Social Prescribing Link Worker

Job Purpose Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to non-medical social prescribing link workers who give time to focus on what matters to me. You will take a holistic approach connecting people to community groups and statutory services that provide emotional and practical support. As part of the PCNs team of health professionals take referrals from the PCN and a wide range of agencies to support the health and wellbeing of patients. Deliver the social prescribing plan as determined by the PCN, Commissioners, social prescribing schemes, Local Authorities, and voluntary sector leaders.

Job Summary To provide personalised support to patients, their families, and carers to take control of their health and wellbeing, live independently, improve their health outcomes, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Develop trusting relationships by giving people time and focus on what matters to them. Working collaboratively with community groups providing support to maintain and build accessibility, sustainability, and capacity. Key Areas of Responsibility Accept referrals and assess how far a patients health and wellbeing needs can be met by services and other opportunities in the community.

Manage and prioritise your caseload reflecting your patients needs. Together produce a simple personalised care and support plan to address their health and wellbeing needs by introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services, including weight management support, smoking cessation, taking up employment, training, welfare support (personal health budget) and sign posting where it matters to the person. Following a patients journey, evaluate how far the actions in the care and support plan are meeting their health and wellbeing needs. Where required refer patients back to other health professionals within the PCN.

For your own personal and professional development, you will be expected to participate in monthly supervision with a health professional. Discuss concerns with a relevant GP to ensure safeguarding procedures are followed appropriately. Work collaboratively with local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and community groups to receive social prescribing referrals. Support the VCSE organisations and community groups to become more sustainable, sharing intelligence regarding gaps or issues identified in local provision.

Ensure all VCSE organisations have appropriate safeguarding procedures in place and are genuine opportunities for patients to develop a sense of belonging, build knowledge, skills, and confidence. Sharing the knowledge and promoting the benefits with colleagues in the PCN on other services available in the local community and how these can be accessed. Promote the social prescribing services you offer to colleagues within your PCN and the community. Be visible.

Gather data to build an evidence base about the benefits of social prescribing. Ensure data is captured in the clinical systems and SNOMED codes are utilised. Attends the peer support networks run by NHS England and NHS Improvement at ICS level. Management of workload and personal development Act on own initiative in prioritising and managing workload, in respect of clinical, managerial, and administrative areas, as necessary.

Maintain own personal and professional development as agreed at your annual review.