Job SummaryThe Hospital Social Worker provides specialist social work support to patients, families, and carers within [local authority]. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder undertakes assessments, provides emotional and practical support, and facilitates safe, person-centred discharge planning. The role involves promoting wellbeing, safeguarding vulnerable adults, and ensuring that patients have access to appropriate community services and support on discharge from hospital.
Main Duties and Responsibilities*Undertake holistic and strengths-based assessments under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
*Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and counselling to patients and families facing illness, loss, or changes in independence.
*Work collaboratively with ward staff, nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists to coordinate discharge planning.
*Liaise with community teams, care providers, housing services, and voluntary organisations to arrange post-discharge care and support packages.
*Safeguard adults and children in line with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures.
*Complete Mental Capacity Assessments and contribute to Best Interests Decisions when required.
*Support patients and families with practical matters, including housing, benefits, and access to community resources.
*Maintain accurate, timely records in line with NHS Trust and local authority policies.
*Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences, and service development initiatives.
*Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
Qualifications and Registration*Essential:
*Degree in Social Work (BA, MA, or equivalent recognised qualification).
*Current registration with Social Work England.
*Understanding of NHS and local authority frameworks, including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
*Desirable:
*Post-qualifying experience within an acute or community hospital setting.
*Knowledge of Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and discharge-to-assess pathways.
Experience*Proven experience of working with adults, older people, or hospital-based service users.
*Demonstrated ability to undertake complex assessments and develop care and support plans.
*Experience of partnership working across health and social care settings.
*Familiarity with safeguarding, risk management, and multi-agency working.
Skills and Competencies*Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
*Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, multidisciplinary environment.
*Strong organisational and time-management skills.
*Good understanding of confidentiality, GDPR, and professional boundaries.
*Competent IT and record-keeping skills (e.g., Liquidlogic, CareFirst, or similar systems).