Overview
Burgess Hill and Villages PCN has an exciting opportunity to expand its Primary Care Workforce by employing a CYPSP (Children and Young People Social Prescriber) and implementing a CYPSP service for our patients. We aim to provide exemplary patient care; find innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best care we can for our patients. The role will contribute to improving the quality of care across the network of practices and support the varied case mix within the area.
You will join an enthusiastic team of clinicians and administrators. Within BHV PCN, there is an identified need for a Social Prescribing Link Worker to work with Children and Young People, to support their health and wellbeing and help them navigate the different support networks available to them. This includes linking them with Sexual Health Services, Drug and Alcohol support and Mental Health support as required.
Main duties of the job
The successful post holder will have the opportunity to shape the service, take responsibility for collecting user feedback, and adapt the role to suit user needs in line with the Thrive model. The role is primarily to work with children and young people aged up to 19 years (up to 24 years for users with Learning Difficulties) but may also involve work with their parents/carers. You will work closely with GP practices, schools and colleges (if required) and a range of established services to provide support for children, young people and their families and deliver appropriate support at the right time. Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to a non-medical link worker who focuses on what matters to the individual and connects people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Link workers help groups become accessible and sustainable and assist people to start new community groups, working collaboratively with all local partners. Social prescribing strengthens personal and community resilience and reduces health inequalities by addressing wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing, and physical inactivity, by increasing people’s active involvement with local communities.
About us
Alliance for Better Care (ABC) is a GP Federation uniting 77 NHS GP member practices across 98 sites within 24 Primary Care Networks in Sussex and Surrey. We support our Primary Care colleagues and their patients to transform how healthcare is delivered in their communities. We work closely with GP Practices, PCNs, Hospitals, Community Organisations, and the Third Sector to deliver an integrated approach that provides support and expertise to effectively serve our populations.
Our Values
* We innovate
* We are honest
* We care
* We are inclusive
* We deliver
Job summary
Burgess Hill and Villages PCN has an exciting opportunity to expand their Primary Care Workforce by employing a CYPSP and implementing a CYPSP service for our patients. We would like to build on our existing PCN team as we continue to recognise the value the additional roles bring to our practices and patients. Our aim is to provide exemplary patient care; find innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best care we can for our patients.
There is a wide socio-economic and demographic served within this area which will provide an interesting and varied case mix. You will be joining an enthusiastic team of clinicians and administrators. The role will contribute to improving the quality of care of our patients across the network of practices. You will be joining a Social Prescribing Link Worker to support Children and Young People and help navigate the support networks available to them, including Sexual Health Services, Drug and Alcohol support, and Mental Health support as required.
Job responsibilities
* Provide personalised support to children and young people aged up to 19 years (up to 24 years old for users with Learning Difficulties) to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.
* Accept referrals from a wide range of agencies including GP practices within primary care networks.
* Signpost young people and their families to appropriate community-based services after assessment by BHV PCN GP.
* Meet young people one-to-one, build trust, offer non-judgemental support, and work from a strength-based approach.
* Offer between 1 and 6 sessions for up to an hour, face-to-face or virtual, with follow-up where needed.
* Co-produce a personalised support plan to improve health and wellbeing, connecting and supporting young people to community groups and statutory services.
* Help identify wider issues affecting health and wellbeing (e.g., debt, housing, unemployment, loneliness, caring responsibilities).
* Build links with local schools and community enterprises; work with established services to ease cross-referral processes and provide peer support.
* Provide early intervention and reduce waiting times by using Thrive delivery model in sessions (advice, help, more help, risk support, thriving).
* Collaborate with agencies such as schools, Local Area Coordinators, Targeted Youth Service, and Family Support Teams to ensure joined-up care.
* Introduce people to community groups and statutory services, follow up to ensure engagement and support.
* Capture information to track impact of social prescribing on health and wellbeing; encourage feedback from young people.
* Manage and prioritise own caseload; work with safeguarding lead to escalate concerns quickly and effectively.
* Refer to other health professionals/agencies when needs exceed the link worker scope (e.g., mental health needs).
* Build relationships within GP practices, attend meetings, and contribute to the wider network team; organise weekly MDTs as needed.
* Be flexible in-hours and out-of-hours; support the PCN in reducing inequalities by engaging Children and Young People early.
* Participate in regular clinical supervision with a GP.
Person Specification
Essential qualifications and attributes
* NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care, or equivalent, or working towards
* Ability to listen, empathise, and provide person-centred support
* Commitment to reducing health inequalities and reaching diverse communities
* Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to build relationships and promote collaborative practice
* Ability to identify and manage risk when working with children and young people
* Able to work from an asset-based approach and lead and finish tasks
* Willingness to work flexibly with a team or on own initiative; capability to support development of small volunteer-led groups
* Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, information governance, and health and safety
Experience
Essential
* Experience working with a range of professionals including senior clinicians
* Experience with children and young people or in community development, children’s health and social care, learning support or public health
* Experience supporting people, families and carers in related roles
* Experience working with the VCSE sector and building cross-organisational relationships
Desirable
* Experience in a primary care setting
* Experience supporting mental health needs
* Experience with data collection and monitoring impact
Other requirements
Essential
* DBS checks as per policy; clear criminal record as per spent convictions law
* Willingness to work flexible hours; access to own transport to travel across locality
* Champion of equality and diversity; compliance with Confidentiality and Data Protection
Qualifications
Essential
* NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent, or working towards
* Commitment to ongoing professional development
Desirable
* Training in motivational interviewing or equivalent experience
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
* Understanding of wider determinants of health and community development approaches
* IT literacy for simple plans and reports
* Knowledge of motivational coaching and interview skills
Desirable
* Knowledge of personalised care approach; knowledge of VCSE and local community services
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a DBS check will be carried out.
Employer details
Alliance for Better Care CIC
Hurstpierpoint Health Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 9UQ
Employer's website: https://allianceforbettercare.org/
Salary: £27,496.89 to £34,188.93 a year pro rata, depending on experience
#J-18808-Ljbffr