Leukaemia UK Mind and Body Social Worker
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
This job is now closed
Job summary
This Social Work role is based in a busy, inner city hospital serving a diverse population. The post-holder will provide, develop, and ensure the systematic provision of a specialist, comprehensive, and evidence-based social work service for adult patients within the Haemato-Oncology (haematological malignancies) and Haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell and thalassaemia) services of the Department of Haematology. The applicant should have an active interest in the needs of patients living with chronic illnesses and the role of Social Work within a medical setting. The post holder will advocate for and empower patient choice, promoting autonomy within the healthcare system. Responsibilities include establishing appropriate care modes to support patients and their families in a specialist setting.
The Department of Haematology at King's upholds a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to haematological care. It is the largest Haematology department in south-east UK, with an extensive referral base covering SE London, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, receiving over 75% of regional referrals.
Main duties of the job
Clinical responsibilities
1. Assess, evaluate, and support the complex social needs of haematology patients and their carers/families.
2. Advocate on behalf of patients/families/carers regarding social, cultural, financial, emotional, and practical needs, providing or signposting to benefits advice or external/statutory services as appropriate.
3. Provide expert social work interventions, including information, advice, and support to patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
4. Assess and evaluate risks for vulnerable patients and families, managing these appropriately.
5. Establish and develop relationships with clinical staff, Social Services, Benefit Agencies, Welfare Groups, and other service providers to promote coordinated discharge planning and support.
Please see attached Job Description for more details on the duties and responsibilities of this role.
About us
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a large, busy teaching Trust with a turnover of approximately £1.8 billion, serving 1.5 million patients annually, with over 15,000 staff across South East London. Our strategy, 'Strong Roots, Global Reach,' aims to be bold, innovative, and inclusive, focusing on outstanding care, research, education, diversity, and sustainability. We are committed to delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan, targeting net zero NHS carbon emissions by 2040 and 2045 respectively. We encourage staff to contribute responsibly to environmental goals.
Job responsibilities
Clinical responsibilities
* Assess, evaluate, and support the social needs of haematology patients and their carers/families.
* Develop therapeutic relationships to establish communication, trust, and support.
* Manage own caseload, providing individual and group support.
* Gain knowledge of Haemato-Oncology & Haemoglobinopathy disorders and their psychosocial impacts.
* Advise the multidisciplinary team on statutory duties, social policy, and legal frameworks.
* Communicate community care needs to relevant agencies to maximize independence and reduce risks.
* Advocate for patients and families regarding social, cultural, financial, emotional, and practical needs, signposting to appropriate services.
* Provide expert social work interventions, information, and advice.
* Assess and manage risks for vulnerable patients and families.
* Ensure access to social work support for Haemato-Oncology and Haemoglobinopathy patients.
* Review and develop referral and support pathways.
* Build relationships with clinical staff, social services, benefit agencies, and other providers for coordinated care.
Research, education, and service development
* Support monitoring and auditing of social work services.
* Participate in training and educational programs.
* Attend conferences on psychosocial aspects of haematology care.
* Disseminate research findings and identify gaps for development.
* Prepare an annual report on social work services.
Governance and quality control
* Attend relevant meetings and contribute to initiatives.
* Support supervision of students on placement.
* Maintain records per professional guidelines and report adverse incidents.
* Work towards sustainable social work support models across the Trust.
* Participate in Trust social work platforms and CPD events.
* Attend clinical supervision and stay updated with current literature.
* Maintain registration with Social Work England and engage with professional development.
General
* Show compassion, respect, and professionalism within the team.
* Prioritize own health, safety, and wellbeing, and adhere to Trust policies.
* Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information.
* Contribute to personal and team development.
Safeguarding
The Trust emphasizes safeguarding children, adults, and addressing domestic abuse. Staff must attend mandatory training, familiarize themselves with reporting procedures, and report concerns appropriately.
Infection Control
Adhere to infection control standards as outlined in national and local policies, ensuring strict compliance at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Social Work
* Registration with Social Work England
* Post-Graduate degree in Social Work/Policy (completed or in progress)
* Post-Graduate certificate in Practice Education/Enabling Others
Knowledge and Experience
* Experience managing own caseload independently
* Experience caring for patients with long-term health conditions
* Experience with loss and grief
* Knowledge of social policies and legislation related to safeguarding, mental capacity, and welfare rights
* Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
* Ability to evaluate complex psychosocial needs
* Experience receiving clinical supervision
* Experience caring for patients with cancer or haematological conditions
* Experience in acute hospital settings
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This role requires a DBS check due to safeguarding responsibilities.
Salary: £54,320 to £60,981 per annum, inclusive of HCA
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