Job Title: Social Prescribing Link Worker
Location: Community based, alongside working at Warrington Voluntary Action
Reports to: Wellbeing Services and Operations Manager
Contract: Full-time 1 year (possible extension subject to funding)
Salary: £26,865
Purpose of the Role
The Social Prescribing Link Worker will support the delivery of a community-based Social Prescribing service across three Primary Care Networks (PCNs): South, East, and Central East. Based at Warrington Voluntary Action, the role involves providing person-centred, holistic interventions to connect individuals to community support that enhances health and wellbeing. The Link Worker will build trusting relationships, identify patient goals, and work alongside local organisations to address the wider determinants of health such as social isolation, housing, financial challenges, and physical inactivity.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
The Social Prescribing Link Worker will be responsible for receiving and triaging referrals from GP surgeries within South, East, and Central East PCNs. This includes conducting initial telephone consultations to understand individual needs, assess priority levels, offering an outreach face to face service and offer home visits where appropriate, all while adhering to WVA policies and procedures. Accurate records of consultations, support plans, and patient progress will need to be maintained throughout the process.
They will provide one-to-one support to individuals with a strong focus on 'what matters to me.' The role involves developing personalised support plans that identify goals and pathways to improve health and wellbeing, while connecting individuals to community-based support, local groups, and statutory services. Follow-up calls and visits will be conducted to ensure that community connections are sustained and effective.
The Link Worker will also engage with local VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations and community groups to forge strong connections. They will actively promote Social Prescribing within GP practices and local agencies to encourage referrals, work in partnership with community stakeholders to identify gaps in provision, and support the development of new services where necessary. It is crucial that community groups are supported, safe, and accessible for referred individuals.
Liaison with GP surgeries, health professionals, and local partners will be a key aspect of the role to ensure holistic care. Attendance at network meetings within the PCNs will be necessary to share updates and promote service integration.
Data will be captured sensitively, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to data protection policies. The Link Worker will use case management systems to track progress, outcomes, and the impact of the service. Regular feedback will be provided to referral agencies to highlight successes and address areas for development.
Person Specification
Essential:
Experience in health, social care, or community settings.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively.
- Knowledge of local community services and the wider determinants of health.
- Understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
Desirable:
Previous experience in a Social Prescribing role.
- Familiarity with local VCSE organisations in Warrington.
General Requirements
Adhere to WVA's organisational policies, including confidentiality, safeguarding, and lone working.
- Participate in training and development activities to enhance role effectiveness.
- Work collaboratively with team members to achieve service goals.
- Undertake any additional tasks as required to support the service.