Job summaryWe are seeking an experienced and compassionate Social Worker to join our hospital-based palliative care team. You will provide specialist psychosocial support to patients and their families living with serious or life-limiting illness, helping them navigate the emotional, social and practical challenges of their diagnosis.
You will undertake holistic assessments, provide counselling and emotional support, respond to complex family and safeguarding needs, and support patients with advance care planning, goals of care, discharge planning and end-of-life decisions.
Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, you will help patients and families access appropriate hospice, community and other support services, and provide support through bereavement where required.
This is a rewarding role for a compassionate, skilled Social Worker who is committed to delivering person-centred care and improving the experience and quality of life of patients and their families.
Main duties of the jobThe Palliative Care Social Worker will be an integral member of the Specialist Palliative Care MDT, providing expert psychosocial support to patients and families living with serious or life-limiting illness.
The post holder will undertake holistic psychosocial assessments, provide emotional and practical support, and help patients and families navigate complex issues including adjustment, grief, loss, end-of-life care and bereavement. They will advocate for patient and family wishes, support complex discharge and care planning, and facilitate access to appropriate health, social care, financial, community and bereavement services.
The role will involve close multidisciplinary working across hospital and community services, contributing to family meetings, care planning and complex decision-making. The post holder will also provide advice and education to colleagues, contribute to safeguarding and clinical governance, and support service development and quality improvement.
About usSt George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.Job responsibilitiesPlease see the attached supporting document which contains more information about the Palliative Care Social Worker role at Epsom and St Helier.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Recognised professional qualification in Social Work.
- Current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body.
- Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to social work practice.
Desirable- Postgraduate qualification in social work or palliative care
- additional training in palliative care, end-of-life care, bereavement, counselling, oncology, or a related field
ExperienceEssential- Experience working as a qualified social worker within a health, hospital, community, hospice, or similarly complex setting
- Experience undertaking comprehensive psychosocial assessments
- Experience contributing to multidisciplinary assessment and care planning
Desirable- Experience facilitating or contributing to complex family meetings and discussions regarding goals of care
- Experience providing education, consultation, or supervision to colleagues
- Experience supporting discharge planning and transitions between hospital, hospice, community, and social care services
KnowledgeEssential- Good understanding of the psychosocial impact of serious and life-limiting illness on patients, families, and carers
- Understanding of the principles of palliative and end-of-life care
- Knowledge of relevant health, social care, community, hospice, and voluntary-sector resources
Desirable- Knowledge of advance care planning and goals-of-care processes
- Knowledge of approaches to supporting people experiencing complex grief or psychological distress
Clinical and Professional SkillsEssential- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to prioritise and manage a complex caseload
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable- Experience delivering teaching or presentations to healthcare professionals
- Experience facilitating family meetings
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
