• The Hospital Social Worker will work within the West Sussex Hospital Social Work Team, based primarily at St Richard’s Hospital, supporting adults during admission and following discharge.

• The role involves completing strengths-based assessments, arranging care and support, working within multidisciplinary hospital teams (including A&E and emergency floors), and supporting people to maximise independence.

• The post holder will be required to work both on-site and remotely, undertaking ward visits, duty responsibilities, and family meetings.

• The work is fast paced, varied and requires strong partnership working, safeguarding knowledge, and the ability to respond within required timescales.

• Undertake timely, strengths-based assessments for people in hospital and recently discharged.

• Arrange and coordinate appropriate care and support packages that promote independence.

• Provide a statutory social work service, ensuring practice complies with legislation and safeguarding responsibilities.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including A&E and emergency floor staff.

• Attend hospital wards, duty rota, family meetings and professional discussions.

• Apply a risk enablement approach and use evidence-based practice to inform decision-making.

• Contribute to or undertake safeguarding enquiries, ensuring appropriate actions and protection measures.

• Analyse and interpret information to prioritise needs and develop intervention plans.

• Provide informal supervision, mentoring and development support to less experienced practitioners, students or apprentices.

• Maintain accurate and compliant case records, adhering to data protection and confidentiality requirements.

• Work collaboratively with carers, internal colleagues and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes.

• Recognise the limits of own accountability and seek appropriate supervision and support.

• Strong experience in hospital or adult social care settings.

• Ability to complete strengths-based assessments and produce effective, person-centred care plans.

• Experience of multidisciplinary working within health and social care environments.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding duties).

• Proven ability to undertake safeguarding enquiries.

• Strong analytical skills, including interpreting complex information to inform intervention planning.

• Ability to manage risk appropriately and use evidence-based practice.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with service users, families, and professionals.

• Ability to mentor or coach less experienced practitioners.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet performance expectations.

• Competent IT skills for accurate case recording and data management.

• The closing date: 26/11/2025.

• Social Work England registration (essential).

• Temporary role (16 weeks), 37 hours per week.

• Location: St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, with 2–3 days per week on-site.

• Mix of home working and hospital/office attendance.

• Required to visit wards, attend duty, and participate in family meetings and MDT discussions.

• Enhanced DBS, 5 years’ references, Social Work England registration and eligibility to work in the UK required.