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Discharge Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Discharge Planner | Palms Behavioral Health | Harlingen, Texas About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Discharge Planner provides assistance to clients and their families by developing a documented ...

The Social Worker/Discharge Planner will assess the client, identify what services are needed, coordinate referrals and follow-up to ensure the client's needs continue to be met. In this roll you ...

Summary: Leads planning and execution of domestic operations training exercises, ensuring alignment with military and civilian emergency response goals. Location : Lansing, MI Schedule : Monday ...

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Discharge Planner information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$28

$51

How much do discharge planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for discharge planner in Michigan is $28.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Discharge Planner, and why are they important?

A Discharge Planner typically requires a background in nursing, social work, or case management, often supported by a relevant degree and licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), care coordination software, and insurance processes is essential. Strong communication, organizational skills, and empathy help Discharge Planners effectively collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare teams. These qualifications and skills ensure safe, efficient transitions of care and reduce hospital readmissions.

What Is a Discharge Planner?

You need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like nursing or social work to become a discharge planner. Additional qualifications are strong communication skills and the ability to work in a high-stress environment. Discharge planners must show compassion and empathy for diverse kinds of patients. Positions are available in hospitals, treatment facilities, halfway houses, and similar medical clinics.

What are discharge planners?

Discharge planners are healthcare professionals who coordinate the transition of patients from the hospital or healthcare facility to their next level of care, such as home, rehabilitation, or nursing facilities. They assess patients' needs, arrange necessary services, and communicate with medical teams, patients, and families to ensure a safe and smooth discharge process. Discharge planners often work closely with social workers, nurses, and insurance providers to develop individualized care plans and help prevent hospital readmissions.

What does a discharge planner do?

A discharge planner coordinates the safe and efficient transition of patients from healthcare facilities to their next level of care or home. They assess patient needs, arrange for services such as home health or rehabilitation, and ensure proper documentation and communication with care teams. Discharge planners often work in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers and may require knowledge of healthcare regulations and insurance processes.

How does a Discharge Planner collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a smooth patient transition from hospital to home or another care setting?

Discharge Planners work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and sometimes insurance representatives to coordinate a patient's care after leaving the hospital. They assess each patient's needs, communicate with care teams, and arrange for necessary services such as home health care, medical equipment, or follow-up appointments. Effective collaboration is essential to reduce readmission rates and ensure patients have the resources and support required for a successful recovery. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and clear documentation help keep everyone aligned throughout the discharge process.

What does a discharge coordinator do?

A discharge coordinator manages the process of planning and coordinating a patient's discharge from a healthcare facility. They collaborate with medical staff, patients, and families to ensure proper post-discharge care, coordinate services, and complete necessary documentation to facilitate a safe transition home or to another care setting.

How do you become a discharge planner?

To become a discharge planner, typically a healthcare professional such as a social worker, nurse, or case manager completes relevant education and gains experience in healthcare or social services. Certification in case management or healthcare coordination can enhance job prospects, and strong communication and organizational skills are essential for the role.

What is the difference between Discharge Planner vs Case Manager?

Discharge PlannerCase Manager
Focuses on planning patient discharge from healthcare facilitiesCoordinates ongoing patient care and services
Typically works in hospitals, rehab centers, or nursing homesWorks across healthcare, social services, and community settings
Requires certifications like social work or healthcare-related credentialsOften requires social work, nursing, or healthcare certifications

Discharge Planners primarily focus on preparing patients for discharge from healthcare facilities, ensuring they have appropriate resources and follow-up care. Case Managers have a broader role, coordinating ongoing care and services across various settings. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Discharge Planners specialize in hospital discharge processes, whereas Case Managers handle comprehensive patient care management.

What is the most chill healthcare job?

A discharge planner typically works in healthcare settings coordinating patient discharges and ensuring smooth transitions to other care. The role often involves regular hours, minimal physical demands, and limited emergency situations, making it relatively low-stress compared to other healthcare jobs. However, workload and environment can influence perceived stress levels.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Discharge Planner jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Discharge Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Discharge Planner job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,140 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Discharge Planner | Palms Behavioral Health | Harlingen, Texas

About the Job:

PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Discharge Planner provides assistance to clients and their families by developing a documented overall discharge and aftercare planning needs and placement of the client to ensure ongoing support in recovery and or other behavioral, mental or health care follow up after discharge from the facility. This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.

Roles and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develop continuing after care plan, based on client's needs, to promote long term health and relapse prevention.
  • Make arrangements for community resources to facilitate discharge. Provide all needed documentation to other providers to facilitate the continuum of care.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources, clients and counselors.
  • Ensure all client discharge planning documentation is clear, concise and timely.
  • Assures that discharge planning begins at admission. Obtains collateral input from providers and supports.
  • Ensures the development and implementation of transition, discharge, and aftercare plans prior to discontinuation of behavioral health services.
  • Organizes the paperwork, identification labels and information clients need when leaving the facility.
  • Schedules after care appointments for clients with PCPs, psychiatrists, next level therapy programs, living arrangements, etc.
  • Coordinates releases and faxing records to providers.
  • Ensures accurate and complete data entry and chart.
  • Participates in regularly occurring treatment team meetings.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • High School diploma required. Associates degree in nursing or human services field or Bachelor's degree in social work or human services field preferred.
  • One or more years' experience in a clinical setting preferred.
  • One or more years' experience in discharge planning preferred.
  • Experience researching and contacting public and private social service providers to assist clients in need is a plus.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Current licensure as an LPN, RN as required by the state in which the facility is operating.
  • CPR certification and de-escalation training required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

WORK LOCATION:

This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

This position is an Individual Contributor.

Why Palms Behavioral Health?Palms Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Palms Behavioral Health is an EOE.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.


Summit BHC logo

About Summit BHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Summit BHC, based in Franklin, TN, USA, is a recognized leader in the field of addiction treatment and behavioral health care services. The company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers aimed at caring for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders. Summit BHC was established with the mission to provide high-quality, addiction treatment and behavioral health services to those in need throughout the United States. With compassion, dignity, and respect as their core values, they endeavor to instill hope during the journey to recovery and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2013

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