services plus experience in a mental health, developmental disabilities or substance use setting or a related human services field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Additional Requirement:

Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current ability and willingness to transport clients.

 Other Information:

Equipment: Telephone, copier, vehicle, computer, word processing software, electronic health record.

Work Environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels. Community settings, facilities, individuals’ homes with environment as determined by occupant.

Work Location: 1241 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA; individuals’ homes, facilities and/or community settings including state psychiatric hospitals.

Work Hazards: Minimal hazards associated with inpatient settings and community programs for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours; some minimal evening and weekend hours may be required; additional hours as needed to perform job requirements. Regular and reliable attendance is required.