Locum Children In Need Qualified Social Worker

Locum Social Worker – Hospital Discharge Team (Stroke Unit)

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced Locum Social Worker to join the Hospital Discharge Team, supporting the Hyper-Acute and Acute Stroke Units. This is a full-time position working 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm), offered on an initial 12-week contract.

This specialist role supports patients throughout their stroke recovery and discharge journey, working across both the hospital stroke wards and the community neuro-rehabilitation service. You will play a key role in discharge planning, safeguarding, complex case management and ensuring patients receive the appropriate community support following discharge.

You will work within a highly integrated multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dietitians, Neuropsychologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Therapy Assistants, Psychology, Reablement Services and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

   
• Manage a caseload of patients requiring complex discharge planning following stroke.
     

• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate safe, timely and person-centred hospital discharges.
     

• Attend joint assessments, family meetings, safeguarding meetings and multidisciplinary case discussions.
     

• Provide specialist social care advice to the multidisciplinary team, including guidance on the Care Act and social care processes.
     

• Support proactive discharge planning and identify potential barriers to discharge at an early stage.
     

• Advise patients and families regarding community services, benefits, housing and ongoing support.
     

• Liaise with external agencies regarding complex issues including homelessness, housing and no recourse to public funds.
     

• Support Discharge to Assess, Reablement, Transfer of Care Hub and community neuro-rehabilitation services with complex stroke cases.
     

• Contribute to patient flow initiatives and service improvement through data collection and quality monitoring.
     

• Provide professional expertise to external agencies, including Continuing Healthcare, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), GPs and voluntary sector partners.

About You

You will be a highly skilled Adult Social Worker with significant experience in hospital discharge and multidisciplinary working. You will be confident managing complex cases, working within fast-paced acute hospital settings and supporting patients and families through challenging transitions from hospital to community services.

Requirements

   
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
     

• Significant experience working within Hospital Discharge Teams.
     

• Strong multidisciplinary team (MDT) working experience.
     

• Excellent knowledge of the Care Act and adult safeguarding legislation.
     

• Experience managing complex discharge planning and community support arrangements.
     

• Strong communication, assessment and problem-solving skills.
     

• Ability to work collaboratively across health and social care services.
     

• Willingness to work on-site a minimum of three days per week, with mandatory attendance every Thursday.

Contract & Salary

   
• Job Title: Locum Social Worker – Hospital Discharge Team (Stroke Unit)
     

• Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm)
     

• Contract: 12 Weeks
     

• Pay Rate: Up to £34 per hour (dependent on experience)
     

• Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week on-site, with Thursday attendance mandatory. Additional on-site days may be required depending on service demand.
     

• Locations: St George’s Hospital Stroke Unit and the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Adult Social Worker with a strong background in hospital discharge and multidisciplinary working, we’d love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist stroke service where you’ll play a vital role in supporting patients to achieve safe and successful discharges. Apply using the form on the page.