Discharge Support Assistant | Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust; Lewes; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Discharge Support Assistant to work within the multidisciplinary ward team, coordinating safe and timely discharges from the Intermediate Care Unit in line with SCFT policies.

The role involves liaising with the MDT, ward staff, and external partners to ensure patients and families understand discharge plans, while monitoring progress in weekly Length of Stay meetings. This is an administrative role supporting smooth patient flow.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate safe, timely discharges from the Intermediate Care Unit (ICU) in line with SCFT standards.
• Liaise with MDT, ward staff, and external agencies to support patients with complex discharge needs.
• Provide up-to-date discharge information and highlight delays during Length of Stay meetings.

Job description

Discharge Support Assistant | Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

The Discharge Support Assistant (DSA) will be expected to work as part of the multidisciplinary (MDT) ward team and in collaboration with external agencies and partners, to co-ordinate and facilitate the safe and timely discharge of patients from the Intermediate Care Unit (ICU) in line with SCFT standards and policies.

The DSA role is essential to ensure the patient’s journey is as smooth as possible and without any unnecessary delays which will, in turn, support patient flow and capacity through the system as a whole

Please note: Due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules, this role may not be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered. Candidates requiring sponsorship should review the eligibility criteria on thegov.uk websitebefore applying to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.

Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes - GOV.UK

Health and Care Worker visa: If you’ll need to meet different salary requirements - GOV.UK

The main duties of the DSA are to work within the Multi-disciplinary team to facilitate safe and timely discharges from the intermediate care unit. DSAs will ensure that all patient , their relatives/carers are aware of discharge plans and the expected date of discharge. DSAs will liaise with the MDT, ward manager, medical and nursing staff to support in managing the discharge of patients with complex needs. Provide MDT with up to date information on the discharge progress of individual patients ensuring any anticipated delays are highlighted during the weekly Length of Stay meetings.

We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.

Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.

Why work for us?

• Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
• Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex
• Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
• Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
• Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
• Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
• Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust

Our values—Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence—guide everything we do.

We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.

The role of Discharge Support Assistant is an administrative position which requires a high degree of organisational and administrative ability. The DSA will make onward referrals to Adult Social Care SCFT services providers, community providers, voluntary and private sector partners.

DSAs will be required to liaise with patients, their families and next of kin to promote safe and timely discharge from the ICU. Holding discharge discussions at an early stage in the patient's journey is essential and should be undertaken in collaboration with other MDT colleagues.

DSAs should co-ordinate Best Interest Meetings, assessments, case conferences and support MDT meetings as required.

DSAs will be required to book transport for discharge using the electronic EMED booking system for which training will be given.

DSAs are to attend weekly Length of Stay (LOLS) meetings to provide updates and take any actions arising from the meeting

This advert closes on Thursday 19 Nov 2026