Social Care Assessor

The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. DCHS is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.

To provide Adult Social Care and Care Management services to patients within Acute hospital trusts and Derbyshire Community Health Services discharge pathways. DCHS provides Care Act 2014 functions on behalf of Derby City Council under a Section 75 agreement.

To work within the principles of the Discharge to Assess (D2A) model. To establish the social care needs of patients within a hospital setting and coordinate safe, timely, and person-centred discharges. The role focuses on preventing unnecessary delays, supporting independence, and ensuring patients have the right care and support in place once they leave hospital.

To work with individuals, families, and carers to assess social care needs for people within D2A pathways and support the development of care and support plans. The role focuses on enabling people to live as independently as possible, ensuring services are provided in line with legislation, policies, and best practice.

Undertake holistic, strengths-based assessments of patients to identify care and support needs.

Provide emotional support to patients and their families

• Escalate safeguarding concerns and follow local safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable adults

• Social Care Assessors should understand and be able to explain non-complex legal, social and welfare situations, including the Mental Capacity Act 2009, Mental Health Act 1983, Equalities Act 2010 and Care Act 2014

Our purpose is to provide community health services to a patient population of over one million people in Derbyshire and Derby, as part of Joined Up Care Derbyshire.

We employ around 4,200 substantive staff, caring for patients in 11 community hospitals and more than 30 health centres, as well as in clinics, GP practices, schools, care homes and, increasingly, in people's own homes and via virtual consultations.

During the pandemic response we have led the implementation of public vaccination centres in collaboration with partners across health and social care.

• Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, policies and client social needs developed through diploma level training and practical experience.
• Experience working in a social care, health, or community setting
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014, hospital discharge pathways, and safeguarding policies.

• Knowledge of local authority funding processes, Continuing Healthcare (CHC), and community support services.
• Knowledge of local resources, voluntary sector services, and community networks.

• An understanding of and commitment to strength-based practice
• Understanding of people affected by dementia and other cognitive impairments
• Good written and IT literacy for case management systems and report writing
• Ability to work under pressure, manage a caseload, and prioritise effectively

• Previous experience in hospital discharge or social care community team

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community healthcare in England and we currently employ around 4,500 staff. We deliver a variety of services across Derbyshire, caring for nearly 1.8 million patients each year.

We deliver patient care through 11 community hospitals, 4 minor injury units, 29 health centres and a learning disability centre. Another key part of our service is out in the community where we care for people in their own homes via therapists, health visitors and district nurses, and promoting public health in the wider community.

As a Trust we care for patients of all ages with a special focus on the needs of elderly people and the very young.

DCHS has been recognised as a top 10 NHS organisation to…