1

Discharge Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Discharge Planning RN Position Type: Full-Time Job Shift: Evening Education Level: Associate's Degree Category: Nursing Professional & Support Pay Range $53.71 - $60.00 Per Hour (Depending on Years ...

The RN Discharge Planner is responsible for coordinating patient discharge planning from a correctional setting. The Discharge Planner will work under the direction of the Director of Nursing in ...

Discharge Planning RN (81261)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$111.72 - $124.80/hr

The RN Discharge Planner is responsible for coordinating patient discharge planning from a correctional setting. The Discharge Planner will work under the direction of the Director of Nursing in ...

New

The RN Discharge Planner is responsible for coordinating patient discharge planning from a correctional setting. The Discharge Planner will work under the direction of the Director of Nursing in ...

The RN Discharge Planner is responsible for coordinating patient discharge planning from a correctional setting. The Discharge Planner will work under the direction of the Director of Nursing in ...

The Discharge Planning Assistant must maintain effective communication between the Hospital Care Management Team and community partners. This position is also responsible to document all discharge ...

New

The Discharge Planning Assistant must maintain effective communication between the Hospital Care Management Team and community partners. This position is also responsible to document all discharge ...

New

Discharge Planner

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$24.42/hr

Professional services to be provided to meet the discharge planning needs of the patient may include, but are not limited to, case consultation, patient education, resource management, and assistance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Discharge Planning information

See salary details

$14

$32

$59

How much do discharge planning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for discharge planning in the United States is $32.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is discharge planning?

Discharge planning is the process where healthcare professionals work with patients and their families to prepare for a safe and smooth transition from a hospital or healthcare facility to their next destination, such as home or another care setting. It involves assessing the patient's needs, coordinating follow-up care, arranging for necessary services or equipment, and providing education about medications and self-care. Effective discharge planning helps prevent hospital readmissions, ensures continuity of care, and supports the patient’s recovery and independence.

How does a discharge planner typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth patient transitions?

Discharge Planners work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and insurance coordinators to develop and implement safe and effective discharge plans for patients. This involves regular multidisciplinary meetings, clear communication about patient needs, and coordination of follow-up care, such as arranging home health services or rehabilitation. By acting as a liaison between the patient, their family, and the healthcare team, Discharge Planners help minimize readmissions and ensure continuity of care after hospital discharge.

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

To thrive as a Discharge Planner, you need a background in nursing, social work, or case management, often supported by relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with healthcare information systems, discharge planning software, and insurance protocols is critical. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help coordinate care and advocate for patient needs. These skills ensure smooth transitions, reduce readmission rates, and promote positive patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Discharge Planning vs Case Management?

AspectDischarge PlanningCase Management
CredentialsRN, Social Worker, or Healthcare ProfessionalRN, Social Worker, or Healthcare Professional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, Skilled Nursing FacilitiesHospitals, Community Agencies, Insurance Companies
Primary FocusPlanning patient discharge, ensuring safe transitionCoordinating ongoing care, resource management
Industry UsageHealthcare, HospitalsHealthcare, Social Services

Discharge Planning and Case Management both involve coordinating patient care, but Discharge Planning specifically focuses on preparing patients for a safe transition from hospital to home or another facility. Case Management has a broader scope, managing ongoing care needs and resources across various settings.

How to become a discharge planner?

To become a discharge planner, typically a healthcare professional such as a social worker, nurse, or case manager, needs to obtain relevant education like a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, nursing, or healthcare administration. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the state or employer, and experience in healthcare settings is often preferred. Strong communication, organizational skills, and knowledge of healthcare systems are essential for this role.

What does a discharge planning do?

A discharge planner coordinates the process of preparing a patient for leaving a healthcare facility by arranging necessary services, equipment, and follow-up care. They assess patient needs, communicate with healthcare teams and community resources, and ensure a safe transition from hospital to home or another setting. This role often requires knowledge of healthcare policies, insurance, and patient advocacy.
More about Discharge Planning jobs

What cities are hiring for Discharge Planning jobs?

Cities with the most Discharge Planning job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Discharge Planning jobs?

The most popular types of Discharge Planning jobs are:

What states have the most Discharge Planning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Discharge Planning jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Discharge Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Discharge Planning jobs are:

Infographic showing various Discharge Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,853 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Discharge Planning Associate

UPMC Senior Communities

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$26.17 - $43.85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Western Psychiatric Hospital Discharge Planning Associates/Social Workers are an important part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team contributing to the assessment, treatment, and disposition planning of all patients. Discharge Planning Associates will support the Discharge Plan Managers and treatment teams. This will give them a chance to learn how to do case conceptualization, understand community resources and develop creative problem-solving skills. LCSW supervision is provided to help facilitate career growth!
In conjunction with the Discharge Planning team, the Associate coordinates the appropriate support services and resources throughout UPMC to facilitate effective discharge plans that achieve optimal satisfaction, clinical, and financial outcomes along the defined continuum of care.
This position offers a sign-on bonus of up to $6,000!
Responsibilities:
Assessment & Care Planning
  • Assess clinical, psychosocial, and social needs to guide individualized care plans.
  • Evaluate health literacy, understanding, and engagement in goals of care.
  • Identify self-care capacity, support systems, discharge barriers, and post-acute needs.
  • Reassess plans regularly to ensure safe, appropriate transitions.

Discharge Coordination
  • Lead interdisciplinary planning to ensure safe, timely discharges.
  • Coordinate post-hospital services and maintain knowledge of community resources.
  • Integrate patient goals, team input, and available resources into transition plans.
  • Update plans based on clinical recommendations, test results, and care milestones.

Communication & Collaboration
  • Communicate clearly with patients, caregivers, and the care team.
  • Serve as liaison between hospital teams, post-acute providers, and physicians.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to create individualized care and discharge plans.

Advocacy & Ethical Practice
  • Advocate for patient rights, safety, and access to needed services.
  • Uphold organizational values, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance.

Quality & Resource Management
  • Balance cost, safety, quality, and patient satisfaction in care decisions.
  • Use technology to enhance coordination and outcomes.
  • Document care accurately in the medical record.

Professional Support
  • Provide orientation, guidance, and mentoring to staff.

Qualifications:
  • Diploma or Associate's Degree in Nursing.

OR
  • 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.
  • Experience: No experience in discharge planning/care coordination.
  • Clinical/patient-facing experience preferred.
  • Knowledge and Skills:Excellent communication skills required.
  • Must be skilled in planning/organization, follow up/control, problem solving, self-development orientation, organizational behaviors/competencies.
  • Must possess the ability to apply principles of logic and critical thinking to a wide range of problems and to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
  • Comfortable working both independently and as a team member.
  • Proficient computer skills.

ATTENTION: A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL BACHELOR'S DEGREE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Registered Nurses employed in this position are required to maintain active RN license
  • Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
  • Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran