ASW - Social Work Officer PO1

Job Description Summary – Social Work Officer (Hospital Discharge Team) The Social Work Officer (SWO) is a vital member of the Hospital Discharge Team, supporting the safe, timely, and effective discharge of adults from hospital settings. Working under the direction of qualified Social Workers and Team Managers, the post holder undertakes a range of Care Act-related interventions, Mental Capacity Act work, safeguarding activities, discharge planning tasks, and coordination functions that contribute directly to reducing hospital delays and improving outcomes for residents. The role provides essential operational support across acute hospital pathways, including emergency and planned discharges, and plays a key role in facilitating patient flow throughout the hospital. The SWO works collaboratively with multidisciplinary partners, including health professionals, brokerage services, community providers, housing services, carers, and families to ensure people are discharged to the most appropriate setting with suitable support arrangements in place. The post holder supports the Hospital Discharge Team's enhanced discharge model, including A&E discharge pathways, where rapid assessment, coordination, and intervention are required to prevent unnecessary admissions and avoid delays within the acute setting. By undertaking low to moderate complexity casework, gathering information, arranging support services, progressing discharge actions, and supporting statutory processes, the SWO enables qualified Social Workers to focus on higher-risk, complex, and statutory interventions. The Social Work Officer contributes to the Council's responsibilities under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding legislation, while promoting strengths-based practice, independence, choice, dignity, and person-centred outcomes for adults and their carers. Key Responsibilities Support the discharge planning process for adults requiring social care intervention following hospital admission. Undertake non-complex Care Act assessments, reviews, reassessments, and support planning activities under appropriate supervision. Gather, record, and analyse information to support Social Workers in completing assessments and care planning. Facilitate referrals and coordinate services including domiciliary care, residential and nursing placements, reablement, community support, and voluntary sector provision. Support Mental Capacity Act processes, including capacity assessments, best-interest documentation, and information gathering where appropriate. Assist with safeguarding enquiries and related activities under the guidance of qualified practitioners. Liaise effectively with patients, carers, families, health professionals, community partners, and service providers to facilitate safe and timely discharge arrangements. Monitor discharge pathways and identify barriers to discharge, taking appropriate action to resolve issues promptly. Maintain accurate, timely, and auditable electronic records in line with legislative and organisational requirements. Support hospital flow initiatives, including same-day discharge and admission avoidance pathways. Contribute to the effective operation of a seven-day hospital discharge service where required. Promote independence, wellbeing, and strengths-based approaches in all aspects of practice. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and professional standards. Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and continuous professional development activities. Work collaboratively across health and social care systems to achieve positive outcomes and reduce delays in discharge.