Social Prescribing Link Worker

Job summary

This Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) role is about getting people to the right person, first time. It’s also about empowering people with skills and resources to be able to take a proactive role in managing their own health and wellbeing. SPLWs play a vital role in connecting people to the many excellent services available to them within the NHS, and in the community. The sheer size and complexity of the NHS means it is not always easy to navigate, or options may be unknown to people. Guiding people through the NHS is a key part of the role.

This role would appeal to a creative problem solver, someone who is able to listen and ask questions to gain a full understanding of a situation, formulate a plan to tackle the issues, and help individuals overcome barriers. The ability to support people through using new digital technologies with guidance and encouragement would be a strong asset.

Main duties of the job

The role is dealing with patient requests to ensure they receive the right service provision for their needs as quickly as possible, by either a member of the practice or a more appropriate person or service outside the practice. Effectively assessing the patient’s needs and referring them internally to a GP, practice nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, health care assistant or other member of the wider practice team; or alternatively to an external person or service such as pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, allied health professionals, social care services, and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

More widely the role involves providing personalised support to individuals to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes. Taking a holistic approach, based on the person’s priorities and the wider determinants of health. To contribute to a personalised support plan to improve health and wellbeing, to introduce or reconnect people to community groups and statutory services.

It is vital that the Social Prescribing Link Worker has a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate to refer patients to alternative health professionals and other agencies outside of the practice, or necessary to retain and refer within the whole practice team.

About us

Jesmond Health Partnership is a patient focused, forward-thinking medical practice in Newcastle. We were formed in April 2019 after the merger of The Surgery and Holly Medical Group. We operate across two sites on Osborne Road in Jesmond.

Jesmond Health Partnership comprises of 3 GP partners, 6 salaried GPs, an experienced Nursing team including Nurse Practitioners, and knowledgeable and enthusiastic Reception and Administration teams.

We are a training practice and currently host GP Trainee's, F2s and 3rd year medical students.

Jesmond Health Partnership has a registered population list of over 13,000 patients, predominantly covering Jesmond, Gosforth and Heaton. We are a Linked Practice for 5 Care Homes in and around Jesmond with a population that could eventually cover 170 residents. We have a particularly diverse patient population covering all age groups.

We have a track record of innovation. We were a founding practice of the ‘Pharmacy Hub’, and we are the only practice in Newcastle utilising Salvie/AskMyGP as a digital platform for consulting with patients. It has helped us to provide safe and effective care during the pandemic with 85% of all patient contact comes via the platform, and well over 95% of patients leaving positive feedback about Salvie.

- https://jesmondhealthpartnership.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/JHP-Recruitment-booklet-v4-October-2021.pdf