Discharge and Community Liaison Social Worker

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT); Hertford Heath; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The post holder at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) provides specialist social work support to older adults with functional mental health needs admitted to MHSOP inpatient wards. You will lead social care assessment, care planning and discharge coordination to ensure safe, timely and person-centred transitions from hospital to community settings.

Using a strengths-based and recovery-focused approach, you will promote independence, safeguarding and least

Qualifications

• Specialist social work support for older adults with functional mental health needs.
• Lead on social care assessment, care planning and discharge coordination.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead discharge planning from admission and coordinate timely discharges.
• Coordinate care including community services and housing if needed.
• Provide advocacy and professional advice within MDT meetings.

Skills

Discharge planning

Social care assessment

Advocacy

MDT collaboration

Job description

The post holder provides specialist social work support to older adults with functional mental health needs admitted to MHSOP inpatient wards. As a key member of the MDT, the post holder leads on social care assessment, care planning and discharge coordination, ensuring safe, timely and person-centred transitions from hospital to community settings.

Using a strengths-based and recovery-focused approach, the post holder promotes independence, wellbeing, choice, dignity and least restrictive practice while safeguarding vulnerable adults. Acting as a key link between inpatient and community services, they work collaboratively with service users, carers and partner agencies to coordinate discharge arrangements, overcome barriers to discharge and secure sustainable outcomes.

The role includes care coordination, risk management, advocacy, safeguarding, professional consultation and maintaining accurate records. Through effective partnership working and social work leadership, the post holder contributes to reducing delayed discharges and improving recovery-focused outcomes for older adults.

Provide advice and advocacy to service users, carers and families. Lead discharge planning from admission, coordinating safe, timely and discharges by identifying and addressing barriers and arranging appropriate support, including domiciliary care, residential and nursing placements, supported living, reablement, equipment and Section 117 aftercare.

Undertake Carer Assessments, Care Act Assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments and contribute to Best Interests decision-making. Promote safeguarding practice, undertake safeguarding enquiries where required, and contribute to risk assessment and management that balances protection, independence and least restrictive practice.

Provide professional advice to multidisciplinary colleagues on social care legislation, safeguarding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, ordinary residence and charging responsibilities. Represent social work within MDT meetings, ward rounds and discharge forums, advocating for the rights, wishes and wellbeing of service users and carers.

Maintain accurate records and statutory documentation, contribute to quality improvement, audits and integrated working, participate in supervision and continuing professional development, support students and newly qualified staff and comply with Trust policies, procedures and professional standards.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission.

Our Family Of Over 4,500 Members Of Staff Provide Health And Social Care For People With Mental Ill Health, Physical Ill Health And Learning Disabilities Across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex And Norfolk, Delivering These Services Within The Community And Several Inpatient Settings. Everything Is Underpinned By Choice, Independence And Equality, With Our Trust Values Embedded Throughout

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.