Counselling Social Prescribing Link Worker

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organisation is seeking a Counselling Social Prescribing Link Worker to provide emotional support and mental health services. The role involves creating support plans and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance patient wellbeing. Ideal candidates should possess active listening skills and experience in mental health support. This position is based in the North East of England and contributes to a positive organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing one-to-one patient support.
• Ability to handle mental health and wellbeing issues.
• Familiarity with community resources and support services.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one appointments focused on wellbeing.
• Develop person-centred support plans.
• Maintain strong relationships with local services.

Skills

Active listening

Trauma-informed approaches

Communication

Patient relationship management

Workload management

Tools

Patient management systems (e.g. EMIS, SystmOne)

Job description

Counselling Social Prescribing Link Worker

Primary Responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Counselling Social Prescribing Link Worker. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels.

1. Provide one-to-one appointments to explore what matters to patients, focusing on emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
2. Use active listening and trauma-informed approaches to develop a person-centred support plan.
3. Identify and refer patients to suitable support services, including community counselling, wellbeing activities, self-help resources, mental health support groups, or statutory mental health services where appropriate.
4. Provide short-term supportive listening for patients experiencing distress, anxiety, grief, or social isolation.
5. Maintain strong relationships with local mental health services, voluntary and community organisations, and counselling services.
6. Monitor and review patients' progress, ensuring follow-up support and continuity of care.
7. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including GPs, practice staff, social prescribers, mental health practitioners, and community workers.
8. Contribute to the mapping and development of community mental health and wellbeing resources.
9. Maintain accurate and timely records on patient management systems (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne).

Secondary Responsibilities

The Counselling Social Prescribing Link Worker will also be expected to:

1. Manage their own workload and prioritise effectively.
2. Undertake relevant training, ensure continued professional development, and engage with regular appraisal and supervision.
3. Comply with information governance and data protection, including training on information security responsibilities, encryption, home working, and remote access where applicable, as well as records management and information quality responsibilities.
4. Take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, promote wellbeing across the organisation, and support colleagues.
5. Identify, escalate, and manage safeguarding referrals.
6. Report incidents and disseminate learning.
7. Follow policies and processes.
8. Support service development and continuous improvement.
9. Attend meetings on behalf of NGPS and the social prescribing team.
10. Participate in audits, collect data, and support evaluation of the service.

Communication and Relationships

The Counselling Social Prescriber should recognize the importance of effective internal and external communication, and will strive to:

• Communicate effectively with other service/team members and patients in a timely manner.
• Recognize peoples' needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly, via text, email, or telephone calls.
• Report patients who behave inappropriately to the practice manager or project/service manager.

Core Principles

Treating others with empathy and kindness; accountability; maintaining confidentiality; following data protection laws; supporting a safe environment; respecting diversity and equality; promoting wellbeing; and committing to continuous professional development.

Generic Responsibilities

All staff at NGPS have a duty to conform to policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion, safety, health, environment, fire safety, confidentiality, quality, and continuous improvement. They should manage risks, ensure compliance with legislation, protect patient information, and contribute to a positive organizational culture.