Senior Social Prescribing Link Worker; SPLW

The Senior SPLW will provide day-to-day leadership for the PCNs Social Prescribing team, supporting and developing colleagues to deliver an efficient, person-centred service. Working closely with the PCN Manager, the post holder will help ensure the service runs smoothly, aligns with local priorities, and supports people's wellbeing.

This role is included within the extended hours provision and will involve working an evening and/or Saturday on a rota basis.

Please note:

this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received.

The role includes team leadership, complex case work and service development. It also involves supporting safe and consistent ways of working, contributing to quality improvement, and acting as a senior point of contact for safeguarding or complex situations. The Senior SPLW will build strong partnerships across primary care, local statutory services, community organisations and the VCSE sector to improve people's access to the support they need.

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) were established in July 2019 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan to improve the quality and accessibility of care by encouraging collaboration among various healthcare services and community organisations.

One of 13 PCNs in Somerset, we are a collaboration of five GP practices in West Mendip:
Glastonbury Health Centre, Glastonbury Surgery, Wells City Practice, Wells Health Centre and Vine Surgery Partnership (Street). Our purpose, values and vision underpin our beliefs on the necessities of a healthcare service, and what we aim to achieve, both now and in the future. They guide the actions and decisions made by our whole team, ensuring they align with our commitment to prioritise personalised care for the people of West Mendip.

Leadership and Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership, line management and supervision to SPLWs and Health Connectors across West Mendip PCN
• Help support a psychologically safe, supportive and inclusive working environment that promotes wellbeing, professional development and reflective practice
• Support recruitment, induction, training and retention of Social Prescribing staff
• Develop clear role expectations, caseload management frameworks and consistent ways of working across the team
• Act as a senior point of contact for complex case discussions, safeguarding concerns and escalation

Service Development and Quality Improvement

• Work in conjunction with the PCN Manager to lead the ongoing development of the Social Prescribing service in line with PCN priorities, the NHS Long Term Plan and local population health needs
• Collaborate with the PCN Manager to plan, implement and monitor quality improvement initiatives, ensuring robust governance and reporting arrangements
• Ensure services are equitable, accessible and responsive to people experiencing health inequalities
• Co-develop and implement standard operating procedures, pathways and outcome measures with the PCN Manager and relevant stakeholders
• Contribute to audits, service evaluations and performance reporting, supporting the PCN Manager to demonstrate impact and value
• Use insight, feedback and data to inform continuous improvement and service redesign

Advanced Social Prescribing Practice

• Hold a reduced caseload of complex individuals requiring advanced intervention, co-ordination or multi-agency input
• Undertake holistic, person-centred assessments using a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach
• Support individuals to identify goals, improve wellbeing and access appropriate community, statutory and VCSE support
• Model best practice and mentor staff in advanced engagement and behaviour change approaches

Partnership and System Working

• Build and maintain strong relationships with GP practices, VCSE organisations, local authorities and other partners
• Represent West Mendip PCN Social Prescribing at internal and external meetings, forums and networks
• Support the development of sustainable community assets and referral pathways
• Work collaboratively with PCN colleagues from other teams and within practices (e.g. Care Coordinators, Health & Wellbeing Coaches, Mental Health Practitioners) to support integrated care

Safeguarding, Governance and Risk

• Act as a safeguarding link between the PCN Social Prescribing team and GP practices, ensuring compliance with local and national safeguarding policies
• Ensure accurate, timely and confidential record keeping in line with information governance requirements
• Promote duty of candour, professional boundaries and ethical practice
• Identify risks within the service, escalating appropriately

Training, Supervision and Workforce Development

• Provide regular supervision, appraisal and development planning for SPLWs and Health Connectors
• Identify training needs and support continuous professional development
• Facilitate peer learning, reflective practice sessions and team meetings
• Support students, trainees or…