Emergency Department High Intensity User Case Worker

Job overview

This position is a key role within the Borough-wide High Intensity User (HIU) service. The service’s aim is to provide adequate, tailored support for people identified as High Intensity Users (HIUs) of West Middlesex Hospital Urgent & Emergency Care services. The intention is to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities by identifying the most appropriate medical and psycho-social support and ensuring that HIUs are able to access it as needed, reducing inappropriate demand on UEC services.

The HIU Case Worker will be responsible for providing front-line, hands-on, daytime support to High Intensity Users attending Wes Hospital Emergency Department (ED) and liaising closely with the local Borough HIU Care Coordinator to ensure that there is a seamless continuum of care between ED and the wider community.

Main duties of the job

• Accepting referrals of HIUs attending ED who do not have acute physical or mental health problems that need medical attention within ED.
• Attending the patient and assessing their immediate needs including any risks of self-harm or threats to others and their social situation such as housing, debt or isolation.
• Checking available records of medical and social care, and any existing care plans, to help formulate an immediate plan including referral to suitable agencies.
• Liaison with statutory and non-statutory services to enable access to relevant local services for the individual, ensuring that those with ongoing needs are referred to the Borough Care Coordinator
• Participating in Borough HIU MDT meeting(s)
• Supporting the creation of Urgent Care Plans for selected individuals and maintaining them within Cerner
• Supporting and delivering training to other ED staff in relation to the care of HIUs

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Accepting referrals of HIUs attending ED who do not have acute physical or mental health problems that need medical attention within ED.
• Attending the patient and assessing their immediate needs including any risks of self-harm or threats to others and their social situation such as housing, debt or isolation.
• Checking available records of medical and social care, and any existing care plans, to help formulate an immediate plan including referral to suitable agencies.
• Liaison with statutory and non-statutory services to enable access to relevant local services for the individual, ensuring that those with ongoing needs are referred to the Borough Care Coordinator
• Participating in Borough HIU MDT meeting(s)
• Supporting the creation of Urgent Care Plans for selected individuals and maintaining them within Cerner
• Supporting and delivering training to other ED staff in relation to the care of HIUs