Discharge Planner

Position Overview

Healthy Connections is seeking a Discharge Planner to join the care team at our Little Rock Midtown clinic. This role is essential to ensuring patients experience a smooth, supported transition from provider visits to the next steps in their healthcare journey. The Discharge Planner works closely with providers, nurses, referral teams, and community partners to review care plans, address social determinants of health, and connect patients with appropriate services and resources.

This is a patient-facing, coordination-focused role that requires strong communication, organization, and independent problem-solving. Discharge Planners balance clinical coordination, administrative tasks, and community connection work throughout the day. This position is not new, but it has expanded responsibilities and plays a critical role in continuity of care, clinic workflow, and patient outcomes. Complete training is provided, and experience in a medical office or care coordination environment is strongly preferred. Volunteer hours are required as part of this role, reflecting Healthy Connections’ mission as a community health network.

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center serving Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. Guided by our pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, we provide integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services designed to improve access, quality, and equity in the communities we serve. Our teams work collaboratively across disciplines to support whole-person care and long-term health outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Relations & Care Coordination

Attend post-provider visit consultations to review and understand patient care plans.
Serve as a system navigator and primary point of contact for patients and families.
Ensure patient charts are updated with specialist consults, hospitalizations, ER visits, and community service information.
Coordinate specialty referrals, 340B pharmacy program benefits, behavioral health services, and other needed care.
Act as a liaison between patients, primary care providers, insurance companies, and external healthcare partners.
Assist patients in accessing healthcare benefits such as transportation, interpretation services, and medications.
Review health summaries, problem lists, and medical histories annually.
Provide clinic and community-based resource materials to patients as appropriate.
Support high levels of patient satisfaction and encourage patient feedback.

Clinical & Team Support

Maintain a working knowledge of the 340B Pharmacy Program to guide patients effectively.
Collaborate with the referral department to ensure timely scheduling of specialty appointments.
Assess patients for Chronic Care Management services and support coordination of Annual Wellness Visits.
Utilize the i2i dashboard to monitor high-risk patients and ensure appropriate follow-up.
Follow up with patients who miss appointments and assist with rescheduling.
Educate patients on use of the patient portal and telehealth services.
Complete prior authorizations for medications to support continuity of care.
Verify that all Healthy Connections patients are assigned to an active provider and assist with panel reassignment when needed.
Assist in other clinic areas as needed to support patient flow and clinic operations.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

Maintain accurate patient records in compliance with required standards.
Ensure HIPAA compliance and adherence to all organizational policies and procedures.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including PCMH, Meaningful Use, and other organizational programs.
Support clinic work plans and quality goals.
Participate in meetings, trainings, and community engagement activities as required.
Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations.

Qualifications

High school diploma required.
Minimum of two years of experience in a medical office setting.
Bilingual (Spanish) skills preferred but not required.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems.
Knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations.
Strong organizational, written, and customer service skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and exchange information verbally.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and problem-solve independently.
Ability to establish and maintain respectful, professional relationships with patients, staff, and partners.
Willingness to travel to other clinic locations or meetings as needed.

Work Schedule & Conditions

Full-time position; minimum of 40 hours per week.
Interior clinical environment with moderate physical activity.
OSHA high-risk position with required safety, infection control, and blood-borne pathogen training.
Position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued availability of federal funds.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Paid time off and holidays.
Discounted medical and dental services for employees.

Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Statement

Healthy Connections, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaintfilingcust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all required information and send it to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication,
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410,
Fax: (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.