Hospital Social Worker – AR

Location: Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith & Fulham
Department: People – Adult Social Care
Grade: PO1–PO3
Contract: Temporary / Contract

Job Purpose

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Social Worker to join its Hospital Discharge Service at Charing Cross Hospital. The successful candidate will provide professional social work support to adults, families and carers, helping individuals leave hospital safely and access the appropriate care and support to maintain their independence and wellbeing.

You will manage complex cases, assess care and support needs, develop person-centred support plans and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes in line with the Care Act 2014 and relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess adults’ care and support needs and develop appropriate hospital discharge plans.
• Work collaboratively with hospital staff, healthcare professionals, families and care providers to facilitate safe and timely discharges.
• Develop strength-based support plans that promote independence, choice, control and wellbeing.
• Arrange appropriate care packages, reablement services, community support and other interventions where required.
• Undertake safeguarding enquiries, assess risks and take appropriate action to protect vulnerable adults.
• Conduct mental capacity assessments and contribute to best-interest decisions in accordance with relevant legislation.
• Provide advice and guidance on NHS Continuing Healthcare processes, Personal Budgets and Direct Payments.
• Apply the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act and other relevant statutory requirements to assessments, reviews and care planning.
• Manage complex situations, engage with individuals who may be resistant to support and make sound professional decisions.
• Maintain accurate case records and communicate assessments, decisions and recommendations clearly.
• Provide professional guidance and reflective supervision to less experienced colleagues where required.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Degree in Social Work, DipSW or CQSW.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• A minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience in a statutory setting.
• Experience working with adults with complex care and support needs.
• Experience of safeguarding enquiries, mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions.
• Detailed knowledge of NHS Continuing Healthcare and hospital discharge processes.
• Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and relevant adult social care legislation.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and multi-agency environments.
• Excellent communication, assessment, risk management and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload independently and work effectively under pressure.

Additional Information

• The role operates within a hospital service providing seven-day coverage between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, with flexible working arrangements required.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice is essential.
• Practice Educator experience or a willingness to undertake the relevant training is desirable.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Adult Social Worker with strong hospital discharge or complex discharge planning experience. They will be confident managing risk, coordinating multidisciplinary support and making evidence-based decisions that enable adults to leave hospital safely while promoting their independence, dignity and wellbeing.