Social Prescriber

**About the Role**:
EAST:MK PCN has an exciting opportunity for a social prescriber to join our practice team on a full-time basis. The role is offered for 37.5 hours per week over 5 days per week, between Monday and Saturday, on a rotation basis across the PCN's practices.

Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and well-being through referral to non-medical ‘link workers’ who give time to focus on what matters to each individual, taking a holistic approach and connecting people to community groups and statutory services, for practical and emotional support.

The main responsibilities of the role include:

- Receiving and managing all referrals from multi-agencies;
- Providing personalised support to vulnerable individuals;
- Working in partnership with the practice team to support patients and promote positive lifestyle changes, with the aim of preventing ill-health by means of behavioural change techniques;
- Completing holistic-care planning assessments, analysing how needs can be met by services and other opportunities available in the community;
- Providing information and advice about a wide range of services in order to promote health and well-being in order to support independence within communities;
- Forging strong links with local VCSE organisations, community and neighbourhood level groups;
- Contributing to reducing demand on statutory services, hospital admissions and to combat unnecessary GP appointments;
- Working with patients in the practice, or with patients in their own homes, to provide personalised person-centred support.

If you are a local community champion, or already a social prescriber, and want a new and exciting challenge, then we would love to hear from you.

You will need to have the following skills:

- Experience of working within healthcare, the voluntary or community sectors, supporting vulnerable groups;
- Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification or experience;
- Strong listening and communication skills;
- You will be familiar with local resources and services and how to access them;
- Motivated by helping people, with care and empathy;
- Ability to deliver person-centred support in a non-judgmental way;
- Experience of completing holistic, person-centred care-planning assessments;
- Understanding of the needs of small, volunteer-led community groups and the ability to support their development;
- Commitment to collaborative working with all local agencies;
- Experience and confidence in the delivery of lifestyle change interventions.

**About Us**:
EAST:MK PCN covers a total population of approximately 52,000 patients, across its 4 practices in Milton Keynes: Ashfield Medical Centre, CMK Medical Centre, Milton Keynes Village Practice and the Grove Surgery.

Our overarching objective is to deliver the highest standard of care. We work collaboratively with colleagues in the NHS, public and community services to make as much of an impact to improving patient access and care. Patient-centred care is a firm belief in our network, and we are looking for energetic and proactive individuals that will enjoy working in a vibrant team.

**Disclosure and Barring Service Check