Job Overview
An exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated mental health professional to join our Acute Mental Health Services as a Band 7 Mental Health Discharge Facilitator. This senior clinical leadership role focuses on improving patient flow, supporting timely discharges from inpatient services, and ensuring safe, person‑centred transitions of care.
The Mental Health Discharge Facilitator is a key role within the Acute Crisis Response Services, specialising in facilitating safe, effective, and timely discharge from adult acute mental health inpatient wards. Working closely with ward MDTs, Home Treatment Teams, community services and partner agencies, the post holder will support patient flow, reduce delayed discharges and ensure robust discharge planning and safety arrangements are in place. The role also aligns closely with the Integrated Crisis Assessment Hub (ICAH) and the wider crisis pathway.
Main Duties
* Facilitate timely, safe, and effective discharge from adult acute mental health wards
* Identify and manage complex and delayed discharges
* Work closely with ward MDTs, HTTs, community teams, and partner agencies
* Attend ward rounds, MDT meetings, and bed‑management meetings
* Support patient flow and reduce unnecessary inpatient stays
* Provide specialist clinical advice relating to discharge planning
* Support crisis pathways in alignment with ICAH and acute services
* Contribute to service development, audits, and quality improvement
* Provide leadership, supervision, and support to junior staff
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The post holder will provide expert clinical support and leadership to discharge processes within adult acute inpatient wards, coordinating and overseeing discharge planning from the point of admission, identifying complex discharges early and working collaboratively with ward teams and external agencies to overcome barriers.
The role requires strong system knowledge, negotiation skills, and the ability to work across organisational boundaries. The Discharge Facilitator will also contribute to service development, policy implementation, audit activity, and the supervision and development of junior staff.
Clinical & Operational
* Lead and support discharge planning processes from inpatient wards
* Identify potential discharge barriers early and escale appropriately
* Coordinate transfers of care with health, social care, and voluntary sector partners
* Ensure discharge and safety plans are robust, person‑centred and clearly documented
Leadership & Governance
* Provide clinical leadership to MDTs and HTT link workers
* Act as a role model for best practice and collaborative working
* Contribute to policy development, audits, and service improvement
* Ensure practice aligns with Trust policies, CQC standards and legislation
Communication & Partnership Working
* Communicate effectively with service users, carers, families and professionals
* Maintain strong working relationships across acute and community services
* Provide clear verbal and written reports on discharge planning and progress
Benefits and Employment Details
* Post share – 17.5 hours per week
* Probationary period applies
* High Cost Area Supplement – Outer London: 15% of basic salary (minimum payment of £4,870 and maximum payment of £6,137 per annum, pro‑rata for part time)
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