Senior Practitioner; Senior Hospital Discharge Team; HDT

Working Pattern: Full time

Working Arrangement: 36.5 hours per week (08:30-16:30)

Interview Date/Type: Face to face

Smart Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working – giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker or Senior Practitioner to join the Adult Social Care Hospital Discharge Team (HDT) as a Senior Practitioner.

This role requires experience in supervising and/or managing staff within a social care setting. It is key to the development of a high‑performing team that works effectively with individuals, families, and partner agencies.

We are seeking candidates with a strong knowledge of relevant legislation and a well‑developed understanding of the issues facing adults with care and support needs, as well as their carers and families.

The postholder will work with adults and families and will undertake responsibilities including allocation of work, chairing strategy meetings, staff supervision, and deputising for the Team Manager. The role plays an important part in driving quality and performance, promoting outstanding practice, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for individuals.

As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality, person‑centred practice. You will provide advanced professional leadership, guidance, and support to colleagues, ensuring practice is safe, effective, and aligned with statutory responsibilities and best practice standards.

This role includes complex casework, decision‑making, practice development, and elements of operational and line management responsibility.

• Provide expert support and oversight on complex and high‑risk cases, ensuring defensible decision‑making and proportionate interventions.
• Act as a practice lead and role model, promoting strengths‑based and person‑centred approaches.
• Support colleagues through mentoring, coaching, and supervision to improve practice standards.
• Undertake advanced assessments, risk management, and safeguarding enquiries in line with legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to quality assurance and audit processes, identifying and supporting improvements.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to coordinate effective multi‑agency responses.
• Support the implementation of policies, procedures, and service improvements.
• Provide appropriate professional challenge, escalating concerns where necessary.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and high‑quality case records.
• Support the development of newly qualified and less experienced staff.

Operates with a high degree of professional autonomy within agreed parameters.

Holds responsibility for decision‑making in complex cases.

Works closely with team managers to inform service delivery, practice standards, and performance improvements.

Significant experience in adult social care, including complex casework and safeguarding.

Strong knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding frameworks).

Ability to provide constructive challenge, reflective practice, and professional leadership.

Excellent analytical, communication, and partnership‑working skills.

Demonstrated ability to support and influence practice quality without formal management authority.

Applicants should be registered with Social Work England.

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.