Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Adults Social Worker – Hospital Discharge

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Adults Social Worker to join Southampton City Council’s Hospital and Home First Service. Working as part of the Integrated Discharge Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting safe, timely hospital discharges and promoting independence for adults with complex needs.  

This is a highly rewarding, fast-paced role where your work will make a real difference every day. You will work closely with health professionals, families, and community partners to assess needs, coordinate care, and ensure people receive the right support post-discharge to live safely and independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on hospital discharge planning using a strengths-based, person-centred approach that promotes independence and choice.
• Undertake Care Act 2014 assessments and reviews, ensuring care and support plans are outcome-focused and proportionate.
• Carry out Mental Capacity Act assessments and make Best Interest decisions where appropriate.
• Respond promptly to Safeguarding Adults concerns and lead on Section 42 enquiries where required.
• Liaise with NHS colleagues, housing teams, and community partners to coordinate safe and effective discharge arrangements.
• Undertake face-to-face assessments on wards and community visits to review post-discharge support.
• Promote and facilitate a Home First approach wherever possible to enable individuals to return safely to their homes.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with statutory and professional standards.
• Advocate for individuals’ rights, promoting dignity, choice, and positive risk-taking.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings and discharge planning processes to ensure person-centred outcomes are achieved.

About You

 
You are a dedicated, person-centred social worker who thrives in a dynamic, fast-moving hospital environment. You have strong assessment and communication skills, a deep understanding of adult social care legislation, and a passion for supporting people to achieve safe and sustainable outcomes after hospital discharge. You are proactive, resilient, and skilled at balancing professional judgment with empathy and compassion.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Proven experience in Adult Social Care, ideally within hospital discharge or integrated care settings.
• Strong working knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding Adults frameworks.
• Experience completing Care Act assessments, discharge planning, and safeguarding enquiries.
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise work effectively in a high-demand environment.
• Commitment to strengths-based and outcome-focused practice.
• Transport required for community visits post-discharge.
• Confidence in conducting face-to-face assessments on hospital wards and in community settings.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Southampton City Council
• Service Area: Adult Social Care – Hospital and Home First Service
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: On-site (hospital and community-based work)

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced and compassionate Adults Social Worker who is passionate about enabling people to regain independence and safely return home after hospital discharge, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.