Access Discharge Coordinator

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Practices within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with the College of Registered Nurses’ of British Columbia (CRNBC) or the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC) standards of practice, Code of ethics and the established vision and values of the organization. The Access and Discharge Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing a centralized referral and access utilization system, developing and determining the effectiveness of access and discharge policies and procedures. Coordinates and maintains a bed occupancy and wait list database and may be required to track Alternate Level of Care (ALC) service applicable for the designated program. Serves as a liaison between service providers and health care teams, participates in rounds, collects related data, receives and reviews referrals, participates on relevant working groups/committees, participates in quality improvement activities and promotes awareness of Mental Health and/or Addiction programs.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Coordinates, develops and implements a centralized referral registry and access utilization system for the designated Mental Health and/or Addiction Program. Develops and determines the effectiveness of the registry and Access system policies, procedures and standards, in collaboration with members of acute psychiatric mental health care services, community Mental Health and Addiction teams, and other related programs.
2. Coordinates and maintains a bed occupancy and wait list database of referrals to the designated Mental Health and/or Addiction services program and works in close liaison with referring agencies to ensure referrals are prioritized in accordance with established policies and procedures. May be required to track Alternate Level of Care (ALC) service applicable for the designated program .
3. Receives and reviews referrals for access and discharge to Mental Health and/or Addiction services. Identifies suitable services for referral in accordance with established protocols. Works in close collaboration with Mental Health and/or Addiction and medical services in other health authorities to ensure referral eligibility and to ensure that clients with the highest need are prioritized for placement.
4. Monitors referrals from acute mental health and medical sites and works collaboratively with various sites and/or health authorities, Mental Health and/or Addiction teams and other related programs to ensure efficient flow of referrals to promote maximum bed utilization.
5. Provides consultation and guidance to Mental Health & Addictions teams, acute sites, other referral sources, families and service users on the interpretation and application of policies relevant to eligibility and access to bed resources.
6. Facilitates timely admissions and discharges to appropriate bed resources by ensuring comprehensive information is included in referrals to Mental Health and/or Addiction teams, and by communicating with referral services on prioritized placements of clients using established guidelines and policy.
7. Assists in the development and provision of orientation and education regarding Mental Health and/or Addiction or tertiary resources and system access.
8. Assists in the implementation of quality improvement activities, outcome follow up, and evaluation.
9. Participates with program leadership in ongoing review and development of program policies that promote improved client access and system responsiveness.
10. Participates in staff education and assists in the development and provision of orientation packages for staff and other health professionals.
11. Collects, analyzes and reports data for resource utilization, compliance to clinical pathways, quality improvement. Works with interdisciplinary team members in utilizing patient data to facilitate successful, expedient, efficient, and effective discharge planning.
12. Maintains and updates knowledge of education and development theory and practice by reviewing current literature and research and identifying new theories/trends/programs.
13. Sets measurable goals and objectives within a team or individual environment, incorporating the organization’s vision and values, goals and corporate plan, through methods such as maintaining and updating own knowledge of clinical and professional development within area of practice and developing in collaboration with the designated Supervisor. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within the established time frames.
14. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Two years' recent, related nursing experience relevant with the designated client population or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
Skills and Abilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing science theory, and practice within a client and family centred model of care.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) standards for Nursing Practice.
• Comprehensive skill and expertise in adult and older adult residential care, tertiary, acute and community Mental Health and/or Addiction services and related issues.
• Knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient care.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate the development of critical thinking and clinical decision making skills in others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, and other health care staff, either one-on-one or in groups.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member, leader, and facilitator.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to put systems in place to address various designated client population groups, to ensure access to services and facility care.
• Ability and skill to operate related equipment, and in techniques appropriate to assigned clinical area.
• Physical ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Basic computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet and database skills.