Job summary
- Main area
- Mental Health Inpatients
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 270-TH024-MH
- Employer
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Welland Centre, St Mary's Hospital
- Town
- Kettering
- Salary
- £28,392 - £31,157 pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 24/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Discharge Coordinator
NHS AfC: Band 4
Job overview
The post holder will be working in an integrated, multi professional, bed management team and will assist with planning for a safe and timely discharge for
all patients in the acute and PICU settings. The post holder will assist the bed management team to identify barriers to discharge and work as part of the
team to problem solve these challenges. The post holder may at times be required to liaise directly with patients and their relatives about discharge
arrangements.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a fast paced, highly motivated team. There is great opportunity to learn and broaden knowledge base in
relation to, health and social care service delivery, housing legislation and overseas visitor considerations. The team is actively seeking ways to enhance
discharge planning and adapting to evolving priorities and demands on the acute inpatient services.
Main duties of the job
Complete information gathering assessment on targeted patients who are suspected of having a discharge obstacle, such as a housing issue or unmet care need.
Attending ward rounds where particular discharge challenges are identified in order to gather information and assist problem solving.
Attending red 2 green and bed management meetings, assisting the wider bed management team to identify patients who are clinically ready for discharge and gaining updates on those cases.
Assisting with logistical challenges, such as TTO and transport arrangements, escort visits to new prospective accommodation providers.
Assist with flagging relevant cases to wider bed management team colleagues such as housing advisors, social worker and UCAT (crisis team) early discharge assessor. Gain updates from these colleagues where necessary.
Assist team to problem solve challenges, think outside the box and prepare discharge essentials for those experiencing hardship.
Assist team to be aware of local charities and relevant supporting bodies which can enhance discharge planning.
Assist with gaining updates from wider NHFT service colleagues and external agencies.
The post holder will be expected to communicate with patients who may have communication difficulties, families and other colleagues.
Working for our organisation
NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county - as well as some specialist services in bordering and nearby counties. We work together with our partners to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors receives compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning, to improve the care and safety of our patients and colleagues. We have achieved our ‘outstanding’ rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Complete information gathering assessment on targeted patients who are suspected of having a discharge obstacle, such as a housing issue or unmet care need.
Attending ward rounds where particular discharge challenges are identified in order to gather information and assist problem solving.
Attending red 2 green and bed management meetings, assisting the wider bed management team to identify patients who are clinically ready for discharge and gaining updates on those cases.
Assisting with logistical challenges, such as TTO and transport arrangements, escort visits to new prospective accommodation providers.
Assist with flagging relevant cases to wider bed management team colleagues such as housing advisors, social worker and UCAT (crisis team) early discharge assessor. Gain updates from these colleagues where necessary.
Assist team to problem solve challenges, think outside the box and prepare discharge essentials for those experiencing hardship.
Assist team to be aware of local charities and relevant supporting bodies which can enhance discharge planning.
Assist with gaining updates from wider NHFT service colleagues and external agencies.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in healthcare
- Desire to work in discharge role
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working with housing/social care/previous discharge coordinator experience
- Experience of working in mental health inpatient setting
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Maths and English relevant qualifications (GCSE level or equivalent)
- Knowledge and experience of working with Microsoft Teams, Excel, and good IT skills
Desirable criteria
- Educated to diploma level in relevant field (or equivalent experience)
- Skilled in using an electronic patient record system.
- Experience/knowledge of the barriers and challenges of discharging mental health inpatients.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Holly Roach
- Job title
- Bed Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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