Social Prescribing Hospital Link Worker

Join us and make a real difference

Are you passionate about helping people feel confident, supported and ready to return home from hospital?
Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, people centred environment where every day brings new conversations, challenges and successes?

We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive Hospital Link Worker to join our team at Southern Brooks Community Partnerships. This is a rewarding frontline role supporting patients as they prepare to leave hospital, ensuring they have the right information, connections and practical support to continue their recovery safely at home.

As a Hospital Link Worker, you will:

Provide person-centred, short‑term support to patients, typically one to three meetings.
Work directly on the hospital wards, giving people time to talk about what matters most to them.
Identify barriers to recovery (such as mobility, finances, loneliness, housing or confidence) and help patients access the right support.
Make referrals to community-based services, including teams within Southern Brooks, such as Welcome Home (who works alongside Age UK South Glos), Social Prescribing (based at specific GP practices), Health & Happiness Hubs, Physical Activity Link Workers.
Collaborate every day with nursing staff, discharge teams, social workers and community partners.

This is a dynamic role where no two days look the same, perfect for someone who enjoys variety, meaningful conversations and problem-solving.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who:

Is a natural people person, empathetic, patient and a good listener.
Enjoys team working, with interpersonal skills and who can build strong relationships with hospital teams and community groups
Is organised, confident and familiar with managing a busy caseload.
Can keep clear, accurate records and communicate well in writing and in person.
Familiar with community-based services within South Glos or knows how to find the services
Understands (or is keen to learn about) the social factors that affect health and independence.
Is flexible, positive, and able to adapt when plans change.

You don’t need clinical experience, just the right values and a commitment to helping people live well at home.

A day in the life of a Hospital Link Worker

You’ll start the day reviewing new referrals you have been allocated, then head onto the hospital wards to meet patients and discuss their discharge needs. You’ll listen to what’s important to them, identify barriers they may face at home, and agree practical next steps together.

This could include arranging a key safe, linking them to community meals, coordinating with family members, or referring them to one of the teams within Southern Brooks for community-based support.

Throughout the day, you’ll update records, attend multidisciplinary meetings, speak with ward staff and liaise with external agencies.

By the end of the day, you’ll have helped several people feel more confident, reassured and connected as they prepare to return home.

Why work with us?

Make a direct and visible impact on people’s lives.
Join a friendly and supportive team who care about each other and the community.
Receive ongoing training, development and regular supervision.
Work in a respected organisation delivering high-quality social prescribing and community support services.
Be part of a service recognised across the hospital for its compassion and effectiveness.

There will also be opportunities for you to get together with the rest of the Southern Brooks wider team, by helping out at our fun events in the South Gloucestershire communities we serve, or attending our regular whole staff meetings and events. We have annual Summer and Winter get togethers where the focus is on fun and connection and - importantly - switching off from our every-day work!

As a vital member of our team and in return for your passion, expertise, commitment, and helpful, empathetic approach, we will provide you with:

A salary of £28,088 per year
Excellent Annual Leave entitlement - starting at 5 weeks plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)
Great sickness benefits
A passionate, inclusive, committed and welcoming workplace
A flexible, hybrid, casual-dress work environment
And we will even give you a paid day off for your birthday!