Working with the Social Prescribing team, the role will include carrying out appointments with individuals who have been referred to the project by GPs, NHS staff or other agencies, on a one-to-one basis, accessing their holistic situation and supporting and improving their health and wellbeing with non-medical intervention, such as linking them to activities and opportunities within the VCF (Voluntary Community and Faith) sector.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work within the West Lancs Social Prescribing Team to deliver a coordinated and high-quality social prescribing Link Worker service supporting clients to access and engage with the extensive range of support in the community.
The post holder will manage a caseload of clients through assessment to onward-referral, working with clients in the practice that have been referred by the GP. They will provide ongoing support for an allocated timeframe to promote engagement with identified services and achievement of goals.
The role requires extensive liaison with statutory and non-statutory services, to both generate referrals into the service and support access to relevant local services, so that seamless and joined-up local services are provided for the individual. The post holder will have demonstrable high levels of emotional intelligence, with working practices based upon compassion and empathy.
In addition, the post holder will contribute to the development of the service and will participate in support, supervision and training as required.
About us
This is an exciting opportunity to join the West Lancashire Social Prescribing Team as a Social Prescribing Link Worker. The small, close-knit Social Prescribing Team sits within OWLS CIC West GP Federation and the service receives referrals from GP practices from across West Lancashire.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities
1. Take referrals from and make referrals to a wide range of agencies within Primary Care Networks.
2. Co-produce personalised support plans with individuals, their families and carers to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.
3. Develop trusting relationships by giving people time and focus on what matters to them.
4. Take a holistic approach, based on the person's priorities and the wider determinants of health.
5. Have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies, when what the person needs is beyond the scope of the link worker role.
Key Tasks
1. Be proactive in developing strong links with all local agencies to encourage referrals.
2. Work in partnership with all local agencies to raise awareness of social prescribing and how partnership working can reduce pressure on statutory services.
3. Work with the practice and community staff to identify and support individuals at risk of loss of independence or hospital admission.
4. Seek regular feedback about the quality of service and impact of social prescribing on referral agencies.
5. Be proactive in encouraging self-referrals and connecting with all local communities.
6. Meet people on a one-to-one basis, making home visits where appropriate.
7. Help people identify the wider issues that impact on their health and wellbeing.
8. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of wider support services for people with non-clinical needs.
9. Help people maintain or regain independence through living skills and adaptations.
10. Work with individuals to co-produce a simple personalised support plan.
11. Where appropriate, physically introduce people to community groups and follow up to ensure they are engaged and receiving good support.
12. Have awareness and training in relation to relevant safeguarding policies.
Support community groups and VCSE organisations to receive referrals
1. Forge strong links with local VCSE organisations and community groups.
2. Develop supportive relationships with local VCSE organisations to make timely referrals.
Work collectively with all local partners
1. Work with GPs, PCNs, and wider Multi-Disciplinary teams.
2. Work with commissioners to identify unmet needs within the community.
3. Encourage people connected to community support through social prescribing to volunteer.
Work sensitively with people, their families and carers to track the impact of social prescribing on their health and wellbeing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Degree and/or equivalent experience in health care/social care or related area.
* Hold certificate for (or be willing to work towards) Levels 1 and 2 Safeguarding - Adults and Children.
* Qualification and/or experience in giving information and advice to individuals with differing needs in the community.
Experience
* Experience of working with the health sector and multiple stakeholders.
* Experience of incorporating patient/client views into the development of services.
* Good understanding of service improvement across a range of disciplines.
* Experience of working with the statutory sector.
* Experience of holistic interviewing and assessment of individuals.
* An understanding of the VCF sector.
* Ability to use a range of IT programmes.
* Understanding of the NHS and social care sector.
* Experience of working within primary care.
* Experience of working with and supporting volunteers.
Skills and Knowledge
* Ability to communicate well with patients, carers, volunteers, colleagues, and professional staff.
* Knowledge and skill in the use of recording/maintaining data for reporting.
* Ability to prioritise own workload and take appropriate decisions.
* Experience in effective use of softer skills.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Ability to travel around West Lancashire using appropriate transport.
* An appreciation of services available for people living in West Lancashire.
* Knowledge and understanding of health inequalities.
Personal Qualities
* To respect client confidentiality at all times.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work calmly under pressure.
* Ability to work as part of a team as well as alone.
* Well organised and methodical.
* Able to work flexible hours to suit project needs.
* Presentable with a friendly, approachable manner.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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