Social Prescribing Link Worker

The role will involve coproducing a "Social Prescription" with individuals referred to the service which involves providing personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their health and wellbeing; live independently and improve their health outcomes. To take a holistic approach to addressing non-medical/social issues in their life, such as housing, debt or social isolation by introducing or connecting people to community groups, activities or statutory services.

The link worker will need to have a comprehensive knowledge of activities available across Workington to support individuals and will support existing groups to be accessible and sustainable. The post holder will also work with key stakeholders to utilise untapped community resources, support the facilitation of self-help groups and other innovative approaches to enable people to better manage their own care.

We are looking for motivated individuals who can work independently to manage their own workload and are flexible to respond to the developing nature of the role and the needs and priorities of individuals requiring support. You will be expected to work collaboratively with a wider range of partner organisations, professionals and volunteers to improve the health and wellbeing of the Workington patient population.

Hours of work should reflect general practice hours 32 hours per week within 8.00am to 6.30pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to promote the service and/or local organisations. Job-share and flexible hours will be considered.

North Cumbria Primary Care Ltd (NCPC) is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise, established to create a network of great surgeries which sustains and supports the development of general practice across the local area. We enable our member general practices to continue to operate as local family practices with the benefit of a large and robust infrastructure to provide support.

Be proactive across the network of practices to promote the role and service to the multi-disciplinary practice teams to encourage referrals, ensuring staff understand how to refer and what support will be provided to individuals.

Ensure referrals are responded to in a timely manner, communicating with referrers when necessary, enabling confidence in the service and ensuring patients receive a prompt response.

Develop trusting relationships by giving people time and focus on what matters to them; and take a holistic approach, based on the persons priorities, and the wider determinants of health.

Identify and engage effectively in a non-judgemental and respectful manner with members of the community from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, listening and interpreting complex health information into understandable terms about health and health improvement.

Conduct an assessment of an individuals circumstances and challenges to determine the nature and extent of their non-clinical needs. Looking at their abilities and preferences, thinking laterally and then advising and supporting them in a variety of areas/activities being and sensitive to barriers to adopting a healthier lifestyle such as affordability, accessibility and life circumstances.

Co-produce a simple personalised care and support plan to address the patients health and wellbeing needs by introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services. The care and support plan may include referral to local activities or social groups, advice on debt management, budgeting or getting back into work for example.

Evaluate how far the actions in the care and support plan are meeting the individuals health and wellbeing needs.

Provide personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their health and wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.

Use motivational/coaching skills to encourage people in choices and actions that are acceptable and achievable to them, while being aware of cultural and social considerations in regard people's lifestyles. This may include accompanying individuals to activities to develop their confidence.

Support people to recognise and change their current lifestyle and to identify how their way of life might affect their health and well-being.

Seek advice from the patients GP or practice lead GP as appropriate.

Ensure patients and their families/carers views are taken into account in every stage of the decision making process.

Community/Primary Care Network Focus:

Have an extensive knowledge of and develop strong links with local VCSE organisations, community and neighbourhood level groups using their networks to have an up to date menu of options available locally.

Be proactive in the community and patient network to encourage referrals from a range of professionals, from patients, their families and carers and local organisations.

Understand the roles and responsibilities of other professionals…