At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in improving their health and wellbeing through personalised care and community connections.
- Company: Join North Lewisham Primary Care Network, dedicated to tackling health inequalities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on improving health outcomes for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care, strong communication skills, and a passion for community support.
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.
- 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.
- Support community groups and VCSE organisations to receive referrals.
- Encourage people who have been connected to community support through social prescribing to volunteer.
- Work closely with GP practices within the PCN to ensure that social prescribing referral codes are inputted to EMIS/SystemOne/Vision.
Person Specification
- Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement.
- Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors.
- Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person‑centred support.
- Commitment to reducing health inequalities and proactively working to reach people from all communities.
- High level of written and oral communication skills.
- NVQ Level 3, Advanced level or equivalent qualifications or working towards this level.
Other
- Meets DBS reference standards and has a clear criminal record.
- Willingness to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands.
- Ability to travel across the locality on a regular basis.
Social Prescriber employer: North Lewisham Primary Care Network
North Lewisham Primary Care Network is an exceptional employer dedicated to addressing health inequalities within a diverse community. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow through continuous training and collaboration with local agencies. Working at the Waldron Health Centre not only offers a fulfilling role as a Social Prescriber but also provides the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.
Contact Details:
North Lewisham Primary Care Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Prescriber
✨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—this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that fits your skills, don’t just wait for them to contact you. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or team members. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so why not give it a go?
We think you need these skills to ace Social Prescriber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy:As a social prescriber, empathy is key! Make sure your application reflects your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Share experiences where you've supported individuals or communities, highlighting your interpersonal skills.
Be Organised:We love a well-structured application! Use clear headings and bullet points to make your experience easy to read. This shows us you can manage your caseload effectively, just like you would in the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous work in health, social care, or community development. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 groups, especially those affected by health inequalities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to social prescribing and your ability to connect individuals with the right resources.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations, focusing on your empathetic approach. This will show that you can provide non-judgmental support and understand the importance of a person-centred approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage caseloads. Prepare by thinking of past experiences where you had to prioritise tasks or refer individuals to other services. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations related to social prescribing.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your experience in working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including GP practices and community organisations. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and facilitated referrals in previous roles. This will illustrate your understanding of the importance of teamwork in improving health outcomes.
