County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Discharge Facilitator

The closing date is 17 June 2025

Job summary

Thankyou for considering this exciting opportunity.

We are seeking to appointan enthusiastic discharge coordinator to join our team on a 32 bedded Gastroenterology ward at UHND.

Do you have a passion for helping people and enjoy fast pace environments? Are youwell organised, focusedand eager to make a difference? Do youenjoy being part of a strong, positive team?If so, this could be your opportunity to join our friendly, supportiveteam here within Integrated Medical Specialities (IMS) atUHND.

Within IMS we strive towards delivering a high standard of care to each and every patient we have the privilege to care for. As thedischarge coordinator, your role will be pivotal to the patient journey.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for motivated and compassionate staff to focus on the patient discharge planning process. You need to be organised, able to prioritise workloads, undertake assessments, use your own initiative and communicate clearly and concisely with a range of people. The role will involve working closely with ward staff, twice daily ward MDT meetings using the ethos of 'Why not Home, Why not Today' and communicating with patients, relatives and other community services to provide a proactive and continuous process of discharge planning, avoiding delays and thereby improving patient experience.

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 a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA 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).

Date posted

10 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,169 to £25,674 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-0229

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Job description

Job responsibilities

The main duties for this role are described in detail in the job description and person specification document, that is attached to this vacancy. Please ensure to read through to further your understanding of the role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Special Requirements

Essential

Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
Reflective practitioner.
Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.

Desirable

Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.

Desirable

Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Experience

Essential

Computer skills.
Ability to learn new skills.

Desirable

Previous experience in caring for others.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Good interpersonal skills.
Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
Understanding of the role of HCSW.
Able to work as part of a team.
Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Good verbal and written command of English.
Ability to act upon own initiative.
Good communication skills.
Able to work under some pressure.
Ability to show leadership
Ability to plan own work.
Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Willing to take and record patient observations.

Desirable

Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Person Specification

Special Requirements

Essential

Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
Reflective practitioner.
Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.

Desirable

Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.

Desirable

Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Experience

Essential

Computer skills.
Ability to learn new skills.

Desirable

Previous experience in caring for others.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Good interpersonal skills.
Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
Understanding of the role of HCSW.
Able to work as part of a team.
Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Good verbal and written command of English.
Ability to act upon own initiative.
Good communication skills.
Able to work under some pressure.
Ability to show leadership
Ability to plan own work.
Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Willing to take and record patient observations.

Desirable

Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)