Job summary
Contract Type:Permanent
Working Pattern:Full time
Advert Start Date:26/01/2026
Advert End Date:15/02/2026 23:59
Salary:£56,554 - £60,680 - Grade 16
Hours per week:37
Job Category:Social Care - Adult Service
Vacancy ID:291279
Employment Location:Your normal place of work will be University Hospital of North Durham, but you may be required to work at any Council/CDDFT workplace within County Durham
Post Number:AHS/26/008
Number of posts:1
Closing date: 15 Feb
An exciting development opportunity for a person experienced in acute hospital discharge. A busy role that offers autonomy and integrated partnership working between Local Authority and neighbouring NHS trusts.To drive forward the home first model as well as improving safe and timeliness discharge. An understanding of hospital discharge pathways is essential.WHAT IS INVOLVED?You will manage a core team of staff linked to discharge management. This will include staff employed by both LA and NHS.We encourage you to contact Cat Rowlands via email atcatherine.rowlands@durham.gov.ukto arrange an informal discussion about the role.
Main duties of the job
WHAT WILL I NEED?
- Recognised Social Work qualification or equivalent professional qualifications, or first degree in clinical subject.
- Registration with appropriate regulator (SWE, NMC, HCPC etc)
- Continuing Professional Development within past 3 years in areas related to the post.
- Experience of implementing and managing change and business transformation, proactively pursuing continuous improvement.
- Experience of successful strategic management and the formulation and delivery of strategic objectives, plans and policies.
- Proven ability to manage a significant budget and meet financial efficiencies.
- Working with Members and Senior Officers, advising on specialist areas of responsibility.
- Strategic level planning and people management, including motivation, engagement, empowerment, performance management and development.
- Experience of managing complex projects and matrix management.
- Experience of implementing and delivering partnership working with both internal and external partners.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.INTERVIEWSInterviews will be held 6th March 2026We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA Band 3 within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
OUR OFFER TO YOUWe offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits onour websiteRewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSIONWe are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
OUR OFFER TO YOUWe offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits onour websiteRewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSIONWe are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Social Work qualification or equivalent professional qualifications, or first degree in clinical subject.
- Registration with appropriate regulator (SWE, NMC, HCPC etc)
- Continuing Professional Development within past 3 years in areas related to the post.
Desirable
- Management qualification to level 5 or equivalent (desirable)
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Professional in approach.
- Strategic thinker.
- Personal commitment.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Well organised and self-motivated.
- Resilient with strong self-awareness.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Project management, business transformation and change management skills.
- Ability to think analytically, strategically, and creatively and to influence and manage change across management and professional boundaries.
- The ability to delegate effectively.
- Understand and promote the application of digital technology to support and enhance service delivery.
- Understand the strengths, motivations, aspirations, and areas for development within the team and use this information to build resilience, manage talent and form positive working relationships built on trust which will empower, challenge, and develop the team.
- Understand what constitutes good workforce planning and establish effective workforce planning arrangements which support medium to long term service delivery.
- Understand and apply the service design principles to ensure the most effective level of service delivery is maintained within the resources available.
- Problem solving and budget setting skills.
- Understanding of LEAN methodology.
- Political and cultural awareness and an understanding of the political context and environment of Local Government.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of Local Government statutory requirements.
- Access to a car or access to a means of mobility support (if driving must have current valid driving licence and appropriate insurance).
Desirable
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the current challenges facing the Adults Workforce at national, regional, and local levels.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of implementing and managing change and business transformation, proactively pursuing continuous improvement.
- Experience of successful strategic management and the formulation and delivery of strategic objectives, plans and policies.
- Proven ability to manage a significant budget and meet financial efficiencies.
- Working with Members and Senior Officers, advising on specialist areas of responsibility.
- Strategic level planning and people management, including motivation, engagement, empowerment, performance management and development.
- Experience of managing complex projects and matrix management.
- Experience of implementing and delivering partnership working with both internal and external partners.
Desirable
- Substantial post qualifying experience in management and developing services in Adult Services or equivalent.
- Significant experience of working in Health and/or Social Care or equivalent.
- Substantial experience of work involving safeguarding of vulnerable people.
- Substantial experience of working in and delivering effective services to vulnerable adults.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Social Work qualification or equivalent professional qualifications, or first degree in clinical subject.
- Registration with appropriate regulator (SWE, NMC, HCPC etc)
- Continuing Professional Development within past 3 years in areas related to the post.
Desirable
- Management qualification to level 5 or equivalent (desirable)
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Professional in approach.
- Strategic thinker.
- Personal commitment.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Well organised and self-motivated.
- Resilient with strong self-awareness.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Project management, business transformation and change management skills.
- Ability to think analytically, strategically, and creatively and to influence and manage change across management and professional boundaries.
- The ability to delegate effectively.
- Understand and promote the application of digital technology to support and enhance service delivery.
- Understand the strengths, motivations, aspirations, and areas for development within the team and use this information to build resilience, manage talent and form positive working relationships built on trust which will empower, challenge, and develop the team.
- Understand what constitutes good workforce planning and establish effective workforce planning arrangements which support medium to long term service delivery.
- Understand and apply the service design principles to ensure the most effective level of service delivery is maintained within the resources available.
- Problem solving and budget setting skills.
- Understanding of LEAN methodology.
- Political and cultural awareness and an understanding of the political context and environment of Local Government.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of Local Government statutory requirements.
- Access to a car or access to a means of mobility support (if driving must have current valid driving licence and appropriate insurance).
Desirable
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the current challenges facing the Adults Workforce at national, regional, and local levels.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of implementing and managing change and business transformation, proactively pursuing continuous improvement.
- Experience of successful strategic management and the formulation and delivery of strategic objectives, plans and policies.
- Proven ability to manage a significant budget and meet financial efficiencies.
- Working with Members and Senior Officers, advising on specialist areas of responsibility.
- Strategic level planning and people management, including motivation, engagement, empowerment, performance management and development.
- Experience of managing complex projects and matrix management.
- Experience of implementing and delivering partnership working with both internal and external partners.
Desirable
- Substantial post qualifying experience in management and developing services in Adult Services or equivalent.
- Significant experience of working in Health and/or Social Care or equivalent.
- Substantial experience of work involving safeguarding of vulnerable people.
- Substantial experience of working in and delivering effective services to vulnerable adults.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
