Nuvance Health has a network of convenient hospital and outpatient locations — Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut, and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York — plus multiple primary and specialty care physician practices locations, including The Heart Center, a leading provider of cardiology care, and two urgent care offices. Non-acute care is offered through various affiliates, including the Thompson House for rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and the Home Care organizations.

Purpose: The Discharge Planning Assistant (DPA) will be the main supporting role for members of Case Management at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. This position supports case managers, social workers, nursing staff, and other members of the health care team in meeting discharge planning and continuity of care needs for patients.

Essential Responsibilities:

Attends unit rounds on a daily basis to receive direction and communicate progress of all discharge planning activities. Communicates with case managers and unit staff if unable to attend rounds.
Initiates referrals for home care agencies, infusion companies, wound care providers and Durable Medical Equipment companies, as requested by the care team. Confirms and verifies start dates and/or delivery dates and ensures all paperwork is completed including, prior authorization forms, medical necessity forms, assisted living forms, etc.
Contacts Respiratory therapy as requested for home respiratory care needs.
Contacts payers to verify eligibility and preferred providers to meet the discharge planning needs identified by the care team.
Communicates any precertification/preauthorization information to the case manager, including services related to home care, skilled nursing facilities, transfers to inpatient psychiatric facilities and other acute care facilities.
Partners with Case Management to identify and communicate appropriate mode of transportation to patients, families and care team. Secures patients transportation arrangements for wheelchairs, stretchers, cabs, or ambulances.
Makes follow up primary care appointments and other provider appointments as requested.
Maintain and Model REACH Values (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Compassion, Honor).
Demonstrates regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience Requirements:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum of one to three (1-3) years’ clerical experience.

PERFER: Minimum of one (1) year clerical experience in a health care setting.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:

Must be self-starter, and highly motivated.

Must have analytical abilities to assist in obtaining solutions to problems.

Must be able to work independently, manage stress, and prioritize work.

Must be able to manage multiple competing priorities and maintain calm demeanor in stressful environment.

Ability to interact with all members of the organization and administrative staff in a professional and courteous manner.

Location: Vassar Brothers Medical Center

Work Type: Full-Time

Standard Hours: 40.00

FTE: 1.000000

Work Schedule: DAY 1

Work Shift: Mon- Fri 8-4:30

Org Unit: 1190

Department: Care Coordination

Exempt: No

Grade: S3

EOE, including disability/vets.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at 203-739-7330 (for reasonable accommodation requests only). Please provide all information requested to assure that you are considered for current or future opportunities.