Forest Health Care is seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and passionate Social Prescribing Link Worker to join our team. As part of a collaborative network of four member practices, we are looking for a proactive individual committed to understanding and supporting our patients.
Social prescribing empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing through referrals to non-medical link workers who focus on what matters to the person and take a holistic approach, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Link workers support existing groups to be accessible and sustainable and help start new community groups, working collaboratively with all local partners. Social prescribing is particularly effective for people with long-term conditions (including mental health support), those who are lonely or isolated, or have complex social needs affecting their wellbeing.
Main duties of the job
Key duties and responsibilities include:
1. Taking referrals from a wide range of agencies, including GP practices within primary care networks and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
2. Providing personalised support to individuals, their families, and carers to take control of their wellbeing, live independently, and improve health outcomes.
3. Developing trusting relationships by giving people time and focusing on what matters to them, taking a holistic, person-centered approach based on their priorities and wider determinants of health. Co-producing personalised support plans to improve health and wellbeing, reconnecting individuals with community groups and statutory services.
4. Managing and prioritising your own caseload according to individual needs, including knowing when to refer individuals to other health professionals or agencies, especially when needs exceed the scope of the link worker role.
5. Drawing on and increasing the strengths and capacities of local communities, enabling VCSE organisations and community groups to receive social prescribing referrals.
About us
Primary care networks (PCNs) are groups of GP practices working together with other health and care providers to deliver a broader range of services. Forest Green PCN comprises four practices: Forest Health Care, Dockham Surgery, Drybrook Surgery, and others.
PCNs support general practices facing growing pressures by fostering collaboration with primary care and community services, and expanding multidisciplinary workforce and services.
Job responsibilities
Key tasks include:
* Referrals: Promoting social prescribing, building relationships with key staff in GP practices, developing strong links with local agencies, providing updates and training, and encouraging self-referrals.
* Personalised support: Meeting individuals one-on-one, building trust, supporting independence, co-producing support plans, and facilitating access to community groups and services. Supporting community groups and VCSE organisations, ensuring safeguarding and safety policies are in place, and developing sustainable community assets.
* Community engagement: Supporting volunteers, encouraging peer support, and evaluating community group strengths and needs.
* Clinical governance: Identifying risk issues, adhering to policies, and participating in audits and professional development.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, or working towards it.
* Commitment to professional development.
* Training in motivational coaching and interviewing or equivalent experience.
Experience
* Experience in community development, health and social care, or related fields.
* Supporting individuals, families, and carers, including unpaid work.
* Working with VCSE sector and volunteers.
* Partnership working and relationship building.
* Data collection and impact assessment.
* Supporting mental health.
Personal Attributes
* Empathetic listening, person-centred support, respect for diversity.
* Commitment to reducing health inequalities.
* Effective communication skills.
* Risk assessment and management skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
* Organisational and prioritisation skills.
Skills and Knowledge
* Understanding of social determinants of health, community development, and IT skills.
* Knowledge of GDPR, safeguarding, and personalised care.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position requires a DBS check due to safeguarding requirements.
Salary ranges from £27,850 to £30,560 per year, pro-rata depending on experience.
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