Independence Advisor

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Hospital Discharge and Home First Service as an Independence Advisor on a 12‑month secondment (internal only) or fixed‑term contract. This full‑time role is for 37 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday, and offers the chance to make a real difference by supporting safe, timely and person‑centred discharges from hospital.

The Hospital Discharge Team is responsible for completing Care Act assessments and support plans for people in hospital, helping to facilitate safe, effective and timely discharge arrangements in line with the duties of the Care Act 2014. The team works within Discharge to Assess pathways, completes post‑discharge assessments and reviews and holds cases up to four weeks post discharge to prevent readmission.

The Home First Team also completes Care Act assessments, reviews and support plan post reablement assessment where long‑term care needs are identified.

We work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including reablement services, safeguarding enquiries, the Mental Capacity Act capacity assessments and best‑interest decision‑making. Our strong emphasis on Home First enables people to return home wherever possible and live as independently as they can.

• Support safe, timely, and person‑centred discharges from hospital.
• Complete Care Act assessments and support plans for people in hospital.
• Facilitate safe, effective, and timely discharge arrangements in line with the Care Act 2014.
• Contribute to service development and improvement across the hospital discharge pathway.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams, including reablement services and safeguarding personnel.
• Support capacity assessments and best‑interest decision‑making under the Mental Capacity Act.
• Liaise with carers to ensure they feel informed, supported, and empowered.
• Maintain post‑discharge assessments and reviews, holding cases up to four weeks post discharge.
• Support the introduction of new systems and ways of working.
• Work flexibly between the hospital base, the Sembal Resource Centre, and the Civic Centre as required.

• Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution.
• Death in service benefit of three times salary.
• Optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
• Generous holiday of 25‑31 days, based on role and service.
• Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for dependents.
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
• Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle to work, season‑ticket loans.
• Employee volunteering scheme with two paid days leave to volunteer.