NHS GP Link Worker

Recruiter
HCNS
Location
Watford
Salary
Competitive
Posted
28 Jun 2022
Closes
04 Jul 2022
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Please do not apply if you have submitted an application in the past 12 months

Could you be a Link Worker supporting people from within the NHS?

Hertfordshire's NHS has commissioned "Link Workers" throughout the county to work closely with GP surgeries supporting patients to find non-clinical solutions to improve their wellbeing. Link Workers will work intensively with a small number of individuals, enabling them to access support within their local community.

You will be responsible for linking patients to services across the Health, Statutory and Voluntary sectors. You will work alongside patients to help them achieve their goals, undertaking assessments and building relationships to agree personalised plans to help the patient make the necessary changes to live the life they choose. You will work closely with GPs, other health and social care professionals, and local voluntary organisations.

You may have worked in a similar role previously - but equally this role will be suited to someone with good local knowledge, appropriate experience and a passion for personalised care. Are you a people person? Can you earn trust and help people identify goals and access the support they need to achieve those goals? Are you fully committed to person-centred services and to helping inviduals find solutions to their needs? Can you work as part of a GP surgery team, maintaining the highest professional standards, sharing systems, communicating clearly and contributing to case management? If you are proactive, enthusiastic and person-centred, then we would love to hear from you.

We already employ a team of Link Workers in Hertfordshire and we are looking for new Link Workers to fill roles throughout the county. HCNS's wider activities are also supported by HCC and by local CCGs. The roles are offered as permanent contracts (subject to future funding). The roles are full-time but we will accept part-time applications and will try to find job-share partners.

The roles will be based at one or more local GP surgeries and we will pay travel expenses within the geographical area covered. Applicants must be licenced drivers with access to a vehicle. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

The role

We are recruiting Link Workers to work with people who are frail or vulnerable or unwell, or people who are in danger of losing their independence. Link Workers will receive referrals from GP surgeries. They must take time to understand people s needs, and they work with professionals, volunteers, families, carers and individuals to develop appropraite solutions.

You will work to understand your local community, link people together, and help develop more effective services. When solutions are needed, you will find them.

The job

You will be employed by one of the voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of Link Worker services: Age UK Hertfordshire, British Red Cross, Carers in Herts, Dacortium, Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers, POhWER, Watford & Three Rivers Trust and Watford Community Housing. Other partners may join.

You will be assigned to work with one or more GP surgeries and play a key role within their team. You will also be part of a locality team comprising other social prescribers led by a Senior Navigator.

You will need to operate independently and as part of several different teams, each providing support and supervision. You will use case management databases and communications systems, understand safeguarding and privacy rules, and provide high quality information, input and feedback.

Please apply online stating how you meet the above requirements for this post. Shortlisted candidates will receive full details before interview. If you are currently based beyond reasonable commuting distance of Hertfordshire, please explain how you will commute or relocate or your application will be disregarded.

Applications

Please apply soonest: we will interview candidates as appropriate applications are received. Please apply online stating how you meet the requirements for this post. If you are currently based outside Hertfordshire, please explain how you will relocated or commute if appointed. Shortlisted candidates will receive full details before interview.