Job summary
We are recruiting a Social Prescriber to join our Frailty Team at West Forest of Dean Primary Care Network. Social prescribing link workers are at the core
of most social prescribing schemes. You will work closely with our Frailty Nurse and other members of the PCN Team as well as our GP practice teams, Mental Health Practitioner and other
referral agencies. You will enable people living with frailty to have greater
control over their health, lives and general wellbeing.
Social prescribers reduce health inequalities by
supporting people to unravel complex issues affecting wellbeing. They support
people to develop skills, friendships and resilience through involvement in
community groups. You will focus on improving access and joined-up care for
patients. You will need to respond to the unmet needs of patients. The SPLW will connect with people into a
broad range of services and interventions in their local area in a timely and
effective way, led by the wants and needs of the person themselves
You
must be prepared to work across various locations in the Forest of Dean and
occasionally may be required to attend GDOCs offices in Gloucester.
The closing date is 22nd March and interviews will be held on 13th April.
The Care Quality
Commission requires us to have a complete employment history from the age of
16, including explanations for any gaps in employment.
Main duties of the job
Support the Frailty Team Nurse and offer general assistance to the Frailty team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other
visitors, whether in person, by telephone or electronically.
Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate
service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth
running of the PCN Frailty Team including managing appointments and the
provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the PCN
team.
Facilitate effective communication between
patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other
associated healthcare agencies
About us
West Forest of Dean PCN is hosted by (and staff employed by) G DOC Ltd.
G DOC LTD is a unique, GP-owned organisation all GP
surgeries in Gloucestershire are our shareholders. We operate with a
not-for-profit ethos, ensuring every decision and service is focused on
improving patient outcomes and reinvesting in local Primary Care across the
county.
We directly manage several GP surgeries in Gloucester
and the Forest of Dean, providing patient-centred care to more than 45,000
patients. We value continuity of care and practice teams are at the heart
of all we do. In addition to our surgeries, we deliver a range of countywide
commissioned services designed to improve access, increase capacity, or provide
specialist support. Our teams are committed to delivering sustainable,
high-quality primary care while fostering innovation and collaboration across
the local health system.
By joining us, youll be part of an organisation that
puts people first supporting staff wellbeing, professional development, and a
collaborative culture. Youll benefit from the stability, support, and career
opportunities of a larger organisation, while still working in close-knit,
community-focused teams.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties specific to role:
Be proactive in encouraging self-referrals from patients living
with frailty and connecting with all local communities, particularly those
communities that statutory agencies may find hard to reach.
Meet people on a one-to-one basis, or in groups, giving people
time to tell their stories and focus on what matters to them, and building
trust with the person, providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity
and lifestyle choices.
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.
Manage a caseload of potentially complex patients and support GPs
in the management of more complex patients and those at risk of admission and
re-admission to secondary care.
Signpost patients to the correct healthcare professional.
Where people may be eligible for a personal health budget, help
them to explore this option, as a way of providing funded, personalised support
to be independent, including helping people to gain skills for meaningful
employment, where appropriate.
You will act as the point of contact for people accessing the
service arranging meetings by phone, email or in person as required, including
families and carers when appropriate though always respecting patient
confidentiality.
Working conditions
Frequent, prolonged VDU use
Time-pressured environment
High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
essential at all times
Exposure to distressing situations and written
material
Some requirement for lone working
The job is primarily based in the Forest of Dean (location to be confirmed) , but you will be required to
travel independently between G DOCs services in Gloucestershire, including
Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other
agencies throughout Gloucestershire and, occasionally, in other areas of the UK
The job description for all G DOC workers also forms part of your job
description
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties specific to role:
Be proactive in encouraging self-referrals from patients living
with frailty and connecting with all local communities, particularly those
communities that statutory agencies may find hard to reach.
Meet people on a one-to-one basis, or in groups, giving people
time to tell their stories and focus on what matters to them, and building
trust with the person, providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity
and lifestyle choices.
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.
Manage a caseload of potentially complex patients and support GPs
in the management of more complex patients and those at risk of admission and
re-admission to secondary care.
Signpost patients to the correct healthcare professional.
Where people may be eligible for a personal health budget, help
them to explore this option, as a way of providing funded, personalised support
to be independent, including helping people to gain skills for meaningful
employment, where appropriate.
You will act as the point of contact for people accessing the
service arranging meetings by phone, email or in person as required, including
families and carers when appropriate though always respecting patient
confidentiality.
Working conditions
Frequent, prolonged VDU use
Time-pressured environment
High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
essential at all times
Exposure to distressing situations and written
material
Some requirement for lone working
The job is primarily based in the Forest of Dean (location to be confirmed) , but you will be required to
travel independently between G DOCs services in Gloucestershire, including
Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other
agencies throughout Gloucestershire and, occasionally, in other areas of the UK
The job description for all G DOC workers also forms part of your job
description
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Prior experience as social prescriber or similar role
- Experience and confidence in the delivery of lifestyle change interventions
Desirable
- Experience of working within healthcare, the voluntary or community sectors, supporting vulnerable groups
- Prior experience of working in primary care
Personal qualities
Essential
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade 4/C or above in maths & English, or equivalent
- If not already held, willing to work towards Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification or experience
Desirable
- Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification or experience
Skills
Essential
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Motivated by helping people, with care and empathy.
- Ability to deliver person-centred support in a non-judgmental way
- Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
- If not already competent in SystmOne, willing and able to undertake training and develop competency
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Experience of completing holistic, person-centred care-planning assessments
- Competent in use of SystmOne
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Prior experience as social prescriber or similar role
- Experience and confidence in the delivery of lifestyle change interventions
Desirable
- Experience of working within healthcare, the voluntary or community sectors, supporting vulnerable groups
- Prior experience of working in primary care
Personal qualities
Essential
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade 4/C or above in maths & English, or equivalent
- If not already held, willing to work towards Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification or experience
Desirable
- Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification or experience
Skills
Essential
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Motivated by helping people, with care and empathy.
- Ability to deliver person-centred support in a non-judgmental way
- Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
- If not already competent in SystmOne, willing and able to undertake training and develop competency
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Experience of completing holistic, person-centred care-planning assessments
- Competent in use of SystmOne
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.