Social prescribing link worker
Social prescribing link workers connect people with local community activities and services that can help improve their health and wellbeing.
A vital part of your role will be to build relationships with the people you are helping by listening carefully to what’s important to them and what motivates them.
“It’s a privilege to give people time to be heard, space to consider positive changes in their lives and empowering them to move forward.”
Diane, link worker
Life as a social prescribing link worker
Every day you’ll identify what is affecting someone’s health and wellbeing. You’ll then work with them to find services and activities that offer practical, social and emotional support that’ll improve their health and wellbeing.
You’ll usually work with someone about six times, depending on their needs. They may have long-term conditions, mental health problems or feel lonely or isolated. Some people may refer themselves to you, but most will come from diverse groups such as GPs, local NHS trusts and the emergency services.
You’ll build relationships with the people you are helping by listening carefully to what’s important to them and what motivates them. You’ll work with them to create personalised support plans that gives them control over their health and wellbeing.
Your role will then be to connect them with local community and voluntary groups offering a range of activities and services. This could be art classes, gardening clubs or exercise groups. You may help them seek more practical advice, for example on debt or housing issues.
You’ll be employed by either a group of GP practices or a community organisation working on behalf of the NHS. A GP supervisor will support you in your role and you’ll be part of a team of professionals including pharmacists, physiotherapists and other primary care staff.
Some social prescribing link workers work with specific groups such as children and young people or refugees.
How much can I earn?
Your salary as a social prescribing link worker will be between £20K and £27K a year, depending where you work. See some of the current vacancies below.
Must-have skills
You'll need:
- excellent listening and communication skills
- empathy
- emotional resilience
- to be non judgmental
- willingness to work as part of team
- good IT and record keeping skills
- willingness to undertake training and develop skills
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this role because your life experience, personal qualities and values are generally more important than qualifications.
Some employers may ask for basic numeracy and literacy plus some IT skills and relevant work experience. Some may also require a qualification at level 3.
Once in a role, you will receive training and development to support you.
How to become a social prescribing link worker
Job vacancies are advertised on the NHS Jobs website. You can also find some current vacancies below.
Once employed, the NHS offer a package of learning and support including:
- regular webinars
- online learning
- workshops
- informal peer support networks
Email [email protected] to find out more.