Job Summary
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is the NICE-recommended, gold standard treatment for patients with breathlessness as a result of a long-term condition, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Bronchiectasis and some cancers. PR is offered across South East London, with patients being referred into the service from respective secondary care clinical teams in the 6 boroughs. However, despite its status as an evidence-based successful system which improves both physical and mental health outcomes for patients with chronic breathlessness, uptake and completion of PR is not as good as it could be, leaving patients struggling with their condition and experiencing poor health outcomes.
This is an exciting role for an experienced Social Prescribing Link Worker to work with the GSTT Pulmonary Rehab and Respiratory teams to provide personalised support to individuals identified as having high levels of social need.
The Link Worker will work as part and within a multidisciplinary health and care team to provide 1:1 support with individuals, their families and carers as who are directed to them by the Pulmonary Rehab and Respiratory team.
Main duties of the job
A key part of the role will be developing relationships with each patient and spending time to understand what matters to them, then supporting the process of connecting people to community groups and statutory services for on-going practical and emotional support.
This role will be patient-facing; both in secondary care setting and out in the community, proactively supporting a cohort of people to develop/input into a holistic package of care working with existing multidisciplinary teams. You will ensure referrals are followed-up and the outcome is reported back; helping to improve communication and liaison between general practice and other organisations as well as realise impact and outcomes.
Recognising that this is a pilot role, you will work with the Pulmonary Rehab and Respiratory team in an MDT-type model to develop structures and processes shaping the new Link Worker role within the team. Furthermore, you will provide updates and formal reports to both the host organisation (GSTT) and IHL Southwark, including data and progress updates, and sharing insights into how the clinical team could better support and care for its population.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Educated to minimum of NVQ Level 3, advanced Level or equivalent qualifications or working towards.
- Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development of themselves and colleagues.
Desirable
- Training in motivational coaching and interviewing, or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- At least 2 years’ experience of providing one to one support to vulnerable people, including those with physical and mental health issues (including unpaid work)
- Knowledge and/or experience of working with a variety of social issues, e.g., housing, benefits, carers, etc.
Desirable
- Experience of leading and developing service improvements with complex scope and tight timescales with minimal guidance.
- Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships across a variety of organisations
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Organised and able to manage conflicting priorities but not restricted by this.
- Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person-centred support in in a non-judgmental way.
- Commitment to collaborative working with all stakeholders (including VCS organisations and community groups).
- Demonstrates personal accountability, emotional resilience and works well under pressure.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to work well in a team – working with a variety of different service providers across the neighbourhood to contribute to social prescribing goals – support and coaching other volunteers/ navigators.
- Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of VCS and community services in the locality.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 26 January 2025
