Health Squad Advanced Wellbeing Practitioner

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 15 May 2025

Job summary

This role is geared towards addressing health inequalities in the most deprived populations of East Durham, looking to help individuals who may have disengaged from health services.

The role involves delivering health assessments across a range of settings (including clinically relevant tests for which training will be provided). For those with higher levels of needs, the successful candidate will work to signpost, refer and advocate on their behalf with regard to NHS navigation. This can involve speaking with key stakeholders such as GP and specialist service providers.

Additionally, this role supports with identifying health inequalities and working with key individuals to explore how best to address these and recommend service changes, as well as supporting with promotional events in line with national health campaigns.

The role requires a strong level of relationship building both with hard to engage individuals living chaotic lifestyles as well as working collaboratively with community and clinical services to ensure positive outcomes for these individuals. The role is supported by an effective line management structure, including regular 1-to-1 and monthly team meetings.

Main duties of the job

Duties of this role include working alongside a team based within the East of County Durham to seek out and provide a health assessment service to targeted cohorts.

The candidate will report to a locality coordinator who will work alongside them to identify suitable venues to provide this outreach service at.

The candidate will work with clients to identify health needs based on an initial health assessment, create comprehensive and bespoke plans to address any health navigation needs, and support them to address these issues in whatever manner this may take. The candidate will liaise with partner agencies (most commonly including GP services, addictions services, mental health services etc) to ensure an adequate potential for positive outcomes for clients.

The candidate will assist with the provision of health promotion events, including creating appropriate materials, organising and liaising with venues, facilitating these events and making appropriate decisions to signpost accordingly. The candidate will assist in in identifying health inequalities through asset based, holistic conversation methodologies.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Date posted

01 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-0088

Job locations

Healthworks

Paradise Lane

Peterlee

County Durham

SR8 3EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

This role entails meeting clients (referred in or met via outreach) at community venues and delivering a health assessment including some clinical tests, for which full training will be provided.

Based on the assessment as delivered, the successful candidate will identify health needs based on an initial health assessment, create comprehensive and bespoke plans to address any health navigation needs, and support them to address these issues in whatever manner this may take. The candidate will liaise with partner agencies (most commonly including GP services, addictions services, mental health services etc) to ensure an adequate potential for positive outcomes for clients.

The candidate will assist with the provision of health promotion events, including creating appropriate materials, organising and liaising with venues, facilitating these events and making appropriate decisions to signpost accordingly.

The candidate will assist in in identifying health inequalities through asset based, holistic conversation methodologies.

The role will include supporting clients to understand and manage their health goals through the provision of basic community therapeutic interventions and techniques.

There are no line management responsibilities aligned to this post, however the candidate may take on additional responsibilities (to be discussed with line manager as part of career development opportunities) such as management of volunteers or induction of new starters as the service continues to develop.

The candidate will work proactively to meet rising and emergent needs in the communities supported. The candidate will also maintain and develop their knowledge on key areas of information, such as developing changes in the illicit substance use communities.

The candidate will use a personalised approach to care to support clients to seek and undertake appropriate support.

The role will also require appropriate and effective data management of clients, including inputting information onto databases and supporting with reporting processes.

The candidate will work with the wider wellbeing services and partners to apply asset based community development techniques and undertake research to support access to appropriate services.

The role includes supporting the ongoing work delivered by the wider Adult Wellbeing Services, such as working co-productively in the delivery of community events (e.g. alongside Join the Dots at cancer-related health promotion events).

The candidate will apply solution focussed problem solving to address the wider determinants of health including the four key clinical areas of health need, which are weight management, alcohol misuse, smoking cessation and severe mental illness.

The candidate will also contribute to the knowledge and learning before, during and after projects as part of the Health Squad team.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This role entails meeting clients (referred in or met via outreach) at community venues and delivering a health assessment including some clinical tests, for which full training will be provided.

Based on the assessment as delivered, the successful candidate will identify health needs based on an initial health assessment, create comprehensive and bespoke plans to address any health navigation needs, and support them to address these issues in whatever manner this may take. The candidate will liaise with partner agencies (most commonly including GP services, addictions services, mental health services etc) to ensure an adequate potential for positive outcomes for clients.

The candidate will assist with the provision of health promotion events, including creating appropriate materials, organising and liaising with venues, facilitating these events and making appropriate decisions to signpost accordingly.

The candidate will assist in in identifying health inequalities through asset based, holistic conversation methodologies.

The role will include supporting clients to understand and manage their health goals through the provision of basic community therapeutic interventions and techniques.

There are no line management responsibilities aligned to this post, however the candidate may take on additional responsibilities (to be discussed with line manager as part of career development opportunities) such as management of volunteers or induction of new starters as the service continues to develop.

