Our District Direct Officers work in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Hellesdon Hospital, Discharge Facilitation Services, Housing Authorities and Adult Social Care teams to support the safe and timely discharge of patients from hospital. Often, it is practical issues rather than clinical needs that prevent someone from returning home, such as the need for minor adaptations, essential cleaning services or suitable housing arrangements.
We are looking for a new District Direct Officer to join our established and supportive team. This rewarding role has a direct impact on people's lives, helping individuals return home safely and without unnecessary delay.
With a primary focus on Hellesdon Hospital, a specialist mental health facility, you will work closely with health, housing and social care partners to remove barriers to discharge and ensure patients can return home as soon as it is safe to do so.
About the Role
You will receive and action referrals from clinical teams and the Home First Hub, coordinating the practical support required to facilitate discharge. This may include arranging property adaptations, organising cleaning services, and liaising with a range of agencies and service providers.
You will work closely with patients and their families to make discharge arrangements, carrying out home visits where necessary to assess living conditions and identify any potential issues that could affect a patient's safe return home. You will also liaise with hospital staff to arrange and support home visits as part of the discharge planning process.
A key aspect of the role is maintaining effective communication with your Team Leader and ensuring that any factors which may delay discharge are identified and escalated promptly, enabling timely interventions and solutions to be put in place.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is organised, proactive and committed to making a positive difference to people's lives during an important transition from hospital to home.
About You
The successful candidate will have the proven ability to work with a variety of professionals, customers and other stakeholders together with experience of multi-agency working. You will also have knowledge of housing legislation and policy and procedures across Norfolk Housing Authorities.
You will be able to work autonomously, maintaining a complex caseload, often under pressure, whilst retaining a flexible approach to the needs of customers and partner services.
You will need to be able to travel independently to multiple locations as part of your role.
Closing Date: 07th September 2026
Interview Date:To be confirmed
Why Join Us?
We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received.
South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
