Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per year (pro-rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Closing Date: 27 May 2025
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Introduction to Livewell Southwest
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise offering integrated health and social care services in Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon. With a focus on providing specialized services throughout parts of Devon and Cornwall, Livewell Southwest is dedicated to delivering exceptional care through collaborative efforts with a variety of healthcare professionals. The organization prides itself on transforming services to ensure sustainability while empowering staff and the people they serve.
As an organization guided by core values—kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration—Livewell Southwest emphasizes the importance of person-centered care. They aim to deliver the right care at the right time, centered around individual needs, ensuring people can lead healthy, independent lives.
Job Overview
This role is part of the Discharge to Assess (DTA) team, a multidisciplinary group that works to support patients discharged from the hospital who are medically fit but require further assessments and care. Social workers in this team work closely with individuals and families to identify needs and set goals, ensuring that a safe and timely discharge is achieved.
The team includes a range of healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and community support workers. The primary purpose of this team is to provide reablement and rehabilitation, supporting patients to regain strength, skills, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
As a Social Worker within the Discharge to Assess team, you will be responsible for:
1. Discharge Support and Person-Centered Care
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Work collaboratively with individuals and families to develop personalized care plans, supporting people through their hospital discharge process.
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Ensure that the Home First pathway is considered as the primary option for patients leaving hospital. The goal is to support individuals in regaining independence with the help of reablement and rehabilitation services.
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For individuals who cannot return home immediately, support them through the Bedded Pathway until they are able to transition to a more independent living arrangement.
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Undertake holistic assessments and design care plans in partnership with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring the most accurate assessments are made in a more suitable environment than the hospital.
2. Complex Assessments and Safeguarding
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Conduct complex assessments, including mental capacity assessments and health and social care evaluations, focusing on individuals who may have higher care needs or risks to their wellbeing.
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Perform safeguarding investigations and take necessary action when assessing decisions that may deprive individuals of their liberty.
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Ensure the privacy, dignity, rights, and health of service users are protected at all times.
3. Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
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Work in partnership with other healthcare professionals to create integrated care plans that focus on short-term rehabilitation and long-term care needs.
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Promote the model of reablement, supporting individuals to regain independence and reduce their reliance on long-term care services.
4. Legal and Professional Responsibilities
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Uphold the standards outlined in the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work, ensuring that all statutory social care functions are carried out efficiently and effectively.
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Maintain a good understanding of key legal frameworks such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the Mental Health Act 1983 to guide your practice.
5. Case Management and Reporting
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Manage a caseload of individuals requiring ongoing care and rehabilitation, ensuring that all records are kept up-to-date, accurate, and compliant with GDPR.
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Write reports and represent the organization in legal settings, including preparing legal documents for court appearances and presenting evidence-based decisions.
6. Professional Development and Supervision
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Supervise and mentor less experienced colleagues or students, ensuring their practice meets professional standards.
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Participate in continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities and engage in training to remain informed on best practices in social work.
Qualifications and Experience
To be eligible for this position, applicants should meet the following qualifications and experience:
Essential Qualifications
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A degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work (e.g., DipSW, CQSW, CSS).
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Registration with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
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Evidence of ongoing professional development and CPD to meet the Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers.
Essential Experience
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Practical experience in social work, particularly in managing complex cases and delivering care plans to individuals with varied needs.
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Knowledge of relevant social care legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding protocols.
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Experience in multi-disciplinary team collaboration and partnership working.
Desirable Experience
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Experience within an Adult Safeguarding team or service.
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Significant experience of working as a Social Worker, particularly in a hospital discharge or rehabilitation setting.
Salary and Benefits
Salary
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£37,338 to £44,962 per annum (pro-rata), depending on experience and qualifications.
Other Benefits
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Flexible working options including part-time, job share, and remote work.
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Protected CPD time to support ongoing professional development.
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Access to training pathways, leadership programs, and qualifications funding.
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Competitive pension scheme and employee wellness support.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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Livewell Southwest offers a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for international applicants under the Skilled Worker route, subject to eligibility. The organization is committed to ensuring a fair recruitment process for all applicants, including those requiring sponsorship to work in the UK.
Working Environment
Livewell Southwest offers a supportive working environment, emphasizing teamwork and employee development. The organization provides a range of resources to promote work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements and wellness initiatives. The team operates a 7-day service, so flexibility to work across weekends and evenings is essential.
About Livewell Southwest
Livewell Southwest is more than just a service provider—it’s a community-driven organization focused on transforming lives. Through their integrated approach to health and social care, Livewell Southwest is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to individuals across the South West. The organization embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of mental health, neurodiverse conditions, and disabilities.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on its employees’ well-being and professional growth, ensuring staff are supported through robust training and career advancement opportunities.
Why Apply for the Social Worker Role at Livewell Southwest?
Livewell Southwest offers an exciting opportunity for social workers who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. In this role, you will have the chance to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, supporting individuals through critical stages of their healthcare journey. You will be empowered to make meaningful decisions that directly impact the well-being and independence of those you serve, all while benefiting from an organization that values your development and work-life balance.
If you are an experienced social worker looking for a challenging yet rewarding role, with the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, Livewell Southwest is the ideal place for you.
Application Process
To apply, please visit the Livewell Southwest website and submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applications must be submitted by 27 May 2025. Early applications are encouraged, as Livewell Southwest reserves the right to close the job advert before the deadline.
For further information or assistance with the application process, please contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Conclusion
This Social Worker position at Livewell Southwest offers an excellent opportunity for a professional in the healthcare sector to make a real difference. With a supportive working environment, competitive salary, and flexible working patterns, it is an ideal role for social workers committed to providing high-quality care and support to individuals in their community.