At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older people returning home from hospital, ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Company: Join Age UK West Sussex, a charity dedicated to improving later life for all.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, 28 days leave, and Blue Light Card eligibility.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, practical, and able to work independently; driving license required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
18 hours per week – includes one weekend in every 4 weeks. Right to Work: You must have the Right to Work in the UK; sponsorship not offered. We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Make a Real Difference Every Day. Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (AUKWSBH) is looking for a caring, proactive Take Home & Settle Coordinator to join our Independent Living Team. This rewarding role supports older people as they leave hospital, helping them return home safely, comfortably and confidently. If you love helping others, enjoy working independently and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, this could be the perfect role for you.
About the Role: As a Take Home & Settle Coordinator, you will be a trusted and reassuring presence for older people at a crucial time. Working closely with our Senior Coordinator and Head of Independent Living Services, you will help deliver a vital service that reduces hospital readmissions and promotes independence.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Promote the Take Home & Settle service across hospital wards
- Take referrals from healthcare professionals and assess suitability for discharge
- Use your own vehicle to transport individuals home from hospital
- Provide friendly, practical support immediately after discharge (e.g., making a hot drink, checking food, ensuring heating is on)
- Carry out simple home safety checks (with consent) to identify and reduce risks
- Position hospital‑issued equipment to support safe recovery at home
- Offer information and signposting to further services
- Keep clear, accurate records on our internal database
- Help ensure we meet service targets and quality standards
Working Pattern: 18 hours per week on a rolling 4‑week rota – includes one weekend in every 4 weeks (enhanced pay). Some flexibility required depending on client needs.
Ideal Candidate: We’d love to hear from you if you are:
- Compassionate, practical and genuinely passionate about helping older people
- Able to work independently, manage your own workload and make confident decisions
- A strong communicator who can build rapport with clients, families, and NHS teams
- Flexible, adaptable and calm under pressure
- A car driver with access to your own vehicle (essential for the role)
Experience in health, care, community or voluntary services is helpful but not essential – your values, empathy and can‑do attitude matter most.
Disability Confident: Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove is a Disability Confident employer and will offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we’re on a mission to change the way we age. As a local, independent charity and proud network partner of the national Age UK, we’re the go‑to for expert guidance and support in later life. Whether it’s tackling issues like poverty, ageism and loneliness or helping people stay healthy, independent, informed and connected – we ensure that no one has to navigate later life alone. Our VIP values – Valued, Included, Passionate – drive everything we do, creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels heard and respected.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: We’re proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe in removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of background, age, or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. As part of our commitment to the Disability Confident programme, we actively support applications from disabled candidates and ensure fair inclusive recruitment practices.
Benefits:
- Flexible working options
- Ongoing professional development
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part‑time roles)
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 4% auto‑enrolment pension with life assurance
- Cycle to work scheme
Take Home & Settle Coordinator in Haywards Heath employer: Age Uk
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of older people. Our supportive work culture fosters compassion and independence, offering flexible working options and ongoing professional development to help you grow in your role. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Take Home & Settle Coordinator in Haywards Heath
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Age Uk.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Age Uk!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Age Uk, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Age Uk or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Take Home & Settle Coordinator in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Age Uk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Age Uk! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age Uk
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
