Job Summary
Purpose of the role
Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to non-medical link workers who give time, focus on what matters to me and take a holistic approach, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
About us
We are SIX separate GP Practices based in West Bromwich and Smethwick in Sandwell in the West Midlands. We have a history of successfully working together to deliver services for our registered patients. We serve a population of over 50,000 patients. Working collaboratively with other partners to strengthen and support the delivery of Primary Care services, the PCN consists of
Linkway Medical Practice, West Bromwich
Dr Arora's Surgery, West Bromwich
New Street Surgery, West Bromwich
Norvic Family Practice, Smethwick
Sarephed Medical Centre, Smethwick
Bearwood Road Surgery, Smethwick
We are a stable, mature and pro-active PCN who are looking for a highly motivated and proactive applicants with a flexible can-do attitude who will be committed to providing patients with high quality support to work alongside our current team. You will be required to work across the PCN practices.
Key responsibilities
1. Take referrals from a wide range of agencies, working with GP practices within primary care networks, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams, allied health professionals, fire service, police, job centres, social care services, housing associations, and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations (list not exhaustive).
2. 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 me. Take a holistic approach, based on the persons 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. The role will require managing and prioritising your own caseload, in accordance with the needs, priorities and any urgent support required by individuals choose an item on the caseload. It is vital that you 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 e.g., when there is a mental health need requiring a qualified practitioner.
3. Draw on and increase the strengths and capacities of local communities, enabling local VCSE organisations and community groups to receive social prescribing referrals. Ensure they are supported, have basic safeguarding processes for vulnerable individuals and can provide opportunities for the person to develop friendships, a sense of belonging, and build knowledge, skills and confidence.
4. Work together with all local partners to collectively ensure that local VCSE organisations and community groups are sustainable and that community assets are nurtured, by making them aware of small grants or micro-commissioning if available, including providing support to set up new community groups and services, where gaps are identified in local provision.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
NVQ Level 3, Advanced level or equivalent qualifications or working towards.
Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development.
Desirable
Training in motivational coaching and interviewing or equivalent experience.
Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement (including unpaid work).
Experience
Essential
Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person-centred support in a non-judgemental way.
Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.
Commitment to reducing health inequalities and proactively working to reach people from all communities.
Able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.
Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.
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 e.g., when there is a mental health need requiring a qualified practitioner.
Able to work from an asset-based approach, building on existing community and personal assets.
Able to provide leadership and to finish work tasks.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to promote collaborative practice with all colleagues.
Commitment to collaborative working with all local agencies (including VCSE organisations and community groups). Able to work with others to reduce hierarchies and find creative solutions to community issues
Demonstrates personal accountability, emotional resilience and works well under pressure.
Ability to organise, plan and prioritise on own initiative, including when under pressure and meeting deadlines.
High level of written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work flexibly and enthusiastically within a team or on own initiative.
Understanding of the needs of small volunteer-led community groups and ability to support their development.
Knowledge of and ability to work to policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, and health and safety.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From £16.00 per hour
Experience:
- social prescriber: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
