Social Prescriber/Research Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About Us

The Research Department of Behavioral Science and Health at UCL focuses on understanding how human behavior influences health outcomes. Our interdisciplinary research covers a range of public health areas such as smoking and alcohol use, mental health, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.

This role sits within the Social Biobehavioral Research Group, led by Professor Daisy Fancourt. The group explores how social factors—both negative (e.g. loneliness, social isolation) and positive (e.g. community, culture, nature engagement, and social prescribing)—affect mental and physical health.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic individual to support two youth-focused social prescribing research projects:

INACT – exploring school-based social prescribing for lonely young people

CASPA – supporting young people transitioning out of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) through social prescribing

As a Social Prescriber/Research Assistant, you will:

Work directly with young people both remotely and in person to help them access local social prescribing activities and community support

Support the research team with data collection, evaluation, and other project-related tasks

This role requires an acceptable DBS check.

Please note: This post is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

About You

We’re looking for candidates who have:

Experience in youth-focused social prescribing, community navigation, referral coordination, or youth work

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with young people

Good organizational and teamwork abilities

Understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on wellbeing

Skills in evaluation or research would be beneficial

Application Process

A full job description and person specification is available at the bottom of the job page

Your personal statement must clearly address each of the essential and desirable criteria

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Daniel Hayes: hayes@ucl.ac.uk

For application or accessibility queries, contact Maria Kristensen: m.kristensen@ucl.ac.uk

What We Offer

As part of UCL, you’ll enjoy a wide range of employee benefits, including:

41 days of annual leave (27 days + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)

Option to buy up to 5 additional days of leave per year

Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan

Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)

On-site nursery and gym access

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted private medical insurance

More info: UCL Benefits

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. We believe diversity drives innovation and creativity.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals underrepresented in our workforce, including:

People from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds

Disabled individuals

LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse applicants

Women, particularly in senior roles (Grades 9 and 10)

The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality.