Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Discharge Team. We are looking for an Associate Discharge Co-ordinator to join our team.
If you are dynamic, highly motivated, with a keen interest in discharge planning and patient flow, then this role could be for you.
The successful candidates will have excellent communication and negotiation skills, ability to prioritize workload, working proactively with the Discharge team and ward staff.
The candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent and accurate record keeping. Can demonstrate effective and appropriate IT and telephone skills.
Main duties of the job
1. Provide a comprehensive service to the Trust with a focus to facilitate effective and timely discharge of patients no longer requiring acute care.
2. To assist and support the discharge co-ordinators and the wards in co-ordinating discharges, ensuring effective, timely intervention from all disciplines
3. Participate as an active member of the multidisciplinary team assisting with patient flow and safe discharge of patients as determined by the discharge manager and the discharge co-ordinators.
4. To understand the discharge needs of patients and to refer to appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team for the provision of these care needs.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
5. Specific responsibilities of the role require a consistent and coordinated approach to the operational management of patient flow, with an emphasis on an on-going and ‘real time’ understanding of the wards current and predicted capacity position, and the timely and well-timed discharge process.
6. Provide support to the discharge co-ordinators
7. Attend the daily board rounds and safety huddles, taking actions to support the wards and patient flow for that day.
8. Ensure early escalation to Site Team of patients needing repatriation to other hospitals.
9. Escalate any delays in diagnostic tests to the discharge co-ordinator or discharge manager
10. Review patients and their discharge plans as directed by the discharge co-ordinator
11. Assist with the completion and sending off of referral forms as instructed by the discharge co-ordinator
12. Liaise with pharmacy regarding discharge medication.
13. Book discharge transport to expedite patient discharges
14. Support the full utilization of the Discharge Lounge throughout the day and encourage the use of this to the ward team.
15. Work always in a way that minimises the risk of infection (to patients and self) and maintains health, safety and security in line with established protocols (e.g. hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment).
16. Work always in a way that maintains patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
17. Good general education English and Maths GCSE A-C
Desirable criteria
18. Level 2/3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2/3)
Knowledge
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of continuous personal development Awareness of current NHS and Healthcare issues Previous experience as Health Care Assistant or Administrative Assistant, with health or social care experience or equivalent
20. Previous experience as Health Care Assistant or Administrative Assistant, with health or social care experience or equivalent
Desirable criteria
21. Experience of multi-disciplinary team working
22. Experience in discharge planning or working in the patient flow area
Skills and ED&I
Essential criteria
23. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
24. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications