Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum (pro rata)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Application Deadline: 12 June 2025
Join Derbyshire Community Health Services as a Social Worker
Are you an experienced Social Worker eager to make a real difference in your community? Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) offers an exciting opportunity to join their award-winning Hospital To Home team, a dedicated service committed to providing seamless care and support for adults transitioning from hospital to home.
This role is based at the Royal Derby Hospital but extends across local community hospitals, assessment centres, and patients’ own homes. If you have a passion for social care and want to help adults regain independence and well-being after hospital stays, this is the role for you.
Why Work as a Social Worker with Derbyshire Community Health Services?
Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) serves a diverse population of over one million people across Derbyshire and Derby. The organisation prioritizes integrated, person-centred care delivered by a skilled workforce of over 4,200 staff members across multiple community hospitals, health centres, GP practices, schools, and increasingly through virtual consultations.
Working with DCHS means:
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Being part of a multi-disciplinary, integrated health and social care team focused on empowering individuals.
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Delivering care within a discharge to assess model that helps patients transition safely from hospital to home.
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Having access to ongoing professional development and opportunities for career progression.
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Supporting people with complex needs, including those with learning, physical, and sensory disabilities.
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Being involved in a service recognised for its strength-based, personalised care approach.
Key Responsibilities of the Social Worker Role
Delivering High-Quality Person-Centred Care
You will be a pivotal part of the Hospital to Home team, coordinating social care support to enable adults to return home safely and maintain independence. Your role includes:
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Conducting comprehensive strengths-based assessments to develop personalised care and support plans.
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Advocating for patients’ needs and liaising closely with health professionals, carers, and voluntary sector partners.
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Applying knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding legislation to ensure protection of vulnerable adults.
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Providing expert advice on social care options, support packages, and community resources.
Coordinating Discharge and Rehabilitation Support
You will collaborate with Integrated Discharge teams and wider health and social care services to:
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Facilitate smooth patient discharges from hospital.
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Maximise patient independence by promoting rehabilitation and reablement services.
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Support carers and families to understand and manage ongoing care needs.
Effective Communication and Multi-agency Working
Your role will require excellent communication skills to engage effectively with:
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Patients and their families.
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Healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, and doctors.
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Local authorities, voluntary organisations, and community services.
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Other social work and allied health teams within Derbyshire.
Administrative and Professional Duties
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Maintaining accurate and timely records and case notes using IT systems.
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Preparing reports and assessments for clinical meetings or legal purposes.
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Participating in team meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
Essential Qualifications and Skills for Social Worker Applicants
Required Qualifications
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Approved Social Worker qualification with current registration with Social Work England.
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Evidence of professional practice including either completion or ongoing engagement with the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme or equivalent.
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Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development (CPD).
Key Skills and Experience
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Proven experience working with adults with complex social care needs, including those with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities.
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Strong knowledge and application of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding policies.
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Skilled in person-centred planning, strength-based approaches, and advocacy.
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Competence in managing challenging and complex cases with resilience and emotional intelligence.
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Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear assessments and reports.
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Familiarity with IT systems and basic software such as Microsoft Office.
Desirable Experience
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Experience in a hospital or healthcare social work setting, particularly with adult patients transitioning from hospital to home.
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Understanding of dementia care and mental capacity assessments.
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Knowledge of local health and social care services in Derbyshire.
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Ability and willingness to travel to multiple sites and patients’ homes.
Why This Role Stands Out: Benefits and Career Growth
Competitive Salary and Working Conditions
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Salary range from £37,338 to £44,962 per annum (pro rata), aligned with Agenda for Change Band 6.
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Permanent full-time contract with opportunities for flexible working arrangements.
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Access to a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for skilled workers needing UK visa sponsorship.
Professional Development and Support
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Opportunity to join an award-winning team focused on innovative, high-quality community care.
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Access to training, supervision, and support for career advancement including the ASYE programme.
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Work within a supportive and dynamic environment promoting staff well-being and inclusion.
Positive Impact on Community and Patients
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Play a critical role in improving the lives of adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
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Support vulnerable adults to live independently and safely in their own homes.
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Be part of a team committed to integrated, joined-up care across health and social services.
About Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is a leading provider of community health services in Derbyshire, delivering care to over one million residents. They offer a wide range of community-based health and social care services including district nursing, therapy, and specialist services for adults and children.
Their core mission is to deliver high-quality, compassionate care that supports patients to live independently and improve their health outcomes. DCHS prides itself on fostering a workplace culture based on:
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Inclusivity and diversity
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Staff engagement and wellbeing
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Innovation and continuous improvement
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Collaborative multi-agency working
DCHS continues to expand its community services through integration with local authorities and voluntary partners, ensuring holistic support for patients beyond hospital settings.
Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is ideal for Social Workers who:
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Are passionate about community-based social care and patient-centred practice.
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Have experience working with adults with complex social and health needs, including post-discharge support.
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Are familiar with legislation and safeguarding frameworks relevant to adult social care.
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Enjoy working within multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating with a range of agencies.
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Are self-motivated, resilient, and able to manage a varied caseload efficiently.
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Are looking for professional development opportunities and a long-term career within the NHS and community health services.
How to Apply for the Social Worker Role at DCHS
Applicants are invited to submit their applications via the official recruitment portal. To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click on the “Apply Here” link below. Registration on the TRAC recruitment platform is required if you don’t already have an account.
Additional Information and Legal Requirements
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
This role requires an enhanced DBS check to comply with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, ensuring the safety of vulnerable service users.
Certificate of Sponsorship and Visa Support
Applicants who require a skilled worker visa to work in the UK are encouraged to apply. Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT offers Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for detailed information on visa requirements and criminal record checks for overseas applicants.
Conclusion: Apply Now for a Rewarding Social Work Career in Derbyshire
If you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of adults in your community, support them through hospital transitions, and be part of a forward-thinking NHS Trust, this Social Worker position at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT is an excellent opportunity.
With competitive pay, professional development support, and the chance to work within an integrated, multidisciplinary team, this role offers both career growth and job satisfaction.
Apply today to join a trusted, award-winning NHS organisation committed to delivering compassionate and personalised care to Derbyshire’s communities.
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