Director of Patient Throughput & Strategic Discharge Planning

The Director of Patient Throughput & Strategic Discharge Planning is a system-level leadership role responsible for optimizing patient flow across the continuum of care at PAM Health. This position leads enterprise strategies that improve patient throughput reduce avoidable length of stay (LOS) and ensure timely safe and high-quality dischargesparticularly for clinically socially and operationally complex patients. The role provides system-level oversight and escalation support for complex discharge barriers partnering with hospital and system leadership to resolve challenges related to placement payer authorization medical readiness social determinants of health and post-acute care availability. The Director works collaboratively with executive leadership hospital operations nursing physicians case management therapy and external partners to align throughput initiatives with organizational quality financial and patient experience goals.

I. Position Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution

Develop and implement system-wide patient throughput and discharge planning strategies across LTACH and IRF settings.

Lead LOS optimization initiatives with a focus on reducing avoidable days and delayed discharges.

Standardize discharge planning workflows to support safe timely transitions of care.

Monitor throughput metrics to identify trends bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

Complex Discharge Management & Care Continuum Oversight

Provide enterprise-level oversight and escalation support for high-risk and complex discharges.

Address discharge barriers related to payer authorization placement availability social determinants of health and medical readiness.

Partner with post-acute providers payers and community resources to improve access and continuity of care.

Lead complex discharge reviews and interdisciplinary case conferences to drive timely resolution.

Collaboration & Clinical Leadership

Partner with executive leadership nursing physicians case management therapy and ancillary services to align throughput goals.

Facilitate interdisciplinary throughput LOS and discharge barrier meetings.

Serve as a subject matter expert on best practices in patient flow and care transitions.

Performance Management & Analytics

Establish and monitor KPIs related to LOS avoidable days discharge efficiency and readmissions.

Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and report performance to executive leadership.

Support hospitals in translating data insights into targeted improvement plans.

Quality Compliance & Care Transitions

Ensure compliance with regulatory accreditation and payer requirements related to discharge planning.

Promote evidence-based initiatives that reduce readmissions and improve post-discharge outcomes.

Align throughput initiatives with patient safety quality improvement and patient experience priorities.

II. Leadership

Inclusiveness: Promotes cooperation fairness and equity; shows respect for people and their differences; works to understand perspectives of others; demonstrates empathy; brings out the best in others and in his/her team

Managing Staff: Coaches evaluates develops and inspires staff; sets expectations; recognizes achievements

Stewardship and Resource Management: Demonstrates accountability and sound judgment in managing company resources; appropriate understanding of confidentiality and company values; adheres to and supports company policies procedures and safety guidelines

Problem-Solving: Identifies problems and involves others in seeking solutions; conducts appropriate analysis and searches for best solutions; effectively and efficiently implements appropriate responses to correct problems; responds promptly and effectively to new challenges

Decision-Making: Makes clear consistent decisions; acts with integrity in all decisions; distinguishes relevant from irrelevant information; makes timely appropriate decisions.

Strategic Planning and Organizing: Understands company vision and aligns priorities accordingly; measures outcomes; uses feedback to redirect as required; evaluates alternatives; appropriately organizes complex issues to desirable resolution

Communication: Connects with peers subordinate employees and all customers; actively listens; clearly and effectively shares information; demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills; negotiates effectively.

Quality Improvement: Strives for efficient effective high-quality performance in self and in the department; delivers timely and accurate results; resilient when responding to matters that are challenging; takes initiative to make improvements

Leadership: Motivates others; accepts responsibility; maintains high morale in department; develops trust and credibility; expects honest and ethical behavior of self and staff

Teamwork: Encourages cooperation and collaboration; builds effective teams; works in partnership with others; is flexible; responsive to the needs of others

Development: Maintains up-to-date skills through involvement with professional organizations and/or continuing education

II. Customer Service

Maintains the highest level of customer service via courtesy compassion and positive communication.

Promotes the mission and vision of PAM Health within the work environment and the community.

Respects dignity and confidentiality by adherence to all applicable policies and procedures.

III. Health and Safety

Works in a manner that promotes safety; wears clothing appropriate to the performance of the job.

Participates in OSHA required training.

Follows universal precautions as appropriate for position; complies with Employee Health requirements for continued employment.

Reports unsafe practices to management.

Knows own role in case of an emergency.

Education and Training: Bachelors degree in Nursing Healthcare Administration or related field required; Masters degree preferred.

Minimum of 57 years of progressive leadership experience in hospital operations patient flow or case management.

Demonstrated success improving LOS metrics and managing complex discharge populations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Executive presence with the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams.

Strong analytical problem-solving and escalation management skills.

Excellent communication facilitation and negotiation abilities.

Ability to balance operational efficiency with patient-centered care delivery

If youre looking for a schedule that fits your lifestyle; then ask us about our comprehensive benefits package!

Some things that our hospital can offer YOU as a full-time employee:

• Medical Benefits: EPO/HDHP/HSAoptions including prescription coverage Rx nGo and Teladoc
• Comprehensivedental and vision benefits
• Employee Assistance Program includingcounseling legal and financial service
• Flexible spending (FSA) and health savings(HSA)accounts
• Life and Disability insurancebenefits
• Education/In-Service Opportunitiesincluding continuing education and tuitionassistance
• Supplemental benefits: Accident critical illness cancer pet and identity theftprotectioninsurance options
• Auto Home Cell Phoneand Gym Membership discountofferings
• Personal Travel Discounts
• 401(k) plansand discretionary employer match
• Generous Paid Benefit Time