This guide will help you answer 3.3 Explain the role and responsibilities of the link worker.
The link worker is a key person in every social prescribing scheme. Sometimes called a social prescriber, community connector, or wellbeing coordinator, this role focuses on connecting individuals with the non-medical support they need. Link workers help people find local groups, services and activities that can improve their health and wellbeing.
In this guide, we cover what a link worker does, their main responsibilities, and the skills and values they use in practice.
What is a Link Worker?
A link worker is a non-clinical professional. They work with people who need practical, social or emotional support beyond medical care. Link workers act as bridges between health and social care systems and the community. They help people navigate their options, access services, and get involved in community life.
Many link workers are based in GP surgeries or primary care teams, but they can also be found in hospitals, social care teams, and voluntary sector organisations. They often work closely with other professionals, families, and community groups.
Key Duties of a Link Worker
Link workers have a set of core duties, which can be grouped as follows:
1. Building Relationships and Trust
Link workers spend time getting to know the people they support. They listen, build trust, and show understanding. This relationship is critical for success, as many people feel nervous or reluctant to seek help.
Key elements:
- Treat every person with respect and listen without judgement
- Show empathy, patience, and understanding
- Create a safe and welcoming space (in person, by phone, or online)
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
2. Holistic Assessment
Link workers carry out a person-centred assessment. This means understanding the whole person, including their strengths, challenges, hopes, and concerns. The aim is to hear what matters most to the individual.
Tasks include:
- Using open questions to explore needs and interests
- Assessing social, practical, emotional, and physical needs
- Identifying barriers, such as transport or lack of confidence
- Mapping out existing support networks
3. Support Planning
Together with the individual, the link worker creates a support or wellbeing plan. This plan lists goals and actions the person wants to try.
In practice, planning involves:
- Agreeing goals, such as joining a group or finding advice
- Being realistic and building on small steps
- Identifying what support or adjustments are needed
- Encouraging people to build on their strengths
4. Connecting with Community Services
Link workers are experts in local services. They know which groups, charities, advice services, or clubs are available. Their job is to match each person’s needs and wishes to the right community resources.
Main duties:
- Sharing information about services in clear, accessible ways
- Making introductions or referrals
- Supporting people to attend activities or appointments, especially at the start
- Staying up to date with changes in local provision
5. Supporting Engagement and Motivation
Starting something new can feel daunting, especially if confidence is low. Link workers encourage, motivate, and help people stick with new activities.
They may:
- Offer moral support or encouragement
- Accompany people to first sessions if needed
- Problem-solve barriers together
- Help find solutions for issues like transport or language
The link worker gives as much or as little support as the person needs to get started.
6. Ongoing Monitoring and Review
Link workers check in to see how things are going. They review progress, celebrate successes, and adjust plans if things aren’t working.
Their responsibilities here include:
- Regular follow-ups, either by phone, in person, or online
- Noticing changes in mood, health, or confidence
- Gathering feedback to see what the person found helpful or unhelpful
- Recording outcomes for the scheme
7. Partnership Working
Link workers do not work alone. They communicate with health, social care, and community partners to make sure people get joined-up support. This could mean working with:
- GPs and NHS staff
- Social workers
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Housing or benefits advisors
They share information (with consent) and help coordinate support for the individual.
8. Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility
Link workers support equality in access. They ensure everyone—whatever their age, disability, culture, or language—can take part in the scheme.
Tasks include:
- Making information easy to understand
- Using interpreters or accessible materials where needed
- Adjusting activities for physical, sensory, or mental health needs
- Challenging discrimination or stigma if it arises
9. Safeguarding
Link workers have a duty to spot and report any signs of abuse, harm, or neglect. They must follow safeguarding procedures and raise concerns with the right professionals. Safeguarding is always a priority.
10. Record-Keeping
Good record-keeping supports safe practice. Link workers document referrals, assessments, plans, progress, and outcomes. Records are kept confidential according to the law.
Link workers also contribute data to help evaluate and improve the scheme.
Skills and Values Needed
The best link workers share important values and skills, such as:
- Compassion
- Active listening
- Good communication
- Local knowledge
- Flexibility
- Team working
- Problem-solving
- Patience
- Respect for choice and independence
- Cultural awareness
They must avoid being judgemental and always support the person’s right to make their own choices.
Boundaries of the Role
Link workers must keep clear boundaries. They are not counsellors, clinical staff, or crisis workers. They give information, practical help, and support, but refer people back to health or care professionals if there are urgent medical or safeguarding concerns.
Responsibilities in Summary
- Listen to and understand the full range of needs
- Build trust and develop person-centred plans
- Connect people to local help and support
- Boost motivation and break down barriers
- Monitor progress and adjust support
- Work with other services to provide joined-up care
- Tackle inequality and include all groups
- Protect people from harm by following safeguarding rules
- Keep clear, up-to-date records
Link workers play a crucial part in making social prescribing work. Their support helps people build confidence, connect with others, and improve their wellbeing. The work can change lives—but it relies on strong values, partnership, and respect for each person as an individual.
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