Care Navigator

• MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:1 . Facilitating Access to Local Services Receive and process referrals from GPs and other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) for individual patients. Assess patients' needs in line with referral criteria and GP guidance, signposting them to appropriate health, social care, voluntary sector, and community services available within the borough. Support individuals to access services and activities that promote health, wellbeing, independence, and social inclusion, including both funded and self-funded options. Identify unpaid carers and assist them in accessing relevant support services and resources. Work collaboratively with volunteers, supporting their involvement and adhering to established procedures and best practices for volunteer engagement. Provide general information regarding potential benefit entitlements and refer individuals to specialist welfare advice services where appropriate. Develop personalised support plans outlining recommended services and access routes, ensuring relevant information is shared with GPs, carers, and other professionals involved in the individual's care. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of local services, community resources, and eligibility criteria, keeping up to date with service developments and changes. Promote awareness among GPs and healthcare professionals of the range of community-based services available and how these can be accessed.2. Personalisation Support Support individuals in accessing Community Care Assessments and Carers' Assessments where appropriate. Monitor progress following referrals and liaise with local authority staff and other agencies to help ensure timely access to assessments and support. Provide general guidance regarding personal budgets and available options, including Direct Payments and associated choices, where applicable. Signpost individuals and carers to suitable free, voluntary, community, and statutory services regardless of eligibility for council-funded support. Empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care, support arrangements, and available community resources.3. Care Coordination and Integrated Working Liaise effectively with a range of healthcare, social care, and voluntary sector professionals involved in an individual's care to promote a coordinated and person-centred approach. Support integrated care planning and case management initiatives that enable patients to manage their health and wellbeing effectively and reduce avoidable hospital admissions. Actively participate in practice-based MDT meetings and case discussions. Recognise situations requiring urgent intervention or escalation and promptly alert the appropriate healthcare professional or service. Foster effective communication between agencies to ensure seamless support for patients and carers.

Essential

• Own vechicle business use with UK driving licence
• Experience of working in a health, social care, community, voluntary sector, or customer service environment.
• Experience of supporting patients, service users, or members of the public to access services.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and working to deadlines and accurate record keeping.
• Knowledge of health and wellbeing services available within the local community.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of integrated care and multidisciplinary team working.

Desirable

• Care Certificate.
• Knowledge of RiO, or similar clinical systems.
• Understanding of integrated care and multidisciplinary team working.
• Experience supporting people with long-term conditions, frailty, mental health needs, or complex care needs.

Essential

• Nationally recognised qualification in health, social care, counselling or other relevant professional or academic qualification
• Commitment to/evidence of continuous professional development.
• Level of educational attainment to NVQ 3 / AS Level or equivalent

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further training relevant to and in line with the development of peer support role.

Essential

• Computer literate, able to use email, the internet and web searches as standard applications and databases
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; able to supply reports as required.
• Ability to collect data efficiently in order to provide statistical evidence for analysis

Desirable

• Can demonstrate an approach to gaining knowledge of local services.
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of policy and practice in Adult Social Care and Health, including the principles of personalisation