NHS Jobs • Harpenden AL5 4QA
About this role
The Social Prescriber works as part of the Primary Care Network (PCN) multidisciplinary team to provide non-clinical, person-centred support to patients whose health and wellbeing are affected by social, emotional, or practical factors. The role supports patients to identify their needs, set goals, and access appropriate community, voluntary, statutory, and health-related services. Social Prescribers help people take greater control of their health and wellbeing while supporting General Practice by reducing inappropriate clinical workload. 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. We are seeing ever more complex patient care needs and targets. Current primary Care teams lack the workforce and specialisms to manage this shift adequately. The Social Prescribing team was recognised as a key resource in supporting patients with non-clinical needs and managing demand within general practice. The team plays an important role in providing early intervention, signposting to appropriate community resources, and supporting patients while they await access to other services. Social Prescribers often act as the most accessible point of support for patients and families who are experiencing frustration with system delays, particularly in areas such as mental health, neurodiversity, housing, and wellbeing. It is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly organized, friendly, and progressive team. Key Duties and Responsibilities Take referrals from a wide range of agencies, working with GP practices, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, allied health professionals, social care services, housing associations, and voluntary and community organisations (list not exhaustive). Provide personalised support to individuals, their families, and carers to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes. Develop trusting relationships by giving people time and focus on what matters to me. The role will require managing and prioritising your own caseload. Have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies, when what the person needs is beyond the scope of the role. Draw on and increase the strengths and capacities of local communities, enabling local organisations and community groups to receive social prescribing referrals. Work together with all local partners to collectively ensure that local organisations and community groups are sustainable and that community assets are nurtured, by making them aware of grants or micro-commissioning if available, including providing support to set up new community groups and services, where gaps are identified in local provision.Provide Personalised Support Meet people on a one-to-one basis, usually by phone but could include making home visits whereappropriate within organisations policies and procedures. Give people time to tell their stories and focus on what matters to me. Build trust with the person, providing non- judgemental support, respecting diversity, and lifestyle choices. Work from a strength-based approach focusing on a persons assets. Be a friendly source of information about wellbeing and prevention approaches. Work with the person, their families and carers and consider how they can all be supported through social prescribing. Where people may be eligible for a personalised support to be independent, including helping people to gain skills for life, where appropriate. Work collectively with all local partners to ensure community groups are strong and sustainable. Support local partners and commissioners to develop new groups and services where needed, through small grants for community groups, micro-commissioning, and development support.