Care Navigator in Reading

Woodley Centre Surgery is seeking a motivated and compassionate Care Navigator to join our friendly and supportive primary care team. The Care Navigator plays a key role in supporting patients to access the most appropriate care and services. Acting as the first point of contact for many patients, you will help guide individuals to the right healthcare professional or service, ensuring they receive timely and effective support. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, thrives in a busy environment, and wants to make a meaningful contribution to patient care in a primary care setting.

Overview: Woodley Centre Surgery is an NHS GP practice located in Woodley, near Reading in Berkshire. It provides primary medical care and community health services to patients living in Woodley, Winnersh, and surrounding areas.

Main duties of the job:

• Act as the first point of contact for patients contacting the surgery by phone, online, or in person.
• Use care navigation techniques to direct patients to the most appropriate clinician or service.
• Book, amend, and cancel appointments using the clinical system.
• Support patients in accessing a wide range of services including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and community services.
• Triage incoming patient requests.
• Maintain accurate patient records in line with practice procedures.
• Provide high levels of customer service and support to patients.
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to ensure smooth patient flow and access to care.
• Ensure confidentiality and data protection standards are maintained at all times.

The Care Navigator will act as the first point of contact for patients contacting the practice. The role involves assessing patient requests and directing them to the most appropriate clinician, service, or support available within the practice, local community services, or wider NHS system. The postholder will support efficient patient access to services, ensure high standards of patient care, and contribute to the smooth operation of reception and administrative functions within the practice.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Essential: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Good IT skills.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection.
• Experience in a customer service or patient-facing role.

• Desirable: Ability to use clinical systems (Emis).
• Experience working in a GP practice or healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of care navigation principles.

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 CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.