Research library

Getting to know the link worker workforce

Understanding link workers knowledge, skills, experiences and support needs

PDF document National Link Worker Report Feb 2019.pdf

Please review the full PDf for report, below is an executive summary of the document.

Executive summary
As a link worker professional peer network, we understand link workers and the complexities of the profession. However, the lack of understanding of the knowledge, skills, experiences and support needs of link workers means their support can be sporadical; varies depending on where they are, who employs them and how long their contract is. Every link worker in the UK should be adequately supported regardless of employer or geographical location in order to realise the positive outcomes that social prescribing can provide for the person, their families, friends and community as well as the reduction in the inappropriate use of health and social care services. We’ve undertaken this new research to further understand link workers, knowledge, skills, experiences and support needs and the analysis by an independent research company show that link workers do need additional support through training, peer networking, clinical supervision (in addition to line management) particularly as they work with a variety of service users who can have a range of conditions or problems. Link workers might work with service users with mild mental health conditions, social isolation and/ or loneliness, autistic spectrum conditions, drug and alcohol abuse and others. The three main skills used in the role include active listening skills, person centred skills and empathy skills. Link workers provide practical support or information about housing, debt, or benefits, signposting/referring to activities, community groups or activities that the service user might like to go to while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, non-judgmental, caring and empathetic ear. They also need to make and maintain excellent links with GP practices, other professional healthcare providers, social care services, the local authority and third sector organisations that are providing services. This report highlights the role the National Association of Link Workers (NALW) can play in coordinating link worker support and development across the UK and providing peer support, networking and professional development support that link workers need whilst juggling all the relationships, information and skills that they need in order to keep successfully supporting their service users.

“My employer not giving me the things I need to do my job is a hindrance, feel professionally compromised, all this adds up to what should be a much better job being a depressing soul”