Home in Reach Assessor
Job Description
Job summary
The Adult Community service line is advertising for a number of full-time IHome in Reach Assessor for our Wandsworth services
The Interface team is a new and exciting team. We are looking for people that hold a relevant experience in health, social care or within the voluntary sector. The team will be expected to work in conjunction with Internal and external partners in supporting proactive discharge planning and timely discharge for patients known to our Community Mental Health Teams within acute admission wards. The team will work alongside the adult community service line which delivers care to adult mental health clients across the five boroughs of the Trust. The service line employs over 700 staff, and we care for up to 12,000 patients a year.
We will welcome informal discussions ahead of the interview so if you have questions or would simply like to learn more about the post.
Main duties of the job
The Home in Reach Assessor supports the safe, timely discharge and ongoing independence of service users through hands-on assistance and coordination of essential services. The role includes:
- Escorting service users to their homes to meet contractors for repair works and inspect completed work, reporting back to the interface workers and IRH teams.
- Inspecting and assessing the scope of required repairs, ensuring they meet agreed safety and quality standards.
- Facilitating patient transport, including escorting individuals to airports for repatriation or to appointments as part of discharge planning.
- Providing practical support for discharge planning, focusing on reducing barriers to timely discharge and supporting service users in their transition back into the community.
- Being on call during working hours to respond to urgent discharge tasks to support with creating capacity within the acute service line.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
Job responsibilities
Home Support and Assessments
- Escort service users to their homes to allow contractors to carry out repair works safely.
- Conduct inspections to identify necessary repairs and evaluate completed work to ensure quality and safety.
- Document all observations and actions taken, updating relevant records promptly.
- Updating stakeholders on progress of repairs and/or discharge tasks.
Transport and Practical Support
- Arrange transport for service users
- Support by attending appointments with service users, ensuring access to services that facilitate discharge planning and ongoing care.
- Support service users requiring transport to airports for repatriation purposes, ensuring a seamless transition and adherence to care plans.
Discharge Planning
- Collaborate with MDTs, contractors, and external agencies to remove barriers to timely discharge.
- Identify potential risks or delays in discharge processes and escalate issues as required.
- Work closely with community teams, local authorities, and housing providers to facilitate a smooth transition from hospital to home or other care settings.
Communication and Liaison
- Build strong relationships with contractors and service providers to coordinate timely completion of works.
- Liaise with families, carers, and service users to ensure clarity and alignment in discharge and care planning.
- Maintain accurate records in line with organisational policies and participate in team meetings to share progress and insights.
General Responsibilities
- Adhere to all organisational policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality protocols.
- Support ongoing service improvements through active participation in audits and feedback processes.
- Contribute to a positive team culture by upholding the values of respect, openness, collaboration, compassion, and consistency.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant experience in working within maintenance or equivalent.
- Relevant experience of working effectively with contractors and local housing departments
- Educated to diploma calibre or able to demonstrate relevant experience
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience working in a health, social care, maintenance or housing support role.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and discharge planning processes.
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks under pressure.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as part of the role.
Desirable
- Familiarity with local housing and repair services
- Experience supporting individuals during hospital discharge or similar transitions.
- Understanding of the Mental Health Act, Care Act, and housing policies
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational skills including excellent use of IT
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal (e.g. contributing to discharge planning meetings) and written (e.g. report writing)
- The ability to negotiate, particularly around timely appointments and repairs.
- Ability to respond positively and flexibly to changing demands and priorities
- Ability to work under pressure, autonomously and achieve deadlines
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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) ...
