About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Link Worker to join our friendly Social Prescribing team.
We have an exciting opportunity as a part time (20 hours per week) Gambling Harms Link Worker on a 12 month contract, with a possible further 12 month extension, dependant on funding.
Gambling can seriously impact people who are harmed by it, including mental wellbeing, finances and relationships. In this role, you'll work closely with GP practices within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and the wider multidisciplinary team offering training to professionals and community groups, whilst supporting people whose health and wellbeing are impacted by gambling.
You will support patients aged 18+ navigate non-medical needs and explore "what matters to the patient" looking at supporting behaviour change and connect patients to empowering local community groups and support networks.
We are accepting CVs for this role, please also include (with your CV) a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for this role, as shown in the Person Spec.Please note that the use of AI is monitored during the shortlisting process; if you have used this please declare this in your statement explaining what type of AI tools have been used and for what purpose.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 21st October 2026.
Main duties of the job
The Gambling Harm Link Worker will lead the delivery of the Stockport Gambling Harm Partnership, supporting individuals, families and communities affected by gambling-related harm.
The post holder will provide prevention, early intervention and recovery support through a social prescribing approach, whilst embedding gambling harm awareness and identification across primary care, community organisations and voluntary sector services.
The role will work closely with GP practices, Primary Care Networks, Social Prescribing Link Workers, Health Coaches, Care Coordinators, community organisations and specialist gambling support services to improve awareness, increase referrals and strengthen local support pathways.
The post holder will also contribute to community engagement, workforce development, monitoring and evaluation activities to support a whole-system approach to reducing gambling-related harm across Stockport.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented in our service.
About us
Viaduct Care CIC is the company structure for Stockport's GP Federation and represents all of its local GP Practices. Covering a patient population of circa 300,000 practices are split into 6 PCNs with each serving a population of around 30,000-50,000 patients.
Viaduct Care represents the collective voice and interests of its member practices and as a key stakeholder in Stockport Together aims to influence and support the design and delivery of major service and system changes by being a strong and effective partner with other major service providers.
One of our priorities at Viaduct Care is to ensure that wellbeing and development of our team is at the forefront of everything we do. We have recently launched our new employee assistance programme, assisting our team to get access to a range of advice 24 hours a day. Additionally, we are keen to provide opportunities for team members to develop and grow including access to an extensive range of training and up to five paid study days per year.
For more information of the benefits of working at Viaduct click on 'Why Join Viaduct Care' on the right hand side of the page.
Job description Job responsibilities
Prevention and Awareness
Deliver gambling harm awareness sessions to professionals.Support the development of Gambling Harm Champions across primary care and community settings.Promote understanding of gambling harms through presentations, workshops and community engagement activities.Support the development and distribution of awareness materials, information resources and campaign content.Participate in local events and awareness campaigns.Early Identification and Intervention
Embed gambling harm screening within existing wellbeing conversations and assessments.Deliver brief interventions for individuals identified as being at risk of gambling-related harm.Promote Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approaches and support professionals to have confident conversations regarding gambling harms.Develop and maintain referral pathways into appropriate support services.Encourage self-referrals through increased visibility and accessibility of support.One-to-One Support
Undertake holistic assessments with individuals affected by gambling harm.Provide information on practical and emotional support relating to:o Financial wellbeing
o Debt management
o Housing issues
o Employment and training
o Mental health and wellbeing
o Social isolation
o Community engagement
Offer social prescribing support to family members, carers and partners affected by gambling-related harm.Facilitate access to specialist gambling treatment and recovery services where required.Partnership Working
Develop effective working relationships with statutory, voluntary and community sector partners.Represent Viaduct Care at local meetings, forums and networking events.Work collaboratively with Primary Care Networks and neighbourhood teams to improve identification and support pathways.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services and support opportunities.Promote partnership working to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing gambling harm.Monitoring and Evaluation
Maintain accurate and timely records using organisational systems.Collect and record:
o Referral information
o Demographic data
o Activity information
o Outcome measures
o Case studies
o Feedback
Complete ONS4 Wellbeing Measures and goal-based outcomes at assessment and discharge.Support the production of reports for commissioners and stakeholders.Contribute to service evaluation and continuous improvement.
This list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicates the main areas of work and may be subject to change after consultation with the post-holder to meet the changing needs of the service.
Please see the full job description document (including standard operational clauses), available to download, on the right hand side of this page.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of supporting people with low level/common mental health needs in the community. Experience supporting vulnerable adults. Evidence of ability to work both autonomously and to seek support and guidance when appropriate. Experience signposting and referring into support services. Evidence of working within a team. Experience of working without direct supervision. Experience of managing a caseload of participants and keeping up to date records using a database.
Desirable
Experience within gambling harm, addictions or recovery services. Experience of social prescribing. Experience of working with the VCSE sector (in a paid or unpaid capacity), including with volunteers and small community groups. Experience of working with individuals with long term conditions. Evidence of working within a multidisciplinary team. Experience of using community based activities and resources to support individuals.
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Ability to build rapport and trust with diverse communities. Knowledge of the voluntary/social care sector in Stockport. Understanding of health inequalities and barriers to accessing support. Ability to sensitively empower and engage with people who have poor wellbeing and other health related needs. Ability to work with people from a range of agencies and organisations to develop effective working relationships. Ability to effectively manage a variable workload. Ability to work flexibly in an innovative and developing role. Excellent communication and engagement skills. Strong organisational and time management skills. Ability to use Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.
Desirable
Experience of using community-based activities and resources to support individuals.
Qualifications Essential
English and Maths GCSE or equivalent. NVQ Level III (Health and Social Care) or equivalent. Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Desirable
Training in Motivational Interviewing or Coaching or equivalent experience.
Additional Attributes Essential
Willingness to work in settings across Stockport. Commitment to working towards Viaduct Care CICs values and ethos as an organisation.
Desirable
An understanding of the importance of user/carer involvement.
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 Viaduct Care
Address 21-23
Merseyway
Stockport
Cheshire
SK1 1PN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.viaductcare.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)