Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Qualified Social Worker required for the Adults Home First Team, supporting timely and safe hospital discharge across Dorset.
• The role focuses on the Discharge to Assess / Home First model, working closely with health partners to enable people to return home with appropriate support.
• Hybrid role involving hospital, community, and office-based work.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Lead on complex hospital discharge assessments in line with national and local guidance.
• Undertake Care Act 2014 assessments using strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
• Carry out Mental Capacity Assessments and make Best Interests decisions where required.
• Develop, implement, and review care and support plans, coordinating reablement and community services.
• Manage risks and safeguarding concerns in accordance with Dorset Council policies.
• Work collaboratively with NHS professionals, reablement teams, housing, and voluntary sector partners.
• Attend acute and community hospitals across Dorset and support duty work as required.
• Manage a busy caseload, prioritising work to meet urgent discharge deadlines.
Skills/Experience:
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Experience in Adults Social Work, preferably within hospital discharge settings.
• Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience working with complex cases and the Court of Protection.
• Ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong assessment, risk management, and care planning skills.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making abilities.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 17/04/2026.
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Location: Dorchester, Dorset (hospital and community-based work across the county).
• Contract: Temporary, full-time.
• Working pattern: Hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in the office.
• Rate: £32.00 – £35.00 per hour.
• Enhanced DBS (Adults & Children) required – arranged by the employer.
Requirements
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration. • Experience in Adults Social Work, preferably within hospital discharge settings. • Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding legislation. • Experience working with complex cases and the Court of Protection. • Ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams. • Strong assessment, risk management, and care planning skills. • Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making abilities.