Job summary
Portsmouth North PCN is a friendly and forward group of GP practices located in the historic naval city of Portsmouth. We are committed to developing innovative ways of working to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population.
Our network includes The Drayton Surgery and Kirklands Surgery, with a combined patient list of approximately 33,000. As the role of General Practice continues to evolve, we see this as an exciting opportunity to bring holistic support services to the forefront of patient care.
We are now looking to recruit a Social Prescriber to join our Link Worker Hub and play a key role in delivering person-centred, non-clinical support to our patients.
Main duties of the job
In recent years the role of General Practice and Community Care has expanded at an exponential rate. Traditionally GPs with a small team were able to meet the vast majority of their patients needs. Over time societal change, population increases and role expansion has changed the face of General Practice forever. One aspect of this growth has highlighted that many patients may benefit from the help of a Social Prescriber to support and guide them to the appropriate service for their needs.
Tablets and medical advice have their role but huge value can be found for some patients in community groups and services. GPs are no longer a viable default option. A wider health professional approach is needed and Social Prescribers are a valued addition to our Portsmouth North PCN Team.
About us
Social Prescribers play a vital role in helping patients take greater control of their own health by addressing wider determinants like isolation, housing, activity or financial concerns.
A key aim is to ensure patients are accessing the right support from the relevant Health Professional. It is anticipated that suitable cases that may have previously booked to see a GP will be seen advised and closed by the Social Prescriber without the need for GP interaction.
You will be part of a supportive and passionate team working to make a genuine difference in peoples lives.
As a Social Prescriber in Portsmouth North PCN, you will;
Work across all GP practices within our network.
Operate as part of the Link Worker Hub, receiving referrals from the wider PCN Team, GPs, clinicians, and external agencies.
Be supported by our Operations Manager and peer Social Prescribers.
Help shape and develop the Link Worker Hub as it evolves.
This is a diverse, patient-facing role requiring flexibility, independence, and a proactive approach.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide personalised, one-to-one support to patients to address non-medical needs.
Carry out consultations primarily via telephone, face-to-face appointments, home visits, and email communication.
Participate in local groups and events.
Use a holistic approach to identify appropriate support options for each patient.
Manage a personal caseload within your own competence and training.
Contribute to the ongoing improvement and innovation of the Social Prescribing model within the PCN.
Participate in project work aligned with future PCN priorities.
Build strong relationships with local community, voluntary and statutory services across Portsmouth and the wider area.
Support and educate PCN staff and General Practice staff around the benefits of social prescribing.
Maintain accurate, timely and clear consultation notes using clinical systems, training on system-specific software will be provided.
Ensure records are suitable for clinical and non-clinical staff and accessible to patients if required.
Keep appointments focused and outcomes-based supporting patients to identify next steps.
When required a Clinical Supervisor can be sought for guidance for complex or unclear cases.
Work autonomously with a high level of personal accountability and professionalism.
Contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of our service and helping to identify measurements of success.
Help maintain an up-to-date directory of community services and contacts
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide personalised, one-to-one support to patients to address non-medical needs.
Carry out consultations primarily via telephone, face-to-face appointments, home visits, and email communication.
Participate in local groups and events.
Use a holistic approach to identify appropriate support options for each patient.
Manage a personal caseload within your own competence and training.
Contribute to the ongoing improvement and innovation of the Social Prescribing model within the PCN.
Participate in project work aligned with future PCN priorities.
Build strong relationships with local community, voluntary and statutory services across Portsmouth and the wider area.
Support and educate PCN staff and General Practice staff around the benefits of social prescribing.
Maintain accurate, timely and clear consultation notes using clinical systems, training on system-specific software will be provided.
Ensure records are suitable for clinical and non-clinical staff and accessible to patients if required.
Keep appointments focused and outcomes-based supporting patients to identify next steps.
When required a Clinical Supervisor can be sought for guidance for complex or unclear cases.
Work autonomously with a high level of personal accountability and professionalism.
Contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of our service and helping to identify measurements of success.
Help maintain an up-to-date directory of community services and contacts
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Health or Social Care or other relevant professional academic qualification
- Training in motivational coaching
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working within health, community, social care or voluntary sector
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Able to work independently and manage your own workload.
- Experience in supporting individuals with a range of needs.
- Confident in using digital systems, with training as required.
- Commitment to patient-centred care and health equality.
- Respectful, professional, and aligned with the values of Portsmouth North PCN.
- Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic, and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families, and carers
- Willing to travel between surgeries and the local area
- Must hold a UK driving licence and have access to a car
Desirable
- Experience using SystmOne
- Familiarity with primary care or NHS working environments.
- Knowledge of local community and voluntary services.
- Experience in managing a caseload
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Health or Social Care or other relevant professional academic qualification
- Training in motivational coaching
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working within health, community, social care or voluntary sector
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Able to work independently and manage your own workload.
- Experience in supporting individuals with a range of needs.
- Confident in using digital systems, with training as required.
- Commitment to patient-centred care and health equality.
- Respectful, professional, and aligned with the values of Portsmouth North PCN.
- Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic, and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families, and carers
- Willing to travel between surgeries and the local area
- Must hold a UK driving licence and have access to a car
Desirable
- Experience using SystmOne
- Familiarity with primary care or NHS working environments.
- Knowledge of local community and voluntary services.
- Experience in managing a caseload
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.