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Discharge Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$50K - $55K/yr

We are currently recruiting for a Clinician I- Forensic Discharge Planner within our Emergency Services program. This position works with individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use ...

Participate in discharge planning, development, and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments * Interview resident/families to obtain social history * Refer resident/families to ...

Behavioral Healthcare Planners provide assessment, treatment planning, and supportive individual ... Develops and implements discharge plans. Acts to ensure functional communication of needs between ...

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Discharge Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$32

$59

How much do discharge planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for discharge planner in Virginia is $32.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $38.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Do you need a degree to be a discharge planner?

A discharge planner typically does not require a specific degree but often benefits from a background in healthcare, social work, or related fields. Many employers prefer candidates with a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree and strong communication and organizational skills. Certification or experience in healthcare coordination can also be advantageous.

What are popular job titles related to Discharge Planner jobs in Virginia?

For Discharge Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Discharge Planner jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Discharge Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Discharge Planner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Discharge Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Discharge Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,271 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

$21.10 - $42.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

These roles provide essential assistance to healthcare professionals in delivering patient care. Ensure the smooth functioning of clinical operations by handling tasks that support the diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural aspects of patient care. Allied Health - Health Services professionals work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services.

These roles focus on the organizational, financial, and operational aspects of healthcare facilities and services. Responsibilities include ensuring clinical operations run smoothly, efficiently, and within regulatory and financial guidelines. Jobs in this field work "behind the scenes" to manage resources, coordinate services, and support the overall functioning of one or more clinical office operations.

Individual contributors with responsibility in a professional discipline or specialty. Spends majority of time leading the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills normally acquired through advanced education (typically University).

Foundation-level for learned profession; active learner from more experienced colleagues. Contributor on a project or work team. Work is closely supervised. Problems faced are not typically difficult or complex. Explains facts, policies, and practices related to Job Area.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: None.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The pay range for this role is $21.10 - $42.21 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
  • Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Certification and education support
  • Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-uva-health) is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-medical-center-6344000) rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva-childrens) is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-childrens-hospital-PA6344000) as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity) .


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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819