About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and proactive individual to join our friendly Health Connections team as a Senior Health Connector.
You may have experience in community development, health and social care, advice services, youth work, or a similar people focused role. Strong communication skills are essential, and while experience using coaching or behaviour change approaches is essential, but further training to expand existing skills will be provided.
The role combines direct patient support with service leadership responsibilities. You will manage your own caseload, supporting patients one-to-one to identify goals, improve wellbeing and achieve personalised care plans through phone, face-to-face and home-based interventions. You will also facilitate groups that promote self-management, wellbeing and peer support.
Main duties of the job
As a senior member of the team, you will support the day-to-day operation and development of the Health Connections service, working closely with the Health Connections Operational Support Co-ordinator. This includes managing referral triage and case allocation, monitoring workloads, supporting service improvement initiatives, evidencing outcomes through audits and reporting, and acting as a key point of support for colleagues.
You will help lead team meetings, provide mentorship and induction for new staff, contribute to training delivery, and support the development of policies, referral pathways and operational procedures. You will also contribute to staff development through supervision, performance conversations and appraisal processes.
About us
Health Connections Mendip is part of an innovative primary care model that is changing the way that health services, social care and local communities work together to help people stay well, manage health conditions effectively, avoid hospital admissions, prevent loneliness and isolation, and feel a sense of belonging within their local area.
Health Connections Mendip supports members of the community in several ways, for example through
Social prescribing; helping people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to community services. By increasing peoples active involvement withlocal diverse communities, personal and community resilience is strengthened - and health and wellbeing inequalities can be reduced.
Providing one to one health coaching, support and signposting to individuals, in the most appropriate way for them; this can be on the phone, in GP practices, in the community or in patients homes.
Supporting people to better self-manage their health and wellbeing through interventions such as group education sessions and peer support groups.
Working with a multi-disciplinary team on care planning for patients with complex health needs and their carers.
Providing a phone service that the public can call to find out information and be signposted to services and support.
Maintaining a Mendip-wide directory of services and support.
Identifying gaps in local service provision - and supporting individuals and groups to fill these gaps.
Job description Job responsibilities
As a senior member of the team, you will support the day-to-day operation and development of the Health Connections service, working closely with the Health Connections Operational Support Co-ordinator. This includes managing referral triage and case allocation, monitoring workloads, supporting service improvement initiatives, evidencing outcomes through audits and reporting, and acting as a key point of support for colleagues.
You will help lead team meetings, provide mentorship and induction for new staff, contribute to training delivery, and support the development of policies, referral pathways and operational procedures. You will also contribute to staff development through supervision, performance conversations and appraisal processes.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of working with people one-to-one using behaviour change, motivational interviewing and goal setting tools. Experience of working with the VCSE sector (in a paid or unpaid capacity). Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement (in a paid or unpaid capacity). Experience running and facilitating groups. Knowledge of the personalised care approach. Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families and carers. Understanding of the needs of people with long term health conditions. Ability to organise, plan and prioritise on own initiative, including when under pressure, to meet deadlines and achieve targets. Knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports. Willingness to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands.
Desirable
Knowledge of VCSE and community services in your area. Knowledge of how the NHS works, including primary care, local/national health policy and public health initiatives.
Qualifications Essential
5 GCSE Grade A to C including English & Maths The successful candidate will be reflective, self-aware and committed to continuous professional development. Above all, they will enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and be passionate about helping individuals and communities improve their health and wellbeing.
Desirable
Degree or other qualification in relevant area (or equivalent work experience)
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 Mendip Country Practice
Address Central Mendip PCN
Highfield House
Park Road
Shepton Mallet
Somerset
BA4 5BT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mendipcp.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)