Social Worker

London Borough of Hillingdon; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Travel Support

Cycle to Work

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Job summary

The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join the Immediate Response Service, Hospital Team, to support adults with hospital discharge and complex needs.

You will collaborate with Hospital Trusts and partners, undertake strength-based assessments, and develop personalised plans to promote safe, timely discharge and ongoing independence for adults in transition. This role offers progression, ongoing training, and a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• Holds Social Work England registration.
• Strong background in statutory duties including Care Act responsibilities and safeguarding adults.
• Experience in hospital discharge, adult safeguarding, or urgent response services.
• Demonstrates creativity, innovation, and commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building across agencies.
• Motivated, resilient and ready to take on a social worker role within the team.
• Strong knowledge of Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Human Rights Act.
• Excellent communication, assessment and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to professional development and reflective practice.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Hospital Trusts and wider partners.
• Undertake strength-based assessments to support safe and effective hospital discharge.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals, care providers, and families to develop personalised care plans.
• Undertake Care Act Assessments, Section 117 reviews, Mental Capacity Act assessments, Best Interest decisions.
• Respond to safeguarding referrals, conduct risk assessments, and implement protection plans.
• Promote independence and least restrictive options in line with the Care Act 2014

Skills

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Care Act knowledge

Human Rights Act knowledge

Job description

Are you a high-performing Adults’ Social Worker ready to take the next step in your career? This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority that values professional development and supports innovation in practice.

About the role

Are you a high-performing Adults’ Social Worker ready to take the next step in your career? This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority that values professional development and supports innovation in practice.

We are currently seeking a Social Worker to join our Immediate Response Service, Hospital Team, where you will play a vital role in supporting adults with their discharge from hospital.

What You’ll Do

• Work collaboratively with Hospital Trusts and wider partners.
• Undertake strength-based assessments to support safe and effective hospital discharge.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals, care providers, and families to develop personalised care plans.
• Undertake Care Act Assessments, Section 117 reviews, Mental Capacity Act assessments, Best Interest decisions.
• Respond to safeguarding referrals, conduct risk assessments, and implement protection plans.
• Promote independence and least restrictive options in line with the Care Act 2014

About You

• We are looking for a qualified and experienced Social Worker who:
• Holds Social Work England registration.
• Has a strong background in delivering statutory duties, including Care Act responsibilities and safeguarding adults.
• Experience in hospital discharge, adult safeguarding, or urgent response services.
• Demonstrates creativity, innovation, and a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
• Brings excellent communication and relationship-building skills to foster collaborative working across agencies.
• Is motivated, resilient, and ready to take on a social worker role within the team.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Human Rights Act.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and decision‑making skills.
• Commitment to professional development and reflective practice

Why Join Us:

• Become part of a highly rated Adult Social Work service and play a key role in improving lives across Hillingdon.
• Career progression, Practice Educator, including Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) training, and development opportunities are available, with a clear pathway for growth.
• You’ll contribute to delivering essential services and support vulnerable adults in their transition to independence.
• If you are committed to making a difference in the lives of adults with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

About You

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give your best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation’s success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note:

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early.