About this role
Job summary
The Social Prescribing Link Worker will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support individuals to improve their health and wellbeing through personalised, non-clinical support.
The role involves taking a holistic, person-centred approach to identify what matters most to individuals and connecting them to community-based services, activities, and support networks that address social, emotional, and practical needs affecting their health.
Main duties of the job
1. Patient Support & Engagement
a. Receive referrals from GP practices within the PCN, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies, including self-referrals
b. Build trusting relationships with individuals, their families, and carers using strong listening and engagement skills.
c. Undertake holistic assessments to understand needs, priorities, and wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, employment, social isolation
d. Co-produce personalised care and support plans focused on improving wellbeing and independence.
e. Provide one-to-one support through regular contact, including face-to-face, telephone, or community visits.
2. Social Prescribing & Signposting
a. Connect individuals to appropriate community groups, services, and activities (e.g. exercise, volunteering, social groups, welfare advice).
b. Support individuals to access services by removing barriers where possible (e.g. confidence, transport, understanding).
c. Review progress against action plans and adapt support as required.
3. Partnership Working & Community Development
a. Develop and maintain strong links with local community, voluntary, and statutory organisations.
b. Build and maintain an up-to-date directory of local services and referral pathways.
c. Promote social prescribing within GP practices and partner organisations.
d. Identify gaps in local provision and contribute to community development initiatives.
About us
Working as a Social Prescriber within a Primary Care Network (PCN) is a rewarding role focused on improving wellbeing through personalised, non-medical support. Social Prescribers build trusted relationships with patients, taking time to understand their needs and priorities, and co-develop tailored plans to improve their health and quality of life.
The role involves connecting individuals to community resources, voluntary organisations, and local services that address wider determinants of health such as social isolation, financial concerns, housing, and lifestyle challenges. This helps prevent escalation to more intensive NHS services while enhancing patient experience and outcomes.
As part of a multidisciplinary PCN team, Social Prescribers work closely with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and others, contributing a unique focus on holistic, person-centred care. The role offers variety, strong community engagement, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Overall, it is a positive and impactful career that supports reducing health inequalities, strengthening community links, and improving population health.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
1. Patient Support & Engagement
a. Receive referrals from GP practices within the PCN, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies, including self-referrals
b. Build trusting relationships with individuals, their families, and carers using strong listening and engagement skills.
c. Undertake holistic assessments to understand needs, priorities, and wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, employment, social isolation
d. Co-produce personalised care and support plans focused on improving wellbeing and independence.
e. Provide one-to-one support through regular contact, including face-to-face, telephone, or community visits.
2. Social Prescribing & Signposting
a. Connect individuals to appropriate community groups, services, and activities (e.g. exercise, volunteering, social groups, welfare advice).
b. Support individuals to access services by removing barriers where possible (e.g. confidence, transport, understanding).
c. Review progress against action plans and adapt support as required.
3. Partnership Working & Community Development
a. Develop and maintain strong links with local community, voluntary, and statutory organisations.
b. Build and maintain an up-to-date directory of local services and referral pathways.
c. Promote social prescribing within GP practices and partner organisations.
d. Identify gaps in local provision and contribute to community development initiatives.
4. Multidisciplinary Team Working
a. Work collaboratively within the Primary Care Network and wider health and care system.
b. Attend and contribute to MDT meetings and case discussions.
c. Provide feedback and updates to referring professionals regarding patient progress.
5. Data, Record Keeping & Evaluation
a. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records using clinical systems (e.g.StstmOne and EMIS).
b. Monitor outcomes and contribute to service evaluation and reporting.
c. Ensure compliance with data protection, safeguarding, and governance requirements.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Essential Skills & Experience a.Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. b.Ability to build effective, trusting relationships with diverse individuals. c.Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a caseload independently. d.Understanding of health inequalities and social determinants of health. e.Experience of working with community groups or vulnerable populations. f.Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Essential Attributes a.Empathy and non-judgemental approach. b.Emotional resilience and adaptability. c.Person-centred mindset
Desirable
Desirable a.Knowledge of local community services and voluntary sector organisations. b.Experience in health, social care, or community development roles. c.Relevant qualification (e.g. Health & Social Care, Community Work) or willingness to undertake training.
Knowledge and Skills Essential
a.The role is non-clinical but patient-facing. b.The post holder may be required to travel within the local community. c.Regular supervision and ongoing professional development will be provided in line with workforce frameworks.
Desirable
a.Basic IT skills b.Knowledge and previous use of Systmone c.Knowledge of local community services and voluntary sector organisations. d.Experience in health, social care, or community development roles. e.Relevant qualification (e.g. Health & Social Care, Community Work) or willingness to undertake training.
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 Townships 2 PCN
Address Woodhouse Health Centre
5-7 Skelton Lane
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S13 7LY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://townships1and2pcn.gpweb.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)