Michaelene Robertson
Experienced Discharge Planner skilled in care coordination and patient advocacy. Manages complex cases and improves discharge processes while ensuring regulatory compliance. Leverages critical thinking and communication skills to enhance transitions and connect patients with community resources. Focused on continuous improvement and effective team collaboration.
Work History
Discharge Planner
11 Years 11 Months- Coordinated discharge plans with treatment teams, ensuring safe transitions and continuity of care for patients.
- Completed discharge assessments and documented aftercare recommendations in behavioral health records.
- Linked clients with community resources, facilitating access to support, outpatient services, and follow-up behavioral health appointments.
- Collaborated with physicians, therapists, and case managers to align discharge goals and placement needs.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple medical issues or psychosocial challenges by utilizing critical thinking skills and professional expertise in discharge planning processes.
- Evaluated patient progress throughout their hospital stay and adjusted discharge plans to ensure successful reintegration into the community setting or placement in suitable long-term care facilities.
- Implemented patient-centered discharge planning by incorporating individual preferences and needs into tailored care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions from hospital to home or other care facilities.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations and accreditation standards related to discharge planning activities within the organization.
- Provided ongoing training and mentorship to new Discharge Planners, fostering a supportive team environment that promoted knowledge sharing and skill development.
- Supported patients in navigating complex healthcare systems by providing clear guidance on available resources and services postdischarge.
- Communicated with referral providers about new referrals and verified receipt of necessary information prior to arrivals.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the discharge planning department.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to optimize the quality of discharge planning services provided to patients.
- Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Participated in interdisciplinary care conferences to discuss patient care plans and referrals.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to expand services and referrals.
Intake Screener
3 Years 6 Months- Conducted intake interviews to gather demographic, clinical, and insurance details, facilitating eligibility assessments.
- Screened callers for behavioral health needs, ensuring timely access to appropriate support services.
- Coordinated referrals to suitable programs based on assessment findings, client needs, and program criteria.
- Recorded accurate intake data in electronic records, maintaining up-to-date documentation for effective case follow-up.
Crisis Unit Intake Screener
2 Years 3 Months- Screened patients for intake eligibility using established criteria and clinical protocols.
- Assessed each client's needs, tailoring recommendations to connect them with appropriate resources effectively.
- Identified urgent concerns and escalated cases according to facility procedures.
- Coordinated patient flow with nursing, admissions, registration teams to ensure timely care delivery.
- Explained screening process and next steps to patients, fostering understanding and comfort during intake.
- Verified demographic, insurance, and referral information for accurate registration.
- Documented intake findings in electronic health records with careful attention to detail.
- Maintained HIPAA compliance while handling sensitive patient information.
- Trained new staff on intake workflow, documentation standards, and service expectations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bachelor in Arts
Major: Psychology
3.8 GPA
Skills
Accomplishments
Designed and opened the Intake Process at Baycare’s New Mental Health Crisis and Receiving Unit; Morton Plant North Bay Recovery Center (MPNBRC) with two seasoned Nurse Manager’s in 2011. Later, I received the coveted “Spirit of Baycare” Award in 2012 for our work designing the new and more efficient Intake process at MPNBRC. This award is only given to one team member annually among hundreds in the Baycare mental health discipline. It was quite an honor.
While screening at MPNBRC, I cross trained in Discharge Planning and intermittently would perform that role which prepared me for the next challenge.
Baycare was opening the first of its kind in Florida, a combined Mental Health and Detoxification Receiving facility called the Integrated Stabilization Unit (ISU). I was chosen to develop and build the new Discharge Planning Department at ISU. Our department has built a reputation for providing excellent service to those we serve at our facility in West Pasco County. Our specialty is treating ALL people with dignity and respect that come through our doors, a true no judgement zone one can feel safe in while they get the help that they need.