Overview
Burgess Hill and Villages PCN is expanding 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 and explore innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best care for our patients. The area serves a wide socio-economic and demographic mix; you will join an enthusiastic team of clinicians and administrators, contributing to improving the quality of care across the network of practices.
Within BHV PCN, there is an identified need for a Social Prescribing Link Worker to work with Children and Young People, supporting their health and wellbeing and helping them navigate the available support networks. 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 opportunities to be involved in shaping the service, including collecting user feedback and adapting the role to suit user needs in line with the Thrive model.
The role primarily works with children and young people aged up to 19 years (up to 24 years for users with Learning Difficulties) but may 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 to be accessible and sustainable, and assist people to start new community groups, working with 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 their 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 Primary Care colleagues and their patients to transform how healthcare is delivered in their communities, working with GP Practices, PCNs, Hospitals, Community Organisations and the Third Sector to deliver integrated care.
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 recognise the value the additional roles bring to our practices and patients. The aim is to provide exemplary patient care and find innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best care for our patients.
There is a wide socio-economic and demographic served within this area, providing an interesting and varied case mix. You will join 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.
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, including linking them with Sexual Health Services, Drug and Alcohol support and Mental Health support as required.
Job responsibilities
* Provide personalised support to children and young people up to 19 years (up to 24 for Learning Difficulties) to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve 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, give time to tell their stories, and focus on what matters. Build trust and provide non-judgemental support, using 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 personalised support plans to improve health and wellbeing, connecting young people to community groups and statutory services.
* Help identify wider issues affecting health and wellbeing (e.g., debt, housing, unemployment, loneliness, caring responsibilities).
* Establish links with local schools and other community enterprises; work with established services to ease cross-referral processes and provide peer support.
* Provide earlier intervention while waiting for or avoiding triage from other services.
* Understand and utilise the Thrive delivery model in sessions, detailing five needs-based groupings: getting advice, getting help, getting more help, getting risk support, and thriving.
* Collaborate with agencies such as schools, Community Development Workers, Local Area Coordinators, Targeted Youth Service and Family Support Teams to provide holistic care.
* Introduce people to community groups and statutory services, with follow-up to ensure engagement and support.
* Capture key information to track the impact of social prescribing on health and wellbeing; encourage feedback and stories about impact.
* Manage and prioritise own caseload in line with needs and priorities; work with safeguarding lead to escalate concerns.
* Refer to other health professionals/agencies when needs exceed the link worker scope (e.g., mental health needs requiring a qualified practitioner).
* Build relationships with GP practice staff within the PCN; participate in meetings and MDTs; be flexible in-hours and out-of-hours as required.
* Support the PCN in reducing inequalities by engaging Children and Young People needing early intervention and support.
* Participate in regular clinical supervision with a GP.
Person specification
Essential
* Ability to listen, empathise and provide person-centred support to children and young people
* Respect for diversity and ability to work with people from all backgrounds
* Commitment to reducing health inequalities and proactively reaching communities
* Ability to communicate effectively with people, families, carers, community groups and partner agencies
* Ability to identify and manage risk when working with children and young people
* Awareness of when to refer back to other health professionals/agencies
* Asset-based approach and ability to work with community assets
* Ability to lead and complete tasks; maintain effective working relationships
* Commitment to collaborative working with local agencies and reducing hierarchies
* Organise, plan and prioritise own workload; work under pressure and meet deadlines
* High level of written and oral communication skills
* Ability to work flexibly within a team or on own initiative
* Understanding of needs of small volunteer-led community groups and ability to support development
* Knowledge of policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance and health and safety
Experience
Essential
* Experience of working with a range of professionals including senior clinicians
* Experience of working with children and young people or in a community development/health context (including unpaid work)
* Experience of supporting people, families and carers in related roles
* Experience of working with VCSE sector and with volunteers and small groups
* Experience of partnership and collaborative working across organisations
Desirable
* Experience in a primary care setting
* Experience of supporting mental health or related areas
* Experience of data collection and monitoring impact of services
Other requirements
Essential
* DBS check compliant with regulations
* Willingness to work flexible hours
* Own transport and ability to travel across the locality, including home visits
* Commitment to equality and diversity
* Maintain confidentiality and Data Protection compliance
Qualifications
Essential
* NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent, or working towards
* Commitment to professional and personal development
Desirable
* Training in motivational coaching/interviewing or equivalent experience
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
* Understanding of wider determinants of health and community impact
* Knowledge of 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 (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for DBS check.
Employer details
Alliance for Better Care CIC
Address: Hurstpierpoint Health Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 9UQ
Employer's website
https://allianceforbettercare.org/ (Opens in a new tab)
Salary: £27,496.89 to £34,188.93 a year pro rata, depending on experience
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