About this role
Job summary
Make a Real Difference in Your Community
Are you passionate about helping people improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life? Do you thrive on building relationships and connecting people with the right support at the right time?
We are looking for a compassionate, motivated, and proactive Social Prescriber to join our Primary Care Network (PCN) team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of primary care, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and take positive steps towards healthier, happier lives.
As a Social Prescriber, you will work closely with patients, GP practices, community organisations, and healthcare professionals to address the non-medical factors affecting people's wellbeing. No two days are the same, and you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people you support.
Main duties of the job
The Role
You will provide personalised, non-clinical support to patients whose health and wellbeing may be affected by issues such as:
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Housing and financial concerns
- Employment and education needs
- Carer support requirements
- Lifestyle and wellbeing challenges
- Access to community services and activities
Using a person-centred approach, you'll help individuals identify what matters most to them, set achievable goals, and connect with local services and resources that can help them thrive.
About us
About Island City Network
Island City Network is a friendly, innovative, and forward-thinking healthcare organisation based in Portsmouth. We are committed to providing high-quality patient care and embracing new ways of working to meet the changing needs of General Practice.
Island City Network includes Island City Practice and Derby Road Group Practice, serving approximately 53,876 patients across the city.
We have a diverse multidisciplinary team working together to support our patients, including:
- 4 Social Prescribing Link Workers
- 6 Care Coordinators
- 4 Pharmacy Technicians
- 4 Clinical Pharmacists
- 1 Digital Transformation Lead
- 2 Mental Health Facilitator
- 1 Practice Nurse
- 1 Occupational Therapist
- 5 Paramedics
- 3 Physiotherapists
Together, we work to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients and provide high-quality, accessible healthcare services to our local community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What You'll Be Doing
Supporting Patients
Deliver one-to-one support predominantly via telephone with some face to face appointments.
- Build trusted relationships with patients, listening to their needs and helping them identify solutions.
- Support individuals to develop confidence, resilience, and greater control over their health and wellbeing.
- Facilitate goal setting and create personalised action plans.
- Deliver community-based drop-in sessions and outreach support.
Working as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team
- Receive referrals from GPs, Nurses, Pharmacists, Care Coordinators, and other healthcare professionals.
- Manage and prioritise your own caseload effectively.
- Work collaboratively with practice teams and local organisations to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
- Recognise and escalate safeguarding or wellbeing concerns appropriately.
Community Partnership Working
- Develop strong links with community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, and statutory services.
- Promote local activities, services, and support networks.
- Help strengthen connections between patients and their communities.
General Responsibilities
Health and safety/Risk Management
The post holder will be trained in and expected to use the personal security systems available within the practice
To identify any risks involved in their work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks
The post holder must comply at all times with the practices health and safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting clinical incidents using Significant Event Reporting system
To use computers safely and appropriately
- 1. Information Governance
The practice is registered under the Data Protection Act 1984. The post holder will comply with the Data Protection Act and the Access To Health Records Act, the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and the practice policies regarding information governance at all times. You must not at any time use the personal data held by the practice for a purpose not described in the register entry or disclose such data to a third party. If you are in any doubt regarding what you should or should not do in connection with the Data Protection Act, then you must contact your line Manager.
- 2. Confidentiality
All dealings within the practice remain strictly confidential and the post holder would be expected to maintain this confidentiality at all times. You will have access to confidential information relating to practice business and to individuals. You are required to exercise due consideration in a way you use such information when carrying out your duties. Should you have any doubts regarding the use of information in carrying out your duties, you should seek advice from your line manager.
- 3. Equality and diversity
The post holder must cooperate with all policies and procedure designed to ensure equality of employment and treatment in line with the Practice Equal Opportunities Policy. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Identify patterns of discrimination and take action to overcome this and promote diversity and equality of opportunity.
Support people who need assistance in exercising their rights.
Monitor and evaluate adhere to local chaperoning policies.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
- Completion Certificate for Social Prescribing NHS England and online learning programme via the Personalised Care Institute
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
- Training in coaching, health coaching, or motivational interviewing.
- Experience working within healthcare, community, voluntary, charity, or social care settings.
- Knowledge of local community resources and services.
Experience
Essential
- We are seeking someone who is passionate about supporting others and understands the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing.
- Essential
- Excellent communication and active listening skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- A compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach.
- Emotional resilience and professionalism.
Why Join Us
Essential
- Be part of a supportive and forward-thinking Primary Care Network.
- Work within a friendly multidisciplinary team.
- Make a genuine difference to people's lives every day.
- Develop your skills and knowledge within personalised care.
- Enjoy a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
- Help shape healthier, more connected communities.
- If you're passionate about people, community wellbeing, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Island City Network PCN
Address
Lake Road Health Centre
Nutfield Place
Portsmouth
PO1 4JT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.islandcitypractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)