Care Navigator

Primary care services act as the ‘front door’ to the health and care sector. General Practices (GP surgeries), dentists and local pharmacies are all part of primary care.

As the first point of contact when a patient contacts their GP for advice, Care Navigators play a crucial role in helping people to get the right support at the right time. A working day for a GP Care Navigator could include taking calls, talking to patients when they visit practice, discussing options for patient care, admin and updating patient records, dealing with prescription requests and more.

GPs across Leeds are encouraging people who are interested in learning more about a career in primary care to attend a 4-week course, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a ‘Care Navigator’.

Everybody who successfully completes the course will gain a Level 1 BTEC in Customer Service, an accredited qualification that’s essential to the Care Navigator role.

As a Care Navigator, your typical working week will be Monday to Friday, with hours varying between 7.45am and 6.30pm on a shift pattern you’ll be made aware of in advance.

Some of the skills you’ll need for the Care Navigator role include:

Communication – you must be able to communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, and with your team.
Resilience – being able to stay calm and bounce back from challenging situations is very important.
IT skills – ability to use Microsoft Office software.
Confidentiality – adhere to strict patient confidentially guidelines and other health and safety policies.

Course details:

Date: w/c 11th September – specific dates TBC
Time: 9:30am-2:30pm
Locations: Leeds City College Printworks Campus, LS10 1JY & Community Learning Partners, LS9 7DN (public transport travel costs can be covered)

Applicants are asked to:

Be willing to work 30 hours per week
Commit to the full four-week programme (3 days per week)
Have been a resident of the UK for at least 3 years, or be an asylum seeker or refugee

“My career in primary care started after I was successful in an interview for a GP receptionist (Care Navigator) role. I then worked as a medical secretary which was a dual role with my Care Navigator responsibilities. After this I worked as a Practice Coordinator for a year and a half, which led me to apply to be a Trainee Practice Manager. I am currently in a Practice Manager role, and whilst no two days are the same, I wanted to share my story to show that there are real life examples of people in Leeds that have gained a career in primary care after starting out in a Care Navigator role. It took a lot of hard work to get where I am, and you do have to go above and beyond. The words ‘not paid enough for this’ or ‘not in my job role’ do not work. You have to give everything, but you will have a supportive team around you who will help you to progress.”

“Sabaa started with us on a government kickstart scheme to encourage people to work. At the time she was a very shy young lady who doubted herself and lacked confidence. It was lovely to see Sabaa develop and push herself outside of her comfort zone - she thrived working under pressure, and as a result of her hard work we offered her a healthcare apprenticeship which she passed, and she’s now a qualified Healthcare Assistant working in West Leeds Primary Care Network. We are so proud of her.”

“I started working for Manor Park Surgery and Robin Lane Health & Wellbeing Centre as a Booking Service Advisor in November 2019. In March 2021 I progressed to a Team Leader role where I enjoyed helping and navigating the booking team. I am now in the process of moving into my new role as Patient Experience Manager where I will be responding to complaints and improving patient experiences.”

“I started my career working for Robin Lane Health & Wellbeing Centre back in 2016 as a Business Administrator Apprentice. Over a two-year period I completed my level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, securing a role as a Practice Administrator. To progress my career alongside my love of helping people, I undertook a healthcare apprenticeship with Manor Park Surgery. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, I started a Trainee Nursing Associate course with Bradford University, which I am due to complete in December, when I’ll be a registered Nursing Associate.”

Fill out the form via the link below to apply for a place on the programme.

For more information