Social prescriber
Connect people with non-medical support that improves their quality of life.
Also known as: social prescribing link worker, community link worker
About the job
What it's like
Searching for a role where you’ll directly improve people’s lives? As a social prescriber, you’ll boost individuals’ confidence and wellbeing every day!
In this role, you’ll introduce people to non-medical support that’ll benefit them. You may recommend that individuals attend day centres, charities, community groups or other services. Your work could improve people’s quality of life or prevent loneliness.
You’ll often work alongside doctors and local healthcare professionals – they’ll refer people to you. You’ll then assess the support someone needs to improve their physical or mental health.
As an example, let’s say you’re working with an 85-year-old woman who’s recovering after a hip replacement. You might recommend she attends a gentle exercise class to help improve her mobility as well as a local community café where she can interact with others.
Some social prescribers specialise in a particular type of support. You may develop expertise in an area such as mental health, older people’s services or financial wellbeing.
Your tasks might include:
assessing what non-medical support people need – this could include physical activities, employment or opportunities to make new friends
finding new local support services, such as community groups or charities, that you can recommend to people
working with individuals to create personalised wellbeing plans, identify appropriate services and set realistic goals
reviewing people’s progress and helping them overcome barriers to participation
building relationship with GP practices, social workers and housing providers
collecting feedback from individuals and communicating with organisations so they can enhance their services
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Social Prescribing Network (SSPN) – learn more about social prescribing from the organisation that coordinates programmes across the country
YouTube video – watch this video to find out about NHS Highland’s community link worker/social prescriber service
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- resilience
- problem solving
- supporting
- listening
- empathising
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Geography
Biology
Human Biology
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
Modern Studies
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a social prescriber. Although, employers will probably assess your life experience, skills and personal qualities to work out if you’re a good match for the role.
Work
You can become a social prescriber by applying directly with an employer or getting an entry-level job and working your way up.
Employers may ask for basic numeracy, literacy and computing skills. Some people move into this job having spent time in a related role, such as:
community worker or support worker
housing officer
youth worker
health care support worker
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
College
A college qualification isn’t required for this job, but you could improve your knowledge by studying subjects such as:
Social Services
Working with Communities
Healthcare Practice
Health and Social Care
Community Education
Counselling
Use the My World of Work course search to find college opportunities.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a social prescriber. Search for health or social care opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
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