Social Prescribing Link Workers, sometimes known as Social Prescribers or Community Connectors, play a key role in the delivery of social prescribing. This is a rewarding role that helps to empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing by finding out what matters to them and making a personalised plan.
Link workers can have a wide range of backgrounds and prior experience, which creates an inclusive and diverse workforce. While there are often no specific qualifications needed to apply for a Link Worker role, applicants may have many years of relevant expertise in supporting people – for example, having previously worked as NHS staff, youth workers, or charity professionals, as well as having experience in the arts, physical activity or advice and information services, whether through work or volunteering. Some Link Workers also bring lived experience of health challenges to their role and a deep understanding of their local community.
Knowledge, skills and behaviours
The role offers opportunities for training and development, but successful applicants need to demonstrate a variety of knowledge, skills, and behaviours, through work or voluntary experience.
Link workers support people experiencing a variety of complex social needs, such as loneliness, debt or housing issues. They also work with people experiencing low-level mental health and long-term conditions. Therefore, it is key that candidates understand the barriers and challenges these people may face, and the health and wellbeing benefits of non-medical interventions.
Strong communication skills are essential for the role of a link worker, including both written and verbal. Candidates must be able to engage effectively with clients, their families, carers, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Key communication techniques that can be particularly valuable include motivational interviewing, behaviour change strategies and effective conversation methods. Additionally, being open and empathetic is crucial in helping clients feel at ease. These skills and behaviours contribute significantly to achieving the best outcomes for those referred to a link worker.
Volunteering is a valuable opportunity for those looking to gain experience. Getting involved in community activities can offer a better understanding of the services and activities in a local area and the benefits they provide to people. It can also offer experiences that will be transferable to the link worker role.
Link Workers' stories
Link workers come from all walks of life. Below, three link workers share their stories.
Reuben Davidson, a Link Worker for Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard was working for the organisation staffing their night shelter pilot. When the Link Worker position became available, he applied and hasn’t looked back.
“My background is in LGBTQ+ youth work, so I had a good foundation of knowledge and experience for the role. I find that Social Prescribing has many creative opportunities and it suits my practical-mindedness really well.”
Bridget Mangan, a Link Worker from Severn Health PCN has a background in inclusive performing arts. She also taught at a charity supporting young people excluded from education and completed a postgraduate certificate in Child Adolescent and Family Mental Wellbeing. She developed a keen interest in social prescribing after a loved one diagnosed with cancer was prescribed art and mindfulness classes for their wellbeing.
“Seeing up close the value of accessing arts on prescription, developed in me the compassion, empathy, insight and determination for the work of Social Prescribing.”
Ashwini Joshi, a Link Worker for Thomas Walker Westgate Healthcare has a background in HR Management which helped her to develop transferable skills such as problem-solving and self-directed leadership. She stepped into the social sector by working for Citizens Advice, where she started to understand the social challenges people faced. This was strengthened when she worked for NSPCC where she also developed active listening skills.
“The Social Prescriber role came as an opportunity to give back to the community by making a tangible difference to an individual’s life. It not only gives ‘voice’ to those who are not able to represent themselves but it also empowers them to be self-reliant.”
If you want to find out more about the day-to-day role of a link worker, this study used images provided by link workers to share their experiences.
Where you can find opportunities
Link workers are employed through a variety of different host organisations, including the NHS, voluntary sector organisations and local authorities. It’s therefore useful to search for roles via platforms such as NHS Jobs, Charity Job and your local authority’s careers page.
For more information about the link worker role, download the NHS Workforce Development Framework or read our Link Worker Induction Guide.
