At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Continuing Healthcare team, providing expert advice and support for complex health needs.
- Company: Join Darlington Borough Council and make a real difference in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive leadership structure and contribute to regional networks.
- Why this job: Influence practice and advocate for equitable access to NHS-funded care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Adult Social Care and CHC.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Hours and Pay
Salary £47,181 - £50,269 per annum Salary Band £40,001 to £50,000 Post Type Fixed Term Hours Per Week Full time
Job and Application details
Categories Social Care - Adult Service Directorate N/A Published Date 02/08/2026 Closing Date 17/08/2026
Fixed term post for 18 months
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Practitioner to take a lead role for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) within Darlington Borough Council’s Adult Social Care service.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialist leadership, strengthen practice, and support improved outcomes for adults with complex health and social care needs.
The CHC Lead will provide focused oversight and expert advice across the CHC pathway, supporting practitioners and managers to identify potential eligibility at the earliest opportunity, prepare robust evidence for Decision Support Tool meetings, challenge outcomes where appropriate via dispute, and ensure that people receive the right funding and support in line with the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and the Care Act 2014.
This role has been developed to support improved CHC outcomes for Darlington residents, strengthen professional confidence across Adult Social Care, and ensure funding responsibilities are appropriately aligned between the Local Authority and NHS partners.
The post will support fair, timely and person-centred CHC processes, reduce inappropriate Local Authority expenditure on health-dominated care packages, and promote social justice by advocating for equitable access to NHS-funded care where people have a primary health need.
Key responsibilities
- Act as Adult Social Care’s lead practitioner for CHC, providing specialist advice, guidance and professional challenge across teams.
- Support practitioners to identify potential CHC eligibility, prepare high-quality evidence, and participate confidently in CHC assessments, Decision Support Tool meetings, reviews and dispute processes.
- Provide practice leadership, coaching and case supervision to strengthen confidence, consistency and capability across Adult Social Care.
- Promote a legally compliant approach to CHC, ensuring practice aligns with the Care Act 2014, Section 22 responsibilities and the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Attend ADASS regional CHC meetings and relevant task-and-finish groups, ensuring learning, regional intelligence and key issues are fed back into Darlington’s Adult Leadership Team.
- Collate, analyse and report CHC data and performance information to support Adult Leadership Team oversight, performance clinics, local governance and future service planning.
About you
You will be an experienced practitioner with strong knowledge of CHC, Adult Social Care practice and the interface between Local Authority and NHS responsibilities.
You will be confident in complex decision-making, professional challenge, partnership working and supporting others to develop their practice.
- Qualified and registered Social Worker, or equivalent relevant qualification within health or allied professional practice.
- Significant post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care, health, ICB or integrated working environments.
- Essential experience and strong working knowledge of CHC, including checklists, Decision Support Tool meetings, reviews, disputes, downgrades and joint funding arrangements.
- Strong understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding duties and the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Ability to interpret data, identify themes, produce clear reports and use performance information to drive improvement.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work constructively with practitioners, managers, NHS colleagues, ICB representatives and regional partners.
- Commitment to social justice, human rights, equity and person-centred practice.
- Ability to coach, mentor and support practitioners to build confidence, strengthen evidence and improve outcomes for people.
What we offer
This is a valuable opportunity to influence practice across Adult Social Care and make a direct difference to people who may be entitled to NHS-funded care.
You will work within a supportive leadership structure, contribute to regional CHC networks, and help shape Darlington’s approach to CHC practice, performance and partnership working.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:
- 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
- Staff equality forums
- Green Car Leasing Scheme (if applicable)
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
- Physiotherapy service
- Confidential counselling service
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
- Local and National retailer discounts
- Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
- Arriva Employee Travel Club
- Senior Practitioner Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Lead
- Fixed term post for 18 months
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Practitioner to take a lead role for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) within Darlington Borough Council’s Adult Social Care service.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialist leadership, strengthen practice, and support improved outcomes for adults with complex health and social care needs.
The CHC Lead will provide focused oversight and expert advice across the CHC pathway, supporting practitioners and managers to identify potential eligibility at the earliest opportunity, prepare robust evidence for Decision Support Tool meetings, challenge outcomes where appropriate via dispute, and ensure that people receive the right funding and support in line with the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and the Care Act 2014.
This role has been developed to support improved CHC outcomes for Darlington residents, strengthen professional confidence across Adult Social Care, and ensure funding responsibilities are appropriately aligned between the Local Authority and NHS partners.
The post will support fair, timely and person-centred CHC processes, reduce inappropriate Local Authority expenditure on health-dominated care packages, and promote social justice by advocating for equitable access to NHS-funded care where people have a primary health need.
Key responsibilities
- Act as Adult Social Care’s lead practitioner for CHC, providing specialist advice, guidance and professional challenge across teams.
- Support practitioners to identify potential CHC eligibility, prepare high-quality evidence, and participate confidently in CHC assessments, Decision Support Tool meetings, reviews and dispute processes.
- Provide practice leadership, coaching and case supervision to strengthen confidence, consistency and capability across Adult Social Care.
- Promote a legally compliant approach to CHC, ensuring practice aligns with the Care Act 2014, Section 22 responsibilities and the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Attend ADASS regional CHC meetings and relevant task-and-finish groups, ensuring learning, regional intelligence and key issues are fed back into Darlington’s Adult Leadership Team.
- Collate, analyse and report CHC data and performance information to support Adult Leadership Team oversight, performance clinics, local governance and future service planning.
About you
You will be an experienced practitioner with strong knowledge of CHC, Adult Social Care practice and the interface between Local Authority and NHS responsibilities.
You will be confident in complex decision-making, professional challenge, partnership working and supporting others to develop their practice.
- Qualified and registered Social Worker, or equivalent relevant qualification within health or allied professional practice.
- Significant post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care, health, ICB or integrated working environments.
- Essential experience and strong working knowledge of CHC, including checklists, Decision Support Tool meetings, reviews, disputes, downgrades and joint funding arrangements.
- Strong understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding duties and the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Ability to interpret data, identify themes, produce clear reports and use performance information to drive improvement.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work constructively with practitioners, managers, NHS colleagues, ICB representatives and regional partners.
- Commitment to social justice, human rights, equity and person-centred practice.
- Ability to coach, mentor and support practitioners to build confidence, strengthen evidence and improve outcomes for people.
What we offer
This is a valuable opportunity to influence practice across Adult Social Care and make a direct difference to people who may be entitled to NHS-funded care.
You will work within a supportive leadership structure, contribute to regional CHC networks, and help shape Darlington’s approach to CHC practice, performance and partnership working.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:
- 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Flexi-time scheme
- Flexible working
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
- Staff equality forums
- Green Car Leasing Scheme (if applicable)
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
- Physiotherapy service
- Confidential counselling service
- Great wellbeing offer
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
- Local and National retailer discounts
- Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
- Arriva Employee Travel Club
We are an equal opportunities' employer.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.
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Senior Practitioner Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Lead in North East employer: Darlington Borough Council
Darlington Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and safety in the Tees Valley. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in public service.
Contact Details:
Darlington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Lead in North East
✨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 Darlington Borough Council.
✨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 Darlington Borough Council!
✨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 Darlington Borough Council, 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 Darlington Borough Council 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 Senior Practitioner Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Lead in North East
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 Darlington Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Darlington Borough Council! 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 Darlington Borough Council
✨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.
