Patient Key Worker
Closing date: 30 April 2026.
Job responsibilities
* To ensure quality care and support service which enables patients to be supported throughout their care pathway whilst promoting independence and protecting choice, dignity, privacy, and safety.
* To work in support of qualified staff and allied healthcare professionals in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of the discharge pathways in conjunction with the complex discharge team.
* To assist the wider MDT in facilitating a safe and timely transfer out of the hospital environment for all ward patients.
* To ensure early conversations are initiated with the patient/carer to ensure the following: patient and/or carer is aware of the expected date of discharge and is kept informed when this changes.
* Identifying and escalating any barriers to the patient returning home or care home on the expected date of discharge.
* Liaise with care agencies/care homes to clarify what the patients' needs and capabilities were prior to admission.
* To support the patients and families expectations about discharge destinations within the capability of partner agencies.
* Attend MDT and update notes and systems as appropriate.
* Document verbal instructions and discussions in regard to patient discharge pathway.
* Seek advice from complex discharge team if a complex need is identified.
* To communicate effectively at all times within the team, other healthcare professionals and with the patient family, carers/visitors.
* Ability to prioritise workload daily and adapt as needed.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
* GCSE level or equivalent, including English at Grade C or above.
* NVQ Level 2/3 in a relevant subject.
Knowledge & Experience
* Understanding of the role of a Patient Key Worker.
* Experience/understanding of ward-based care.
Skills and Abilities
* Evidence of good communication skills.
* Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality.
* Evidence of ability to maintain accurate and legible documentation.
* The ability to work autonomously using initiative and escalating appropriately.
* The ability to take direction from both the ward and discharge team to work proactively in facilitating a safe transition plan for individual patients.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Equal Opportunity Statement
We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.
#J-18808-Ljbffr