At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support hospital discharges and promote independence for patients.
- Company: Join a transformative social work team focused on person-centred care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days leave, flexible working, and access to professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong commitment to professional growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping service delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospital social work and staff supervision required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the role
Are you an experienced Social Worker ready to take the next step into a leadership role? Do you have a passion for supporting people to return home safely and maintaining independence following a hospital stay? If so, we would love to hear from you. Our hospital social work team is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation, with a strong focus on delivering a Home First approach and ensuring people are supported to return to their own homes wherever possible. As part of this development, we are recruiting a Senior Practitioner to support the delivery and ongoing development of our team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of shaping how our service operates, supporting both staff and partners to deliver high-quality, person-centred outcomes. As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in supporting the effective delivery of the hospital discharge service.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the service and ensuring effective operational delivery alongside the team manager and senior practitioner.
- Managing and supporting staff, providing guidance, oversight, and professional support.
- Attending and contributing to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings with health colleagues.
- Providing oversight of safeguarding concerns and ensuring appropriate actions are taken.
- Supporting Social Workers with complex cases, decision making, and best practice.
- Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of the service.
Qualifications & experience
- Has significant experience in hospital social work or short-term assessment teams.
- Has experience supporting or supervising staff and providing professional guidance.
- Is enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to improving outcomes for individuals and families.
- Is adaptable and resilient, with the ability to support a fast-paced hospital environment.
- Is confident working collaboratively with health colleagues and multidisciplinary teams.
- Has strong knowledge of safeguarding and adult social care practice.
- Is passionate about promoting independence, strengths-based practice, and Home First principles.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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 have a strong commitment to professional development throughout all our Adult Service areas, with a training programme that is workforce-led and has strong links to supervision, appraisal and audit.
Practitioner employer: Darlington Borough Council
Join our dynamic hospital social work team, where we prioritise a Home First approach and empower individuals to maintain their independence post-hospital stay. As a Senior Practitioner, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values professional development, offers flexible working arrangements, and provides access to extensive training opportunities. With generous leave policies and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Darlington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They can provide insights and might even know about openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Home First principles and safeguarding practices. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the ongoing development of the service and support your future team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability and resilience during interviews. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated fast-paced environments and supported complex cases in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our transformative journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in hospital social work and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our Home First approach and your passion for supporting individuals returning home.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s managing staff or working in multidisciplinary teams, we’re keen to see how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, we’re all about person-centred outcomes. Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve supported individuals and families in the past, and how you plan to continue doing so in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hospital social work and the Home First approach. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the team's transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be managing and supporting staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past, especially in complex situations. Highlight your ability to provide professional support and oversight.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working closely with multidisciplinary teams, think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with health colleagues. Be ready to discuss how you handle differing opinions and ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Independence
This role is all about promoting independence and strengths-based practice. Share your enthusiasm for these principles and provide examples of how you've supported individuals and families in achieving their goals.
