At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in improving their wellbeing and connect them to community resources.
- Company: Join North Lewisham Primary Care Network, dedicated to tackling health inequalities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit to the post of social prescribing link worker, to work within our Primary Care Network multidisciplinary healthcare team. 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.
Main duties of the job
- Take referrals from and work with GP practices and other professionals within the PCN as well as receiving self-referrals from the public.
- 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 them.
- 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.
- Manage and prioritise your own caseload, in accordance with the needs, priorities and any urgent support required by individuals on the caseload.
- Have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies.
About us
North Lewisham Primary Care Network (NLPCN) is one of the largest PCNs in Lewisham and has a very diverse population made up of 9 GP Practices serving a population of around 91,000 patients. Health inequality impacts our patients: North Lewisham has higher than average levels of deprivation and BAME populations and poorer health outcomes. NLPCN is committed to tackling health inequality as a priority.
Job responsibilities
- Promote social prescribing, its role in self‑management, and the wider determinants of health.
- Build relationships with key staff in GP practices within the local Primary Care Network (PCN).
- Be proactive in developing strong links with all local agencies to encourage referrals.
- Work in partnership with all local agencies to raise awareness of social prescribing.
- Provide the PCN with regular updates about social prescribing.
- Seek regular feedback about the quality of service and impact of social prescribing on referral agencies.
- Engage with people on a one-to-one basis, making home visits where appropriate.
- Help people identify the wider issues that impact on their health and wellbeing.
- Work with individuals to co‑produce a simple personalised support plan.
- Follow up to ensure they are happy, able to engage, included and receiving good support.
- Support community groups and VCSE organisations to receive referrals.
- Ensure that local community groups and VCSE organisations being referred to have basic procedures in place for ensuring that vulnerable individuals are safe.
- Support local partners and commissioners to develop new groups and services where needed.
- Encourage people who have been connected to community support through social prescribing to volunteer.
- Develop a team of volunteers within your service to provide buddying support for people.
- Work sensitively with people, their families and carers to capture key information.
- Use the case management system to track the person's progress.
- Work closely with GP practices within the PCN to ensure that social prescribing referral codes are inputted.
Clinical Governance
- Identify risk issues that impact on people's health or social care needs.
- Demonstrate effective team working inclusive of all relevant professionals.
- Contribute towards audit and data collection as required.
- Work with your line manager to undertake continual personal and professional development.
- Adhere to organisational policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Experience
- Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement.
- Experience of supporting people, their families and carers in a related role.
- Experience of working with the VCSE sector.
- Experience of partnership/collaborative working.
- Experience of data collection and providing monitoring information.
- Experience of supporting and/or working with vulnerable people.
Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of the wider determinants of health.
- Knowledge of community development approaches.
- Knowledge of IT systems.
- Knowledge of motivational coaching and interview skills.
- Awareness of GDPR and Safeguarding Children & Adults.
- Knowledge of the personalised care approach.
Qualities/Attributes
- Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person‑centred support.
- Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities.
- Commitment to reducing health inequalities.
- Able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk.
- Able to work from an asset‑based approach.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
- Demonstrates personal accountability, emotional resilience and works well under pressure.
- Ability to organise, plan and prioritise on own initiative.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3, Advanced level or equivalent qualifications.
- Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development.
- Training in motivational coaching and interviewing or equivalent experience.
Other
- Meets DBS reference standards and has a clear criminal record.
- Willingness to work flexible hours when required.
- Ability to travel across the locality on a regular basis.
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.
Social Prescriber in London employer: North Lewisham Primary Care Network
North Lewisham Primary Care Network is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling health inequalities within a diverse community. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training and support, fostering a collaborative work culture that values empathy and respect for all backgrounds. Working at the Waldron Health Centre not only provides a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives but also allows you to be part of a passionate team committed to improving health outcomes in the local area.
Contact Details:
North Lewisham Primary Care Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Prescriber in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the healthcare community. Attend local events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that social prescriber role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. Share specific examples of how you've helped individuals or families in the past – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire, like North Lewisham Primary Care Network, and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to go.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings and resources to help you land that perfect role. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Prescriber in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Social Prescriber. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role is all about building relationships, don’t forget to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and connected with diverse individuals in your previous roles. We want to see your empathy and patience shine through!
Be Organised and Clear:When writing your application, keep it structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and organisation just as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Lewisham Primary Care Network
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its diverse needs. Understand the specific challenges faced by different cultural and social groups in North Lewisham, as this will help you connect better during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Prepare examples that highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to empathise with individuals from various backgrounds. Share stories where you've successfully built trust and rapport, as this is crucial for a Social Prescriber role.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your caseload effectively. Bring up any tools or methods you use to prioritise tasks and ensure timely support for individuals, as this will show your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Understand Referral Processes
Brush up on the referral processes within primary care networks. Be prepared to explain how you would encourage self-referrals and collaborate with GP practices and local agencies to enhance service delivery.
