An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Social Prescribing Link Worker to join our Lifestyle Improvement Team which is a team of 8 consisting of Social Prescribing Link Workers, Health and Wellbeing Coaches and Care coordinators.
Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referrals to Social Prescribers who give time, focus on what matters to me and take a holistic approach to an individual's health and wellbeing, connecting people to diverse community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
This role will work with patients to establish what matters to the individual rather than what is the matter and then devise personalised care plans to meet a wide range of needs. This may include support with long-term conditions, social and welfare needs and signposting to a range of statutory and voluntary sector services.
Main duties of the job
Recognising that people's health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to work with clinicians to address people's needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
This role will work with patients to establish what matters to the individual rather than what is the matter and then devise personalised care plans to meet a wide range of needs. This may include support with long-term conditions, social and welfare needs and signposting to a range of statutory and voluntary sector services.
You need to have a genuine interest in improving patient outcomes, be able to work under pressure, without direct supervision, in a calm and professional manner.
The post holder will work with a diverse range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds. The ability to work confidently and effectively in a varied, and sometimes challenging environment is essential.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be organised, patient and empathetic. They will have experience of working in health, social care or other support roles including direct contact with people, families or carers.
About us
We are a forward thinking, innovative and proactive PCN of GP Practices covering a population of over 48,000 patients.
Operating from 7 premises over the geographical footprint of Leyland, Clayton Brook and the villages of Eccleston and Croston, our aim is to provide exemplary patient care, finding innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best care we can to our patients.
As the role requires travel between our constituent practices, candidates must have access to their own transport with a full driving licence.
We offer excellent terms and conditions, with leave entitlement between 27-33 days leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata) dependent on length of service.
Job responsibilities
The Social Prescribing Link Worker will undertake work in line with PCN directed priorities, working within their scope of practice. The successful applicant will:
1. Take referrals from a wide range of agencies, working with GP practices within primary care networks, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams, allied health professionals, fire service, police, job centres, social care services, housing associations, and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
2. Provide personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes. Develop trusting relationships by giving people time and focus on ‘what matters to me’. Take a holistic approach, based on the person’s priorities and the wider determinants of health. Co-produce a personalised support plan to improve health and wellbeing, introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services.
3. Manage and prioritise your own caseload, in accordance with the needs, priorities and any urgent support required by individuals on the caseload. It is vital that you have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies.
4. Draw on and increase the strengths and capacities of local communities, enabling local VCSE organisations and community groups to receive social prescribing referrals. Ensure they are supported, have basic safeguarding processes for vulnerable individuals and can provide opportunities for the person to develop friendships, a sense of belonging, and build knowledge, skills and confidence.
5. Work together with all local partners to collectively ensure that local VCSE organisations and community groups are sustainable and that community assets are nurtured, by making them aware of small grants or micro-commissioning if available, including providing support to set up new community groups and services where gaps are identified in local provision.
Person Specification
Experience
* Working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement (including unpaid work).
* Supporting people, their families and carers in a related role (including unpaid work).
* Working with the VCSE sector (in a paid or unpaid capacity), including with volunteers and small community groups.
* Partnership/collaborative working and building relationships across a variety of organisations.
* Data collection and providing monitoring information to assess the impact of services.
* Supporting people with their mental health, either in a paid, unpaid or informal capacity.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3, Advanced level or equivalent qualifications or working towards this level.
* Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development.
* Training in motivational coaching and interviewing or equivalent experience.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
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