Inpatient Support Worker

Central Recruitment Services Ltd; Harrow; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Central Training is recruiting an Inpatient Support Worker in Harrow to support patients transitioning from hospital to community living. You will assist with benefits, housing, and life-skill development, ensuring smooth and person-centred care.

This role is 28 hours per week (Tue–Fri), 08:00–16:00, on a fixed-term 6-month contract, paid at £17.49 per hour including holiday pay. Collaboration with hospital discharge teams is essential to promote safe, timely discharge and community integration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months' paid experience in a front-line social care role within the last 3 years
• Fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply (cost £60)
• Current valid right to work in the UK
• Experience with housing and benefits forms and community visits

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive, person-centred discharge plan with the hospital discharge team
• Coordinate with the discharge team to deliver a joined-up discharge process
• Provide practical and emotional support to patients, families and carers
• Identify and manage risks to reduce readmission and ensure a safe living environment
• Advocate for patients’ needs during discharge planning
• Connect patients with community services, housing, social care and voluntary organisations
• Lead a weekly wellbeing activity group for patients waiting or ready for discharge
• Maintain clear records of assessments, care plans and progress

Skills

Mental health experience

Trauma-informed care

Person-centred care

Discharge pathways

CRHT knowledge

Mental Health Act

Mental Capacity Act

Care Act

Human Rights Act

Organisational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Housing/Benefits knowledge

Job description

Central Training is working with a prominent mental health charity that provides crucial services and support to the local community.

Our client is currently recruiting an Inpatient Support Worker to work in the Harrow area at a service that provides support to inpatients transitioning from the hospital to community living. The role involves helping clients to set up benefits, manage tenancies and develop life skills to live independently.

• 28 hours per week
• Tuesday - Friday
• Shifts: 08:00 - 16:00
• Fixed term contract: 6 months
• £17.49 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people moving towards greater independence.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the hospital discharge team to assess and understand patient needs, preferences, and risks to develop a comprehensive and person-centred discharge plan
• Act as a central point of conduct, coordinating with the hospital discharge team to deliver a joined-up approach to discharge
• Provide practical support (e.g., benefit claims, housing matters) and emotional support to the patient, their family, and carers to manage concerns and facilitate the transition to the community
• Identify and manage potential risks to reduce likelihood of readmission, ensuring the patient has a safe and sustainable living environment
• Advocate for patients' needs and preferences during discharge planning
• Connect patients with relevant community services, housing options, social care and voluntary organisations to meet their ongoing needs and promote recovery
• Lead a weekly wellbeing activity group supporting patients who are waiting or ready for discharge
• Maintain clear records of assessment, care plans, and progress, adhering to professional codes of conduct and organisational policies.

What we're looking for:

• Experience working with mental health patients from a range of diverse backgrounds
• Experience providing trauma informed and person-centred support
• Working knowledge of Early Intervention, primary Care, recovery, Crisis Resolution& Home Treatment (CRHT) approach and social inclusion
• An understanding of discharge pathways and procedures to support timely discharge and access to appropriate support services in the community
• An understanding of key legislation that may affect people with lived experience of mental health including the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act
• Excellent organisational skills to manage a caseload, coordinate activities and ensure timely discharge
• The ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and a range of professionals whilst maintaining professional boundaries
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of supporting patients with housing and benefit forms, appointments and community visit

Further requirements:

In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Current valid right to work in the UK
• Minimum 12 months' of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
• A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
• Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process