Social Prescriber Lead

Integrated Care System; Bradford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare organization in Bradford is seeking a Lead Social Prescriber to enhance social prescribing services. The role focuses on supporting individuals with mental and social health conditions, collaborating with healthcare teams, and promoting community engagement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, experience in health and social care, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This position offers an opportunity to make a direct impact on patient wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience in health and social care, especially with vulnerable populations.
• Commitment to continuous self-improvement.
• Understanding of safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Support the health and wellbeing of patients by taking referrals from PCN practices.
• Assess how community services can meet patients' needs.
• Co-produce personalized care plans.
• Collaborate with local agencies to promote social prescribing.
• Induct and train new Social Prescribers.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience using SystmOne

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Empathetic and proactive

Attention to detail

Ability to assess and manage risk

Education

NVQ Level 3/A level or equivalent

Preference for NVQ Level 4 or above in leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bradford City Primary Care Network 4 is looking for a Lead Social Prescriber who can work with PCN management to develop the existing Social Prescribing service and team. The role involves supporting and promoting our Mental Health Service alongside the Mental Health Practitioner and experienced Counsellors.

The Social Prescriber supports taking a holistic approach to an individual's health and wellbeing by connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

The role includes providing support for low to medium intensity patients with mental and social health conditions to overcome barriers. The Social Prescriber will be embedded within Primary Care Network multi-disciplinary teams to offer personalized support, enabling individuals to take control of their wellbeing and improve health outcomes.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a high level of IT literacy.

Main duties of the job

The role aims to help people manage their health more effectively, focusing on those who are lonely, isolated, or have complex social needs affecting their wellbeing, including mental health. As a lead, you will identify opportunities and evaluate the current service, making recommendations as needed.

You should be a good listener, have time for people, and be committed to supporting local communities. Experience working positively with people facing complex social and emotional challenges is essential.

The successful candidate will work across all practices, delivering care to diverse populations, and must work in a timely, efficient, and confidential manner at all times.

About us

Bradford City Primary Care Network 4 (PCN4) is a collaborative network of five Bradford City practices serving approximately 50,000 registered patients.

Job responsibilities

• Support the health and wellbeing of patients by taking referrals from PCN practices.
• Assess how community services can meet patients' needs.
• Co-produce personalized care plans, reconnecting patients with community and statutory services.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of support plans and make adjustments.
• Provide personalized support to help patients live independently and improve their health outcomes.
• Develop trusting relationships and work holistically based on patient priorities.
• Collaborate with local agencies to promote social prescribing and reduce pressure on statutory services.
• Develop relationships with external providers for joint case management.
• Induct and train new Social Prescribers and identify training needs.
• Lead the PCN4 Social Prescriber Peer Support meetings.
• Identify gaps in service provision and opportunities for community engagement.
• Promote the service internally and externally.
• Review and improve rota and triage arrangements.
• Embed community-based provisions into the service and evaluate its effectiveness.

Person Specification

Skills and Competencies

• Experience using SystmOne.
• Excellent listening, rapport-building, and motivational skills.
• Empathetic, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Creative, flexible, and able to work in a team.
• Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Resilient, accountable, and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to assess and manage risk.
• Committed to continuous self-improvement.

Additional Requirements

• Meet DBS standards.
• Willing to work flexible hours, including one evening per week.
• Ability to travel across multiple sites.
• Own transport.
• Understanding of safeguarding policies.
• Experience in health and social care, especially with vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3/A level or equivalent, with a preference for NVQ Level 4 or above in leadership.
• Demonstrable commitment to professional development.
• Knowledge of health and social topics like mental health, healthy eating, care navigation, and social welfare.

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.