Social Prescribing Link Worker (Maternity Cover) at ONSIDE · Worcester

Salary: £24,500 - £25,990 FTE per annum (pro rata) Hours: 18.5 hours per week Location: Wyre Forest, Worcestershire Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover, up to 12 months) Closing Date: Friday 30th October Interview Date: Friday 6th November

About the Role

At ONSIDE, we believe that good health is about more than medical treatment. Social, emotional and practical factors can have a significant impact on a person's wellbeing, confidence and quality of life.

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Social Prescribing Link Worker to join our Adult Wellbeing Services team. Working alongside GP Practices within the Wyre Forest Network of Independent Practices (WFNIP) Primary Care Network, you will empower individuals to take greater control of their health and wellbeing by identifying what matters most to them and connecting them with appropriate community-based support.

The role focuses on supporting people whose needs are often shaped by wider social determinants of health, including social isolation, housing concerns, financial difficulties, employment challenges, caring responsibilities and long-term health conditions. Through a person-centred approach, you will help individuals access local services, activities and opportunities that improve their overall wellbeing and independence.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives while working within a growing organisation committed to reducing health inequalities and strengthening local communities.

Key Responsibilities

Delivering Social Prescribing Support

• Receive and manage referrals from GP Practices and other appropriate sources.
• Provide personalised, one-to-one support using a holistic, person-centred approach.
• Enable individuals to identify their strengths, needs and goals.
• Co-produce individual wellbeing plans and agree achievable actions.
• Support people to access community groups, activities and local services.
• Empower individuals to build confidence, resilience and independence.
• Maintain regular contact and review progress against agreed goals.

Partnership and Community Development

• Develop strong working relationships with primary care teams, statutory services and voluntary organisations.
• Maintain knowledge of local community assets, services and support networks.
• Work collaboratively with partners to identify gaps in provision.
• Support the development of community activities and wellbeing opportunities where needed.
• Promote the benefits of social prescribing across local communities.

Caseload and Record Management

• Manage and prioritise a caseload effectively.
• Maintain accurate and timely records using agreed systems.
• Monitor outcomes and demonstrate the impact of social prescribing interventions.
• Collect data and contribute to reporting requirements.
• Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately and in line with GDPR requirements.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Recognise safeguarding concerns and follow organisational procedures.
• Assess and manage potential risks to individuals and others.
• Escalate concerns appropriately and make referrals where necessary.
• Work within organisational policies, procedures and professional boundaries.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Act as an ambassador for ONSIDE and its values.

ONSIDE People

At ONSIDE, our people are passionate about making a positive difference. We work creatively and collaboratively with individuals, communities and partner organisations to improve health, wellbeing and life opportunities across Worcestershire.

We are looking for people who share our values and are committed to:

• Being person-centred
• Working collaboratively
• Supporting inclusion and equality
• Demonstrating integrity and accountability
• Encouraging innovation and continuous improvement

Essential

• Level 3 qualification (A Level, BTEC Level 3 or equivalent experience).
• Experience supporting individuals within health, social care, community, voluntary sector or public health settings.
• Experience working with people experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation or complex social needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with a diverse range of individuals.
• Experience of managing a caseload and prioritising workload effectively.
• Understanding of the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.
• Ability to identify and manage safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel independently throughout Worcestershire.

Desirable

• Experience of social prescribing or wellbeing support services.
• Training in motivational interviewing, health coaching or behaviour change techniques.
• Knowledge of local voluntary, community and social enterprise services.
• Experience of asset-based community development approaches.
• Experience working within Primary Care or NHS-related services.
• Experience of monitoring outcomes and service evaluation.
• Understanding of personalised care approaches.

ONSIDE Benefits

As an ONSIDE employee you will have access to:

• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Pension Scheme
• Company Sick Pay Scheme (subject to qualifying service)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay (subject to qualifying service)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Premium Calm App subscription
• Birthday Day Off
• Employee Engagement Forum
• Flexible and supportive working environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance