Adult Social Worker Locum - Hospital Discharge (Barnet)
Rate: £33.79 per hour
Contract: Locum - initial 12 months
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Hybrid Working: Expected 3 days office‑based (subject to service needs)
Location: Barnet Hospital, Barnet General Hospital, EN5 3DJ
Organisation: London Borough of Barnet
Recruiter: Caritas Recruitment
Caritas Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Adult Social Worker to join Barnet Council's Hospital Discharge service, based at Barnet Hospital. This is a long‑term locum opportunity within a fast‑paced service supporting safe and timely discharges from hospital.
The role focuses on Care Act assessments, discharge planning and multi‑disciplinary working, ensuring adults receive appropriate support to return home or move into suitable onward placements.
The Role
You will work within a Hospital Discharge / Pathway service, completing statutory social work functions under the Care Act 2014. The role involves close collaboration with NHS colleagues, families and wider partner agencies to support adults with complex needs at a critical point in their care journey.
Working arrangements are hybrid, with around 3 days per week office‑based depending on service requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake statutory social work tasks including:
Care Act assessments and reviews
Discharge planning and coordination of onward care
Analysis, support planning and commissioning services
Assessing and managing risk
Work closely with health professionals and multidisciplinary teams to support safe and timely hospital discharges
Identify and appropriately progress adult safeguarding concerns in line with local procedures
Apply relevant legal frameworks, statutory guidance and departmental policies to support outcome‑focused planning
Work directly with adults, carers and families to:
Support informed decision‑making
Promote choice, independence and wellbeing
Maintain accurate, timely and high‑quality case recording
Prepare reports for panels and court where requiredA full Social Worker Job Description will be provided to candidates selected for interview.
What We're Looking For
Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
Recent experience within Adult Social Care, ideally including hospital discharge or intermediate care settings
Strong working knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding practice
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment
Confident managing risk and complex decision‑making
Strong communication, assessment and recording skills
Why Work with Natalie at Caritas Recruitment?
I specialise in Adult Social Work recruitment and work in genuine partnership with the people I represent.
I believe recruitment should be transparent and straightforward - with honest conversations, clear information on roles and rates, and no pressure to take something that isn't right for you.
My focus is always on supporting the right move for you.
If you value clarity, professionalism and open communication, we're likely to work well together.
For more information on this role or for a discussion about opportunities across England and Wales please contact Natalie at Caritas Recruitment - n.duckett @ (url removed) / (phone number removed)
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy