Social Worker – Continuing Healthcare

Job title: Social Worker – Continuing Healthcare

Our client based in North Somerset is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Adult Social Care Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a strong understanding of Continuing Healthcare processes, the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare, and the interface between health and social care.

The successful candidate will support Adult Social Care teams by completing CHC checklists, contributing to Decision Support Tool (DST) assessments, and participating in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) processes. You will play a key role in ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate funding and support arrangements through robust evidence gathering, professional analysis, and effective partnership working with health colleagues and other stakeholders.

In addition to CHC responsibilities, you will undertake the full range of statutory social work duties, supporting adults with care and support needs through person-centred, strengths-based practice that promotes independence, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Core duties include:

• Supporting Adult Social Care teams with the completion and submission of Continuing Healthcare Checklists

• Contributing to the completion of Decision Support Tools (DSTs) and participating in Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings as part of the CHC process

• Collating, analysing, and presenting evidence clearly and professionally to support CHC eligibility decision-making

• Representing Adult Social Care at CHC panels and other funding decision forums where required

• Applying the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and demonstrating a sound understanding of Section 22 of the Care Act 2014

• Screening incoming referrals and determining appropriate pathways, interventions, and service responses

• Undertaking strengths-based Care Assessments and Support Conversations to identify eligible care and support needs

• Completing Mental Capacity Assessments and facilitating Best Interest decision-making processes in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Developing, implementing, and reviewing Adult Provision Plans that promote independence, wellbeing, and positive outcomes

• Undertaking safeguarding interventions where appropriate and responding to concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect

• Working collaboratively with health professionals, community services, providers, carers, and families to deliver coordinated care and support

• Maintaining accurate, timely, and legally compliant records using electronic case management systems

• Providing advice, guidance, and professional expertise on CHC processes and the health and social care interface

• Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Qualification: MA, BA, BSc in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, CQSW, or equivalent recognised Social Work qualification

• Registration: Must be registered with Social Work England

• Experience: Significant post-qualified experience within Adult Social Care

• CHC Experience: Previous experience of Continuing Healthcare practice, including Checklists, Decision Support Tools, MDT meetings, and panel processes

• Legislation Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Care Act 2014, particularly Section 22, the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Adult Safeguarding legislation

Skills

• Proven ability to gather, analyse, and present detailed evidence to support decision-making and funding processes
• Mental Capacity & Best Interests: Experience undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest decisions
• Multi-Agency Working: Experience working effectively with NHS colleagues, commissioners, providers, carers, and partner organisations
• Systems Knowledge: Experience using electronic case management systems, with knowledge of LAS systems desirable
• Communication
• Excellent report-writing, presentation, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Professional Practice: Commitment to strengths-based, person-centred practice and continuous professional development