Social Prescriber Link Worker

EXCITING TIMES - WE ARE ENLARGING OUR LIVING WELL TEAMNorth Wilts Border PCN is looking for a motivated and compassionate Social Prescriber to join our dynamic Living Well Team, which includes care coordinators, social prescribers, and health and wellbeing coaches. Our team is dedicated to supporting people to live healthier, more connected lives, addressing the wider social determinants of health, and reducing social isolation.In this role, you will work closely with patients across the six practices within our PCN, helping them access the right community, voluntary, and social support tailored to their individual needs.A key focus of this role will be engaging with people with learning disabilities and those living with severe mental health conditions, empowering them to build connections, enhance wellbeing, and improve their overall quality of life.If you are passionate about helping people thrive in their communities and committed to reducing health inequalities, we would love to hear from you.Join us in shaping a person-centred approach to care that goes beyond the clinic, supporting individuals to live well, stay connected, and achieve their full potential.Main duties of the jobThe Social Prescriber will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, under the supervision of the Social Prescriber Team Leader and other healthcare professionals.The role focuses on delivering person-centred support to address wider social determinants of health, including social isolation, housing, employment, and financial challenges.Key responsibilities include connecting patients to community, voluntary, and statutory services; promoting social engagement and wellbeing; coordinating care across health and social care systems; supporting long-term management of physical and mental health needs; facilitating access to benefits, training, and employment; and contributing to initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities.The Social Prescriber will also support audits, provide guidance to colleagues, participate in PCN projects, and maintain professional development in line with the Personal Development Plan.About usNorth Wilts Border PCN is a vibrant, forward-thinking Primary Care Network serving over 56,000 patients across North Wiltshire and the borders of Swindon. Our network brings together six GP practicesMalmesbury Primary Care Centre,New Court Surgery,Purton Surgery,Cricklade Surgery,The Tolsey Surgery, andTo deliver integrated, patient-centred care. By working together, we provide more coordinated, accessible, and flexible services that go beyond traditional GP appointments.Our multidisciplinary team consisting of GPs, paramedics, clinical pharmacists, care coordinators, and social prescribing link workers.Together, we support patients medical, social, and wellbeing needs, ensuring holistic care across our network.This is your chance to join a collaborative environment where innovation, teamwork, and patient care comes first.NOTE: Right to Work in the UKPlease note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants MUST already have the right to work in the UK in order to be considered.Job responsibilitiesPrimary ResponsibilitiesDevelopand maintain a directory of local services, including charities,community/voluntary sector organizations, and private providers.Providelong-term, person-centred support to address wider social determinants ofhealth, such as housing insecurity, social isolation, financial difficulties,and employment challenges.Deliverprojects aimed at reducing health inequalities and addressing widerdeterminants of health.Organizeand participate in wellbeing fairs to promote community connection and showcaselocal support groups.Connectindividuals to mental health support, including Talking Therapies, adultcommunity mental health services, and wellbeing initiatives.ConductSerious Mental Illness (SMI) reviews through assessment clinics, liaising withGPs and mental health teams, and ensuring continuity of care.Encouragesocial engagement by linking individuals to community groups, activities, andvolunteering opportunities.Collaboratewith councils and community partners to strengthen networks, develop newgroups, and enhance existing community support structures.supportfrequent service users by identifying and addressing underlying social factorscontributing to repeated attendance.Providelow-level mental health support through Talking Therapies and social groupparticipation.ConductLearning Disability reviews, coordinating assessments and ensuring appropriatefollow-up care.Managea caseload of patients, acting as a single point of contact across primarycare, community care, secondary care, and care home settings.Overseeand manage tasks related to local wellbeing teams (LWT).Secondary ResponsibilitesSupportpatients in accessing benefits, training, and employment opportunities whereappropriate.Helppatients manage their health by responding to queries and ensuring access toclear, quality information about their care.Coordinateappointments and encourage the uptake of vaccinations among eligible groups.Focuson personalised, culturally sensitive support, particularly for patients fromdiverse backgrounds or those with disabilities or long-term conditions.Navigateand coordinate care across health and care systems, ensuring timely referralsand seamless transitions between services.Facilitateand monitor referrals to both clinical and non-clinical services, collaboratingwith healthcare teams and external partners.Empowerpatients to take an active role in managing their health and wellbeing.Liaisewith Adult Social Care when needed to raise safeguarding concerns or requestcare assessments.Contributeto tackling health inequalities through targeted work with identifiedpopulation groups.Upholdrelevant policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, loneworking, information governance, health and safety, and equality, diversity,and inclusion.Supportthe PCN audit programme and undertake audits as required.Provideguidance and support to junior team members.Participatein local initiatives and projects to enhance service delivery and patient care.Contributeto shared learning across the practice.Participatein PCN projects as directed by the PCN manager.Takepersonal responsibility for learning and development, maintaining competencyand achieving targets set in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).Person SpecificationExperienceDemonstrated experience working directly in community development, adult health and social care, learning support, or public health/health improvement, including unpaid or voluntary work.Proven experience supporting individuals, their families, and carers in a relevant role, including through voluntary or unpaid contributions.Experience collaborating with the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, including engagement with volunteers and small community groups.Strong experience in partnership and collaborative working, including building and maintaining relationships across multiple organisations.Experience of volunteering or supporting volunteer-led initiatives, demonstrating the ability to engage and manage volunteers effectively.Experience of working in Primary CareKnowledge of SystmOneQualificationsGCSE grade A to C in English and MathsNVQ Level 3/4 in Health and Social Care or equivalentPersonalised Care InstituteNational Association of Link WorkersSkills and KnowledgeKnowledgeable in social prescribing models.Familiar with community development approaches.Competent in using IT systems, including Microsoft Word, email, and internet tools to create and manage plans.Awareness of GDPR regulations and compliance requirements.Understanding of safeguarding principles for both children and adults.Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors and their impactKnowledge of motivational coaching and interview skillsKnowledge of VCSE and community services in the localityOther RequirementsAble to travel and work across multiple sites, with access to personal transport insured for business use.Flexible to work from various locations as required.Willing to provide cover within the team during periods of annual leave or sickness.Capable of traveling as needed to meet the requirements of the role.Meets DBS standards and holds a clear criminal record, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.Possesses a full, unrestricted driving licence with business insurance and reliable access to personal transport for regular travel, including home visits within the locality.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr