Social Worker

Social Worker (Discharge to Assess) – Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council is recruiting a qualified Social Worker to join its Hospital Discharge to Assess Team. The successful candidate will support adults and their families through the hospital discharge process, carrying out complex assessments and coordinating person-centred care plans that promote independence and wellbeing.

Job Overview

• Employer: Manchester City Council
• Job Title: Social Worker (Discharge to Assess)
• Salary: £38,510 – £42,123 per annum (pro rata)
• Grade: Grade 7 (Bar at £41,177)
• Job Reference: 8896
• Location: Various locations, Manchester, UK
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid
• Additional Payments: 6.7% flexibility payment and Essential Car User Allowance
• Visa Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.
• Closing Date: 24 November 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Interview: In person

About the Role

As a Social Worker (Discharge to Assess), you will help ensure adults leaving hospital receive appropriate care and support at the right time.

You will work within the Hospital Discharge to Assess Team to facilitate safe and timely transfers of care, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions, and improve outcomes for Manchester residents.

The role involves working with health and social care professionals, partner organisations and community providers to promote independence and deliver effective discharge arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake complex social care assessments, care planning and professional decision-making.
• Apply relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Coordinate and facilitate safe, effective hospital discharges within required timescales.
• Assess risks, safeguard vulnerable adults and make defensible professional decisions.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, healthcare professionals and partner agencies.
• Coordinate discharge planning, reablement, intermediate care and longer-term support arrangements.
• Promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes for adults leaving hospital.

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England or eligibility for registration.
• Experience undertaking complex assessments within adult social care.
• Knowledge and practical application of the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Ability to make sound professional judgements and defensible decisions in complex situations.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and coordinating services.
• Strong partnership-working skills and a commitment to person-centred outcomes.
• Commitment to professional standards and continuous development.

Candidates must provide evidence against the essential criteria in their personal statement, supported by relevant examples.

Driving Licence and DBS Requirements

This is a designated Essential Car User position. Applicants must:

• Hold a full, valid driving licence.
• Have access to their own car for work purposes.

Successful candidates will also be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check, provide satisfactory references and undergo a pre-placement health assessment.

Evidence of relevant qualifications and Social Work England registration will also be required.

Salary and Additional Benefits

In addition to the advertised salary, the council offers:

• 6.7% flexibility payment.
• Essential Car User Allowance.
• Up to 26 days of annual leave, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service.
• Option to purchase up to two additional weeks of annual leave.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced parental and carers’ leave.
• Staff discounts through MCR+.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, free flu vaccinations and eye tests.
• Learning, training and professional development opportunities.
• Up to three days of paid volunteering leave (pro rata).

Working for Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council is committed to building a fairer, greener and healthier city. The council promotes inclusive working practices, professional development and flexible employment.

The organisation also supports workplace adjustments and provides staff networks for disabled employees, neurodivergent employees and colleagues interested in mental health and wellbeing.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants should submit an application through the official Manchester City Council recruitment portal.

Your personal statement should address each essential selection criterion and include relevant examples from your professional experience.

Interviews will take place in person. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks before starting employment.

Important: The council states that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants who require sponsorship should confirm their eligibility with the recruitment team before applying.

Contact Information

For vacancy-related enquiries, contact:

Hiring Manager: Alex Bollard
Email: alex.bollard@manchester.gov.uk

For recruitment support or reasonable adjustments:

Email: jobs@manchester.gov.uk

How to Apply

To view the full job description, download the role profile and submit your application, visit the official Manchester City Council recruitment website.

Closing Date: 24 November 2026 at 11:59 pm.