Palliative Care Social Worker Backford

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our multi-disciplinary team at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd on a 6-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.

Function as an integral member of the hospice multi-disciplinary team, contributing to holistic care planning and providing support that addresses the complex social, psychological and emotional needs of people approaching the end of life or living with a palliative diagnosis.

Use patient-identified goals and an understanding of individual social and psychological needs to contribute to multidisciplinary care and discharge planning.

Play a key role in initiating conversations and supporting the implementation of Advance Care Planning decisions.

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting the MDT in applying the principles and requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and Care Act, safeguarding patients' rights, autonomy and wellbeing, and delivering mandatory safeguarding training.

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of grief and loss on patients, families and those important to them.

The successful candidate will be able to

Demonstrate the ability to identify and respond to the emotional, psychological and cultural needs of patients and those important to them.

Work collaboratively as part of a wider integrated team, demonstrating strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

You will be joining a friendly and welcoming team with a collective aim of positively enhancing the lives of the individuals in our care. You will be supported through a specific induction programme.

Date posted: 21 August 2026

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: £24,481 a year

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 3 days

Working pattern: Part-time

Reference number: HOS
1229364

Job locations: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Gordon Lane, Backford, Cheshire, CH2 4DG
, United Kingdom

Work across all hospice services, including Inpatient and Living Well Services. Hold accountability for a caseload of complex patients and those important to them. Collaborate with patients and their families to assess and address social circumstances, including concerns about finances, housing, and practical care needs. Support patients and families in managing interpersonal relationships, emotional distress, and challenges associated with illness and palliative care needs.

Assist patients and families in accessing, identifying, appraising, and interpreting complex information to enable informed decision-making, as part of the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT). Utilize advanced communication skills to deliver complex or highly emotive information clearly, sensitively, and unambiguously, whether face-to-face, via telephone, or through electronic means. Take a leading role in advance care planning, supporting patients and families in making decisions about end-of-life care.

Guide and support the MDT in appropriately applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Care Act 2014, ensuring the rights and autonomy of patients are safeguarded. Assist in the facilitation of Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interests Decisions, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards processes. Use patient-identified goals and an understanding of psychosocial needs to contribute effectively to multi-professional care and discharge planning, including:
Liaising with care funding bodies, voluntary organizations, and community agencies. Assessing and negotiating for community-based services to support families and carers upon discharge.

Lead on the discharge planning for complex cases and support nursing staff in ensuring safe and appropriate discharges.

Provide and maintain comprehensive knowledge of community service provision, acting as a resource for discharge planning advice and information.

Offer immediate support and information to families and carers following the death of a patient.

Stay current with legislation, welfare rights, and reforms that impact advocacy and practice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Conduct home visits, as appropriate, to support effective discharge planning.

To engage in regular 1 to1 meetings with Direct Line Manger, working towards personal and relevant organisational objectives

To develop, plan, implement and evaluate formal and informal safeguarding training and education programmes related to palliative care for all health and social care professionals

To provide informal education to patients/carers and other groups at appropriate levels

To maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills meeting annual CPD requirements in line with the professional competencies framework.

To develop and maintain relationships with colleagues from the wider specialist palliative care team and other Hospices in their social work networks.

To keep and maintain accurate patient records as per hospice and professional guidelines

To participate in regular clinical…