Social Prescriber in Portsmouth

The Social Prescriber works as part of the Primary Care Network (PCN) multidisciplinary team to provide non-clinical, person-centred support to patients whose health and wellbeing are affected by social, emotional, or practical factors.

Main duties of the job:

• Supports patients to identify their needs, set goals, and access appropriate community, voluntary, statutory, and health-related services.
• Helps patients take greater control of their health and wellbeing while supporting General Practice by reducing inappropriate clinical workload.

About us:

In recent years the role of General Practice and Community Care has expanded at an exponential rate. Traditionally GPs with a small team were able to meet the vast majority of their patients’ needs. Over time societal change, population increases and role expansion has changed the face of General Practice forever. We are seeing ever more complex patient care needs and targets. Current primary care teams lack the workforce and specialisms to manage this shift adequately. The Social Prescribing team was recognised as a key resource in supporting patients with nonclinical needs and managing demand within general practice. The team plays an important role in providing early intervention, signposting to appropriate community resources, and supporting patients while they await access to other services. Social Prescribers often act as the most accessible point of support for patients and families who are experiencing frustration with system delays, particularly in areas such as mental health, neurodiversity, housing, and wellbeing. It is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly organised, friendly and progressive team.

Job responsibilities:

Key Working Relationships:

• Patients and their families/carers
• GPs and practice clinical teams
• PCN multidisciplinary team
• Voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations
• Statutory services and local authority partners
• PCN management team and clinical supervisors

Patient Support and Care:

• Provide non-clinical advice and support to patients.
• Undertake consultations via face‑to‑face, telephone, video, e‑consultations, email and home visits.
• Use a holistic, person-centred approach.
• Support goal setting and action planning.
• Run community-based drop‑in sessions.

Case Management and MDT Working:

• Accept referrals from GPs and other professionals.
• Manage own caseload independently.
• Participate in MDT meetings.
• Escalate concerns appropriately.

Recording and IT:

• Maintain accurate clinical records.
• Ensure appointments are focused and outcome‑driven.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Completion Certificate for Social Prescriber NHS England and online learning programme accessed via Personalised Care Institute website.
• GCSEs or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 2 Health or Social Care or equivalent.
• Motivational interviewing/coaching training.

Experience:

• Community healthcare or voluntary sector work.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism.

Governance and General Responsibilities:

• Comply with Health & Safety policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Promote equality, diversity and safeguarding.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Band 4-5 depending on experience.