At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents' mental health during hospital discharge and collaborate with health partners.
- Company: Join Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £3,000 retention bonus, flexible working, and 40 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have at least one year of post-ASYE experience and knowledge of legal frameworks.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to inclusive recruitment practices.
The predicted salary is between 31700 - 42500 £ per year.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are recruiting passionate and experienced hospital discharge social workers specialising in mental health. Join our dynamic, integrated social work team and help shape the future of Hospital Discharge Social Work across Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. Our service supports the safe and timely discharge of our residents from several hospital sites, working closely with our community Health and Hospital Trust partners.
About the Role:
As a Social Worker within our Mental Health Hospital Discharge Team you will be based in a hybrid role across Richmond and Wandsworth councils, hospital sites and working from home. You will:
- Work closely with residents admitted due to their mental health needs.
- Collaborate with acute, rehab, forensic, and general wards.
- Prevent unnecessary hospital admissions by partnering with health colleagues.
- Facilitate swift hospital discharges, reducing delays.
- Conduct Care Act assessments, creating strength-based support plans.
- Engage with health, housing, and voluntary sector partners.
- Undertake carers assessments and support caregivers.
- Empower individuals with choice and control, ensuring proportionate support.
- Conduct mental capacity assessments and facilitate best interests meetings.
- Carry out initial reviews of care to ensure effectiveness.
What We’re Looking For:
We seek motivated and compassionate social workers with:
- Hospital discharge (or a willingness to gain experience)
- Experience in case management, risk assessment, and multi-agency collaboration.
- Strong knowledge of legal frameworks and person-centered practice.
- At least one year of post-ASYE qualifying experience in a statutory setting.
Why Join Us?
- £3,000 retention bonus for qualified staff.
- Regular reflective and peer group supervision.
- Bespoke Personal Development Plans.
- Fully funded career pathways including Practice Educator, Leadership, Best Interest Assessor, AMHP, Coaching, and Adults Safeguarding at Risk.
- Access to Research in Practice membership and Institute of Leadership and Management resources.
If you’re ready to be part of a forward-thinking, supportive team, helping residents retain their independence and remain active in their communities, we’d love to hear from you!
Closing Date: 23rd July 2025
Shortlisting Date: W/C 28th July 2025
Interview Date: TBC
For an informal conversation please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker employer: LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
Contact Detail:
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and processes involved in hospital discharge for mental health patients. Understanding the nuances of this area will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in hospital discharge teams or mental health services. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices related to mental health and social work. Being well-informed will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you are committed to professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising how you would handle specific cases related to hospital discharge. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in hospital discharge, case management, and multi-agency collaboration. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with mental health needs in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your knowledge of legal frameworks and person-centred practice. Discuss any relevant training or certifications you have completed that would benefit your role as a social worker in this context.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your passion for social work and your commitment to supporting residents' independence. Use this opportunity to explain why you want to join Richmond and Wandsworth Councils specifically and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as conducting Care Act assessments and collaborating with health partners.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in case management and multi-agency collaboration. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with mental health needs in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legal Frameworks
Brush up on your knowledge of legal frameworks related to social work and mental health. Be prepared to discuss how these laws influence your practice and decision-making processes during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, support structures, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.