About this role
Job summary
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.
Main duties of the job
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.
About us
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 nonclinical 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.
Job description Job responsibilities Key Working Relationships
Patients and their families/carers
GPs and practice clinical teams
PCN multidisciplinary team
Voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations
Statutory services and local authority partners
PCN management team and clinical supervisors
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesPatient Support and Care:
Provide non-clinical advice and support to patients.
Undertake consultations via face-to-face, telephone, video, e-consultations, email and home visits.
Use a holistic, person-centred approach.
Support goal setting and action planning.
Run community-based drop-in sessions.
Case Management and MDT Working:
Accept referrals from GPs and other professionals.
Manage own caseload independently.
Participate in MDT meetings.
Escalate concerns appropriately.
Recording and IT:
Maintain accurate clinical records.
Ensure appointments are focused and outcome-driven.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Qualifications: Completion Certificate for Social Prescriber NHS England and online learning program accessed via Personalized Care Institute website
Desirable
Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent NVQ Level 2 Health or Social Care or equivalent Motivational interviewing/coaching training
Experience Desirable
Experience: Community healthcare or voluntary sector work
Skills and Attributes: Essential
Excellent communication and listening skills Ability to work independently Emotional resilience and professionalism
Governance and General Responsibilities Essential
Comply with Health & Safety policies. Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards. Promote equality, diversity and safeguarding.
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 Island City Network PCN
Address Lake Road Health Centre
Nutfield Place
Portsmouth
PO1 4JT
Employer's website https://www.islandcitypractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)