Hackney Council is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join its Hospital Discharge Team, supporting adults with complex needs to achieve safe, timely, and sustainable discharges from hospital back into the community. The role sits within a community mental health social work team and focuses on ensuring individuals receive the right support to transition safely from inpatient settings to community living.
About the Role
As a Hospital Discharge Social Worker, you will work closely with hospital wards, community mental health teams, health professionals, housing services, carers, and external partners to coordinate effective discharge planning from admission through to community reintegration.
Key responsibilities include:
Completing Care Act assessments using a strengths-based approach.
Coordinating safe and legally compliant hospital discharges.
Supporting Section 117 aftercare planning where applicable.
Arranging appropriate care and support packages.
Managing safeguarding concerns and risk assessments.
Working within Mental Capacity Act and DoLS frameworks.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
Promoting independence, wellbeing, and person-centred practice.
Maintaining high-quality assessments, support plans, and case records.
Flexible Working
This team offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement:
Social Workers do not need to be based in the hospital five days a week.
Hospital visits are only required when there is a need to complete assessments or undertake discharge-related work.
The expectation is to attend the Hackney office two days per week.
Many team members use their office days as an opportunity to visit wards and complete any hospital-based activity as needed.This provides an excellent balance between direct practice, collaborative working, and flexibility.
About You
To be considered, you will have:
Social Work England registration.
A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
Experience undertaking Adult Social Care assessments and support planning under the Care Act.
Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding legislation, and strengths-based practice.
Experience managing complex adult caseloads and working in multidisciplinary settings.
Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Why Join Hackney?
Flexible hybrid working model.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on hospital discharge pathways.
Supportive and collaborative team environment.
Diverse and rewarding caseload focused on improving outcomes for residents.
If you're passionate about supporting adults to achieve safe and successful transitions from hospital to the community, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact (url removed) for more information.
Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy
Salary description
£32.00 - £32.00 per hour