Overview
We are seeking a dedicated PCN Social Prescriber to join our team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in enhancing patient care and well-being by connecting individuals with non-medical support services within the community
This role will be employed by The Chalfonts Primary Care Network (CPCN) which includes three GP Practices and supports a local population of approx. 32,000.
The successful applicant will be spread across the 3 practices within the PCN, spending 1 day (6hrs) a week at two of the practices and 2 days (11 hours) at the 3rd Practice.
We are looking for a friendly, reliable, forward-thinking individual with previous experience in a similar role, to join the team and make a difference.
About Us
The Chalfonts Primary Care Network (PCN) is made up of the three GP practices based in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire. These are: The Allan Practice, The Hall Practice and The Misbourne Surgery.
Primary Care Networks build on the core of current primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care. The Chalfonts PCN is committed to delivering integrated, patient-centered care through a multidisciplinary team approach. Our team includes Physician Associates, Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Paramedics, a Physiotherapist, Care Coordinators, and a Social Prescriber.
The Social Prescriber plays a vital role in connecting patients to community resources and support services, addressing social determinants of health, and enhancing overall well-being. By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals and community partners, we aim to provide proactive, personalised, and coordinated health and social care services to our community.
About the Job
The Social Prescriber will be part of the Primary Care Network (PCN) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) who are responsible for managing the care of people registered with practices within the PCN.
The post holder will be passionate about connecting people to a broad range of community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. The successful candidate will support patients to take control of their health and wellbeing using a “what matters to me” approach and will take a holistic approach to an individual’s health and wellbeing. The main purpose of the role will be to support people to improve their health and wellbeing through non-clinical interventions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
· Work within the Primary Care Network to identify and support individuals who would benefit from social prescribing support.
· Build relationships with key practice staff, promoting social prescribing and its benefits to encourage a proactive approach to referrals.
- Implement, utilise and actively promote the use of the joy app.
· Be an advocate when in meetings with health professionals for patients who would benefit from a social prescription intervention.
- Conduct holistic assessments (both in the Practice and in Patients homes) to understand patients' social needs and preferences, building trusting relationships using a 'what matters to me' approach.
· Manage a caseload of clients, both face to face (including visiting patients in their own homes) and over the telephone, from referral to assessment through to hand holding into services or activities.
- Educate patients on available social support options and empower them to take control of their health.
· Provide individualised care to patients and develop co-produced personalized care and support plans and signpost patients to relevant community resources and services.
· Recruit and co-ordinate volunteers for accompanying patients to appointments.
· Build a relationship with Voluntary and Community Sector organisations as well as key stakeholders for Social Prescribing.
· Identify gaps in services and activities and work with the local community and services and the Primary Carer Networks to fill the gap.
· Be responsible for logging, monitoring, and reporting on data as required by set guidelines.
· Be an active member of the multidisciplinary team within the Primary Care Network, attending a range of meetings to offer input around social prescribing.
- Maintain accurate records of patient interactions and outcomes in accordance with data protection regulations
· Follow all confidentiality procedures, risk assessment procedures and safeguarding procedures.
Person Spec:
Requirement: Desirable (D) / Essential (E)
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in health care or equivalent in a relevant field (E)
Higher education qualification relevant to the role (D)
Evidence of continued professional development appropriate to the role (E)
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Able to demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality in relation to the post, including an understanding of information governance and GDPR requirements. (E)
Knowledge of the ‘wider determinants of health’ and their impact on communities. (E)
Knowledge of the Voluntary and Community Sector’s role and function. (E)
Being able to organise and manage scheduled appointments. (E)
The ability to speak another community language (D)
EXPERIENCE
Experience of supporting and empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives. (E)
Experience of working in an individual support role, or experience that lends itself to this role. (E)
Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, public health or health improvement. (E)
Experience of coordinating volunteers and/or experience of being a volunteer. (E)
Experience of data collection, data recording, record keeping and using tools to measure the impact of services. (D)
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experienced through communicating with people at a range of levels. (E)
Self-motivated, resilient and a resourceful problem solver. (E)
Ability to work flexibly and enthusiastically within a team and on own initiative. (E)
Good IT skills, confident in using a range of IT platforms, applications, databases and devices. (E)
High levels of emotional intelligence able to quickly build rapport and positive working relationships. (E)
Key Terms and Conditions:
Hours: 23 hours a week; across 4 days.
Benefits incl: £14.10 - £15.10 per hour, dependant on experience. NHS pension scheme, 28 days annual leave plus statutory days (pro-rata) and membership of our Employee Assistance Programme.
Disclosure and Barring Service: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
How to apply: Candidates are invited to submit a CV, together with a supporting statement detailing how they meet the person specification. Candidates are advised to structure their supporting statement in line with the points in the person specification, and to provide clear examples of their experience that demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 18 per week
Pay: £14.10-£15.10 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Education:
- Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Health and Social Care: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 18/06/2025
Reference ID: PCNSP040625
