Social Prescribing Link Worker

Social Prescribing Link Worker

Temporary contract - 18 months

37 hours Full-time / Part-time / Job share, all considered

(Extension of contract dependant on future funding arrangements)

It is an exciting time to become part of the Social Prescribing movement in North West Surrey.

Working in partnership with the Primary Care Networks and the North West Surrey Alliance, Runnymede Borough Council is looking to recruit a Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) to support residents in and around the Virginia Water, Egham and Staines region.

The SPLW will be based at the Runnymede Borough Council offices in Addlestone but will work flexibly across the borough and other locations as required.

The SPLW role is to support those people referred to the service by signposting them and supporting them to access relevant services; via voluntary organisations, local authority services or other community groups that can provide practical, emotional and/or social support. Referrals can be made for many reasons, including inactive lifestyles, loneliness and isolation, anxiety, financial concerns and those struggling with daily routine.

The SPLW takes a holistic approach and gives time to focus on what matters to the individual, empowering them to take control of their own health and wellbeing by addressing the wider determinants of health. In this role you will work with individuals to identify their needs and requirements and connect them to the groups and services that can help meet those needs and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

To be considered for this role, you will have previous experience of working in a support or advice role and of working in either a local government, health, or voluntary sector organisation. Knowledge of the communities to be served by the post, as well as services available locally is desirable but not essential.

You will be honest, reliable, calm, reassuring, personable and empathetic when supporting residents and you will tailor your approach to communicate effectively with adults who have a range of differing needs.

Flexibility to undertake appointments with clients in a variety of settings including their homes, community venues and by phone is required.

You will also be responsible for the management, co-ordination, administration and monitoring of incoming referrals and your caseload so you will need to be organised, self-motivated and confident using IT systems.

Please note the following essential requirements for this post:

• This post requires frequent travel, so it is essential to have daily access to a car for work purposes.

As the recruitment process may include representatives from the PCN, in applying for the position you give consent to your information being shared with such representatives.

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Jill Moody at jill.moody@runnymede.gov.uk

Please apply online at www.surreyjobs.info. Full information, including the Job Description, Person Specification and other details about Runnymede Borough Council, is available in the Extra Information attachment on the website. If it is difficult for you to apply online, please contact Human Resources via email humanresources@runnymede.gov.uk or 01932 425514.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please provide an email address as you will be contacted by email if you are selected to attend an interview.

Closing date: midnight 11/10/2022

Interview date: 17/10/2022