About this opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a CP Link Worker ( Social Prescribing Practitioner) to join a groundbreaking 13-month feasibility research project addressing the needs of adults with cerebral palsy (40+ years) across North Central London's five boroughs: Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden and Islington.
This innovative project aims to support people with cerebral palsy to age well through personalised social prescribing approaches. You'll be employed by UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement and work as part of a collaborative research team including Surrey University and the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
No prior experience working with cerebral palsy or social prescribing is required, however it is beneficial
– we'll provide specialist training and ongoing clinical education throughout the project.
What you'll do
As our CP Link Worker (Social Prescribing Practitioner you'll support individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing by addressing their non-medical needs using a holistic, person-centred approach.
. You'll work with people experiencing:
* Loneliness and social isolation
* Long-term health conditions
* Mental health concerns
* Housing or financial difficulties
* Lifestyle-related challenges
Key responsibilities:
* Provide personalised information, advice and support for adults living with cerebral palsy, including their families and carers
* Explore non-medical needs and connect clients to relevant community-based services and groups based in the North Central London (NCL) area
* Develop strong working relationships with NCL community neuro teams, local social prescribers, social care workers and other health professionals
* Build and maintain effective partnerships with local voluntary and community sector organisations
* Maintain clear and well-organised records of interactions and activities to support effective case management and reporting
* Collect qualitative and quantitative data to support the feasibility study analysis
What we're looking for
Essential requirements:
Experience and skills:
* Experience supporting individuals with social, emotional or practical challenges
* Background or training in health, social care, community work or mental health support
* Experience working with adults with long-term or neurological conditions
* Strong communication, interpersonal and active listening skills
* Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively with colleagues and partner organisations
* Empathetic, patient and non-judgemental approach
Working style:
* Ability to manage a caseload independently and prioritise workload effectively
* Willingness to work remotely and travel within North Central London as required
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital case management systems
* Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and addressing health inequalities
Knowledge and understanding:
* Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding practices
* Basic knowledge of (or willingness to learn about) cerebral palsy and its impact on adult health and wellbeing
* Knowledge of local community services and referral pathways (or ability to learn quickly)
* Ability to build trust and strong relationships with clients, families, carers and professionals
Desirable qualities:
* Understanding of wider determinants of health (housing, employment, isolation)
* Familiarity with North Central London Area
* Experience in behaviour change support or motivational interviewing
* Knowledge of social prescribing approaches and community development
* Access to a car and valid driving licence
* Familiarity with wellbeing measurement tools (e.g. ONS4)
* Experience delivering training or awareness sessions
* Prior awareness of research and its importance
* Previous experience as a link worker / social prescriber / healthcare professional
About the project
This research project is funded by Vivensa in collaboration with UCLH, Sussex, Surrey and Brunel Universities and UP-The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement. Social prescribing empowers individuals to address non-medical needs that affect their wellbeing and builds resilience by connecting them to sources of support within the community.
The CP Link Worker (Social Prescribing Practitioner) will be employed for 13 months as part of the wider feasibility study team. The first month will be non–client-facing, focused on embedding within the charity partner
UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement
, meeting other research team members, attending the Adult CP clinic at UCLH, engaging with social prescribing and community neuro teams across NCL, publicising the study, and completing any necessary training to address identified skill gaps.
The following 12 months will involve client-facing work, with the Practitioner delivering social prescribing interventions to a target of 30 participants across the five boroughs within NCL.
You can find out more about the study here CP Link: Developing a specialised link worker role to support adults with cerebral palsy to age well | University of Surrey
Ready to apply?
Join us in this innovative project that has the potential to transform support for adults with cerebral palsy across North Central London. We're looking for someone who shares our commitment to person-centred care and is excited about contributing to meaningful research that could shape future services. We are not able to provide any visa sponsorship with this role.
Please send your
CV and a covering letter
(no more than 2 pages) outlining your experience and why this role excites you, to. Deadline for applications Friday 3
rd
October
For more information about UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, visit:
For informal enquiries or questions, contact