Essential Functions

• Takes the lead in ensuring the continuity and consistency of care, across the continuum (inpatient, emergency and ambulatory care/ outpatient) to ensure integrated delivery across all settings to include the facilitation comprehensive discharge planning (in the hospital) and follow-up care (as an outpatient).
• Develops an effective working relationship with the Patient and Family Counselors/ Social Workers and the UR nurses to engage the patient/family to collaborate, advocate and problem solve, to support and enhance their functional ability, while ensuring an appropriate and timely discharge plan.
• Daily monitoring of progress towards discharge plans and/ or need to alter discharge plan due to change in patient condition / family needs with a priority placed on those patients at highest risk for complication/ admission/ readmission.
• Educates patients/ families with chronic illness about evidence-based standards of care to include self-management strategies.
• Identifies support needs for patients and their families, develops action plan(s), and provides creative guidance in initiating and overcoming any self-management strategies.
• Educates patients and families about the health care system and facilitates relationship building between the various settings.
• Ensures patients have access to prescriptions, durable medical equipment (DME), and other services as identified.