Location:
On site / Lucan, Co.
Dublin, Ireland
job type:
Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector:
Accounting & Finance | Finance
Salary:
Negotiable Salary
Job Purpose
As a key member of the financial team, the Discharge Co-ordinator will work with the wider Finance Operations function to ensure we are building and maintaining strong partnerships with our clinical staff and associated billing providers.
The position will require frequent interaction with patient data, clinical staff, and other key stakeholders.
It is a pivotal role in terms of taking an analytical view and help mitigate against long staying patients and associated write offs due to medical necessity.
The position requires a participatory approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.
Job Background/Context
The Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities.
The Finance function has responsibility for the provision of financial management and reporting across all clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospital and is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in management and financial accounting.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Care Planning
Complete early assessment of patients' medical, social, and functional needs.
Identify potential barriers to discharge and plan solutions proactively.
Assess suitability for home, rehabilitation, or step-down facilities.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordination
Attend ward rounds or MDT meetings to review progress and confirm discharge goals.
Communicate and update discharge plans with consultants, nurses, therapists, and social workers.
Communication with Patients, Families & Carers
Provide clear information about discharge timelines, expectations, and required supports.
Educate patients/families on medications, follow-up appointments, and self-care needs.
Communicate the potential financial exposure for each admission to the Head of Finance Operations, patient and their nominated representatives.
Finance, Insurance & Payment Coordination (Private Hospital Specific)
Liaise with the hospital's finance and insurance teams regarding patient coverage and eligibility.
Confirm private medical insurance approval for ongoing care, step-down facilities, or equipment where applicable.
Communicate funding limits, copayments, or out-of-pocket costs to patients and families.
Ensure discharge plans align with insurance authorisations and financial constraints.
Coordinate with insurers for extensions, additional services, or appeals if delays occur.
Escalate financial or insurance issues that may impact timely discharge.
Collaborate with billing teams to ensure accurate documentation for insurance claims.
Patient Flow & Bed Management
Monitor patients nearing discharge to support efficient bed utilisation.
Escalate delays or complex cases impacting patient flow.
Support targets such as early-day discharges and reduced length of stay.
Documentation & Administrative Duties
Document all discharge planning actions, discussions, and service arrangements.
Maintain accurate records for internal tracking, regulatory compliance, and audits.
Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to discharge efficiency.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Ensure discharge processes comply with hospital policies, HIQA standards, and HSE guidelines.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and discharge planning reviews.
Identify risks or gaps in the discharge process and propose improvements.
Education & Staff Support
Educate new or junior staff regarding discharge procedures and documentation.
Serve as a resource for complex discharge cases.
Address delays caused by service shortages, funding issues, or social factors.
Advocate for safe and appropriate discharge arrangements.
Support vulnerable or high-risk patients to ensure continuity of care.
Learning and Education
Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
Attend and participate in staff development programmes on an ongoing basis.
Assist with the orientation and induction of new staff and be available to provide orientation as deemed necessary, helping them to integrate as members of the Unit team.
Attend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in date.
Comply with all HR system and policy requirements.
Quality Improvement and Risk Management
Ensure that there is compliance with all relevant Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
This includes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodies and inspections.
Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.
Participate in the requirements of the hospital's risk management programme.
Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients.
Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
Knowledge / Experience
2 years working in a healthcare setting
Working in a team environment
Experience in dealing with patients/customers
High attention to detail
Ability to analyse high volumes of information
Advanced knowledge of MS Excel
Relationship building with internal and external personnel
Team player with the ability to work on own initiative
Able to prioritise and multi-task
Process Based Approach
Ability to work to deadlines
Desireable Skills
Knowledge / Experience
Hospital Experience within either a Finance Department or clinical setting
Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is an Equal Opportunities Employer
This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment.
The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.
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