The candidate will work proactively to meet rising and emergent needs in the communities supported. The candidate will also maintain and develop their knowledge on key areas of information, such as developing changes in the illicit substance use communities.

The candidate will use a personalised approach to care to support clients to seek and undertake appropriate support.

The role will also require appropriate and effective data management of clients, including inputting information onto databases and supporting with reporting processes.

The candidate will work with the wider wellbeing services and partners to apply asset based community development techniques and undertake research to support access to appropriate services.

The role includes supporting the ongoing work delivered by the wider Adult Wellbeing Services, such as working co-productively in the delivery of community events (e.g. alongside Join the Dots at cancer-related health promotion events).

The candidate will apply solution focussed problem solving to address the wider determinants of health including the four key clinical areas of health need, which are weight management, alcohol misuse, smoking cessation and severe mental illness.

The candidate will also contribute to the knowledge and learning before, during and after projects as part of the Health Squad team.

Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of health and lifestyle issues relating to adults (gained through practical experience and/or
  • a health-related qualification)
  • Understanding of the wider determinants of health and their impact on communities
  • A working knowledge of supporting clients with long term health conditions
  • An ability to foster behaviour change and motivate individuals in relation to health-related behaviours
  • Ability to act upon own initiative, respond to changing situations with excellent organizational and time
  • management skills
  • Ability to handle sensitive data, conforming to all GDPR requirements
  • Good IT skills with experience in a range of Microsoft Office packages

Desirable

  • Knowledge of community development approaches, the local area and VSCE in the County
  • Ability to collate information and prepare reports
  • Sympathetic, pleasant manner with the ability to negotiate changes with a wide range of people and at
  • all levels whilst actively promoting the 5 ways to wellbeing

Special Requirements

Essential

  • The ability to regularly travel independently across County Durham within the working day
  • Flexibility including occasional evening or weekend work.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant qualification in health, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Public Health, Mental Health, etc. NVQ4 /
  • Foundation degree / Higher National Diploma or equivalent.
  • Good overall topic based training covering a range of wellbeing disciplines

Desirable

  • Health Trainer qualification (City and Guilds Level 3) with core competencies completed
  • Level 2 qualification in mental health
  • First Aid Qualification
  • Health Check Training (within 3 months of appointment)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in the community or voluntary sector
  • Experience of successfully engaging and working with both individuals and groups
  • Experience of evaluating projects using a range of techniques
  • Experience of effective team working, with the ability to use own initiative

Desirable

  • Some experience of partnership/collaborative/multi sector working and of building relationships across
  • a variety of settings
Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of health and lifestyle issues relating to adults (gained through practical experience and/or
  • a health-related qualification)
  • Understanding of the wider determinants of health and their impact on communities
  • A working knowledge of supporting clients with long term health conditions
  • An ability to foster behaviour change and motivate individuals in relation to health-related behaviours
  • Ability to act upon own initiative, respond to changing situations with excellent organizational and time
  • management skills
  • Ability to handle sensitive data, conforming to all GDPR requirements
  • Good IT skills with experience in a range of Microsoft Office packages

Desirable

  • Knowledge of community development approaches, the local area and VSCE in the County
  • Ability to collate information and prepare reports
  • Sympathetic, pleasant manner with the ability to negotiate changes with a wide range of people and at
  • all levels whilst actively promoting the 5 ways to wellbeing

Special Requirements

Essential

  • The ability to regularly travel independently across County Durham within the working day
  • Flexibility including occasional evening or weekend work.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant qualification in health, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Public Health, Mental Health, etc. NVQ4 /
  • Foundation degree / Higher National Diploma or equivalent.
  • Good overall topic based training covering a range of wellbeing disciplines

Desirable

  • Health Trainer qualification (City and Guilds Level 3) with core competencies completed
  • Level 2 qualification in mental health
  • First Aid Qualification
  • Health Check Training (within 3 months of appointment)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in the community or voluntary sector
  • Experience of successfully engaging and working with both individuals and groups
  • Experience of evaluating projects using a range of techniques
  • Experience of effective team working, with the ability to use own initiative

Desirable

  • Some experience of partnership/collaborative/multi sector working and of building relationships across
  • a variety of settings

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.

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Healthworks

Paradise Lane

Peterlee

County Durham

SR8 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Healthworks

Paradise Lane

Peterlee

County Durham

SR8 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Allister Rennard-Laverack

a.rennardlaverack@nhs.net

Date posted

01 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-0088

Job locations

Healthworks

Paradise Lane

Peterlee

County Durham

SR8 3EX


Supporting documents

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