Specialist Social Worker | University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

This post will work across the life span of both Paediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis patients. The post holder will provide social work services that meet the needs of children, adolescents and adults with CF and their families, in line with the Regional Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Network and national best‑practice guidelines. The core responsibility is to support patients and families in managing psychosocial, practical and health‑related challenges, including the impact of CF at key stages such as diagnosis, transition, deteriorating health, transplantation and end‑of‑life care. The role links the paediatric and adult services to provide a seamless, patient‑centred experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children’s and adult CF patients across inpatient, outpatient and community settings.
• Undertake holistic psychosocial assessments and develop care plans in partnership with patients and families.
• Provide emotional support, brief psychosocial interventions and promote coping, adjustment and treatment engagement.
• Identify and address barriers to treatment adherence, including social, psychological and practical factors.
• Provide advice on welfare benefits, housing, education and employment; advocate for patients and families within health, social care and other agencies.
• Act as a core member of the cystic fibrosis MDT – attend clinics, ward rounds, MDT meetings and liaise with local authority, community and outlying services.
• Liaise with safeguarding teams – conduct risk assessments, contribute to safeguarding plans and manage safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance.
• Undertake home visits and community outreach where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records and participate in supervision, training and continuing professional development.
• Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement activities.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain registration with Social Work England and adhere to professional standards and conduct.
• Ensure compliance with child protection, adult safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act requirements.
• Deliver education and training on psychosocial issues and wider determinants of health to the MDT.
• Attend and participate actively in all mandatory meetings, supervision, appraisal and CPD activities.
• Maintain accurate records of all discussions, contacts and communications with patients and care providers.
• Perform any other duties agreed with the line manager that support the role and service objectives.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with registration maintained via Social Work England.
• Experience working with cystic fibrosis patients across the lifespan.
• Experience in multidisciplinary team settings and familiarity with local authority social services policies.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures, statutory legislation and best practices in social work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage caseloads, provide crisis responses and conduct home and community visits.

UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer, we actively work towards a diverse workforce that represents the local population.