Discharge Plan Manager
Job ID: 7616717809
Status: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Shift: Day Job
Work Arrangement: On-site
Facility: UPMC Somerset
Department: 4B Behav Health
Location: 225 South Center Avenue, Somerset, PA
Union Position: No
Salary Range: $ 26.77-45.04 USD
UPMC Somerset is seeking a compassionate, detail‑oriented Discharge Planner to join our care coordination team. This full‑time role follows a Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM schedule and offers a clear career ladder—from Discharge Planning Associate through Expert Discharge Plan Manager—designed to support your growth and advancement, making this an excellent opportunity to build a meaningful career in patient-centered transition planning.
Sign-on bonus for qualified candidates:
- Less than 2 years of experience: $6,000 / 2‑year commitment
- 3+ years of experience: $10,000 / 2‑year commitment
What you’ll do:
- Conduct thorough assessments to understand medical needs, social supports, barriers to discharge, and likelihood of requiring post‑hospital services, and continually reassess as patient needs evolve.
- Advocate for patients and caregivers to ensure safety, access to services, and protection of health and well‑being while upholding UPMC’s mission, values, and ethical standards.
- Communicate clearly with patients, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team to build individualized discharge plans and act as a consistent liaison throughout the care journey.
- Collaborate with practitioners, caregivers, and multidisciplinary partners to integrate recommendations, test results, and care milestones into an evolving discharge plan.
- Facilitate efficient and safe discharges by coordinating post‑hospital care, preventing unnecessary delays, and maintaining strong knowledge of available community resources.
- Identify psychosocial, clinical, cultural, financial, and spiritual factors that inform planning, incorporating health literacy and social determinants of health into each discharge strategy.
- Balance patient preferences, clinical quality, safety, and cost‑of‑care to make recommendations that promote optimal outcomes and smooth transitions.
- Document all assessments, plans, and communications in the medical record while leveraging technology and innovation to enhance collaboration and patient care.
- Support team accountability, contribute to departmental processes, and assist with orientation and mentoring of new staff as appropriate.
- Serve as a key contact between the hospital, post‑acute providers, and physicians to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care transitions.
Qualifications:
Discharge Planning Associate (starting at $25.85)
Must have one of the following:
-
Diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
-
Bachelor’s degree in social work or another health or human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of those being served required. No license required.
-
No experience in discharge planning/care coordination. Clinical/patient-facing experience preferred.
Discharge Plan Manager (starting at $26.77)
Must have one of the following:
- Diploma or associate degree in nursing and active Registered Nurse license. AND at least one year of experience in discharge planning/care coordination required.
-
Bachelor’s degree in social work or another health or human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of those being served required. Master’s degree preferred. AND at least one year of experience in discharge planning/care coordination required.
Senior Discharge Plan Manager (starting at $28.85)
Must have one of the following:
-
BSN and RN license required. AND at least three years’ experience in discharge planning/care coordination.
-
10 years of experience can be substituted for BSN completion.
-
-
MSW or master’s degree in another health and human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of those being served required. AND at least three years of experience in discharge planning/care coordination.
-
10 years of experience can be substituted for MSW completion.
-
Expert Discharge Plan Manager (starting at $33.80)
Must have one of the following:
-
BSN required. AND at least four years’ experience in discharge planning/care coordination
-
MSW or master’s degree in another health and human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of those being served required. AND at least four years’ experience in discharge planning/care coordination
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- One of the following:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Bachelors Social Work (LBSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Other Healthcare Professional Licenses for Discharge Planning
- Act 34
*Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
CAREER GROWTH
Grow Your Nursing Career
Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:
Clyde C.
As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.
Clyde’s Career Journey:
⦁ 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy
Michelle B.
In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.
Michelle’s Career Journey:
⦁ 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian
INSURANCE SERVICES DIVISION OF UPMC
Advance Your Future
A career with UPMC means more than just caring for patients – when you’re a part of UPMC Insurance Services Division, it means caring for more than four million insurance members, too. UPMC Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance products and services to our network across the country, providing peace of mind, better health, and financial security to our members, along with limitless career opportunities and a rewarding mission to those on our team.
About UPMC Insurance Services Division
As an integrated health care provider-insurer, UPMC goes beyond patient care to provide insurance products and services to millions of members. Our team partners with UPMC and community network providers to deliver knowledge and expertise that provides the highest quality care at the most affordable price, supporting our members through service, communication, and more.
Fast Facts:
- We provide insurance products and services to over more than four million members.
- UPMC’s Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance options including UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Community Care Behavioral Health.
- UPMC Health Plan is among the nation’s fastest-growing health plans.
Opportunities on Our Team
We’ve got a job that’s just right for you! UPMC Insurance Services Division team offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities, from career areas like customer service, data analytics, and information technology and even patient care roles like social work, nursing, and care management.
Whether in non-clinical or patient-facing roles, our team impacts patients and members by providing quality experiences before, during, and after their care, building relationships in a unique and meaningful way.
Recognized for Excellence
Be a part of an award-winning team! UPMC Insurance Services Division has been recognized for outstanding care and service with awards that include:
- U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
- The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
- UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
- The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.
*Results are based on award-eligible plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power. For J.D. Power 2024 award information visit, jdpower.com/awards.
Jump-Start Your Career
Looking to launch a career with longevity and opportunity? With countless entry-level opportunities for recent graduates, along with tools and resources that empower you as you learn and grow, UPMC Insurance Services Division is the perfect place to get a career started.
Interested in taking your career to new heights? Our career paths and advancement opportunities will provide you with chances to achieve your goals at every step.
BENEFITS AND LIFE AT UPMC
We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.
Work-Life Balance
Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.
Development & Opportunities
Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.
Compensation
Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.
Performance & Recognition
Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.
Benefits
Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.
Work-Life Balance
Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.
Development & Opportunities
Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.
Compensation
Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.
Performance & Recognition
Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.
Benefits
Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Tuition assistance for dependents
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
- Flexible work arrangements
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Tuition assistance for dependents
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
- Flexible work arrangements
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements that work best for your lifestyle
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
A Culture That Cares
At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for veteran engagement
A Culture That Cares
At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for veteran engagement
A Culture That Cares
UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Workplace Culture and Engagement
- Programs for Veteran Engagement
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
- Accelerated career pathways for growth
- Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
- Accelerated career pathways for growth
- Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
- Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning opportunities
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- Dozens of career ladders to climb
- International locations
- State-of-the-art technology
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- Dozens of career ladders to climb
- International locations
- State-of-the-art technology
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 100,000 employees
- 40+ hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- International locations
- State of-the-art technology
Read More about Nursing at UPMC
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Read More about UPMC Insurance Services Division
In UPMC Insurance Services Division, analysts work to understand, innovate, and improve the products and services UPMC provides.
Eddie S. shares how his passion for football, fishing, and friendship shapes his life and his career with UPMC Health Plan.
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