Homeless Hospital Discharge Worker (Part time)

at  Julian House

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in housing support, social work, or a related field, with a strong understanding of homelessness, benefits systems, and patient advocacy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. with the ability to work empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds

THE ROLE:

This role sits within our Bay 6 project which is an innovative service based in the Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) Hospital, focused on providing housing and benefits advice to patients at risk of homelessness upon discharge.
Our aim is to ensure that discharge planning begins at the point of admission, collaborating closely with all hospital wards to identify and support patients facing housing and/or benefits issues. Through early intervention, tailored advice, and dedicated support, we strive to resolve immediate challenges and facilitate the transition into long-term, sustainable accommodation, ensuring swift recovery and reducing he likelihood of readmission.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide bedside visits to offer personalised housing and benefits support and guidance, developing action plans in collaboration with patients
• Initiating discharge planning from the point of patient admission, working closely with hospital wards to identify at-risk individuals
• Liaising with Housing Options Teams across local authorities and district councils, ensuring timely access to accommodation and resources - as well as building strong relationships with key stakeholders
• Tracking the progress of discharge plans and accommodation solutions, adjusting strategies as necessary and prevent future homelessness or hospital readmission
• Raising awareness among hospital staff of the challenges faced by at-risk patients and the importance of early intervention