Link Worker & Therapy Assistant

Job overview

Band 4 Link Workers/Therapy Assistants in Brent support the delivery of timely, integrated, neighbourhood‑based care for older adults living with dementia and/or mental health needs and who are experiencing frailty.

Working within the Brent Older Adult Urgent Care, Flow & Frailty Service, the post holder provides proactive care navigation, engagement and practical support under the supervision of registered practitioners. They act as a link worker, enabling older adults, people living with dementia and carers to access appropriate services, community resources and voluntary‑sector support that promotes safety, independence and wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

To act as a reliable point of contact for older adults with mental health and frailty needs, people living with dementia and carers, providing structured information, advice and signposting, and delivering delegated elements of care plans within defined competencies and protocols.

The post holder will support engagement, follow‑up and practical interventions that contribute to early identification of deterioration, safe alternatives to hospital, smooth discharge pathways, and consistent support across community settings.

Group work may be supported as the service develops, but the focus is initially on 1‑to‑1 practical support, liaison and proactive follow‑up.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification on this advert for further info.

• Support implementation of personalised care plans including ADL prompts, falls‑prevention actions, activity scheduling, community engagement, equipment‑use coaching and functional practice after OT input.
• Provide structured support to individuals following hospital discharge by reinforcing therapeutic plans, promoting adherence, and ensuring continuity of care to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the risk of readmission.
• Provide proactive follow‑up calls and visits to monitor progress, identify deterioration and reinforce safety‑netting plans; escalate concerns immediately to registered practitioners.
• Support development and delivery of community‑based groups and resources for older adults with mental illness and/or cognitive impairment at risk of frailty‑related crises.
• Facilitate access to community resources, VCSE programmes, carers’ services and welfare advice, helping people attend and engage with local offers.
• Provide practical information, reassurance and signposting following a dementia diagnosis or new cognitive difficulties to both person being diagnosed and carers.
• Promote cognitive and social stimulation to aid living well with dementia and reduce risk of those with mild cognitive impairment converting to a dementia.
• Environmental adaptions and equipment provision (with appropriate training)