At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents' mental health during hospital discharge and collaborate with health partners.
- Company: Join a dynamic social work team at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £3,000 retention bonus, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, case management, and a passion for mental health support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 38976 - 52767 £ per year.
Salary: £38,976 - £52,767 Competitive + £3,000 retention bonus (every 2 years' service) Permanent/Full Time
Location: Wandsworth and Richmond, with hybrid working arrangements. The successful candidate will be required to attend the office approximately 40% of the working week.
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.
Responsibilities:
- 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 14th December 2025
Applications and Interviews
Applications and interviews will be held weekly. For an informal conversation please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Please note: candidates who have applied for this position within the last six months and were unsuccessful need not reapply. 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.
Equality and Diversity
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).
Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work in hospital discharge. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health and hospital discharge. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social work during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in multi-agency collaboration or supporting individuals with mental health needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospital Discharge Mental Health Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in mental health and hospital discharge. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social work shine through! We’re looking for motivated individuals, so share why you’re passionate about helping residents and making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications. Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health legislation and the Care Act. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your case management skills and multi-agency collaboration. Think about times when you successfully facilitated a discharge or worked with health partners to prevent admissions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the team. Ask about the challenges they face in hospital discharges or how they measure success in their support plans. This shows you're thinking critically about the position.
✨Emphasise Your Compassion
As a social worker, empathy is key. Be ready to discuss how you empower individuals and support caregivers. Share stories that illustrate your compassionate approach to helping residents maintain their independence.