Linkworking at a community health center

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

• Support patients with non-medical, health-related social challenges referred by general practitioners.
• Build trusting relationships with patients by actively listening to their needs, concerns, and motivations.
• Assess patients' social circumstances and identify factors affecting their health and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with patients to develop personalized support plans that promote greater independence and wellbeing.
• Connect patients with relevant local practical, social, and emotional support services.
• Participate in training programs to become a qualified Link Worker.
• Develop strong knowledge of local communities and establish networks within participating GP practice neighborhoods.
• Conduct multiple face-to-face consultations with study participants to identify needs, strengths, and available resources.
• Facilitate access to appropriate community services and monitor progress against support plans.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree
• You have at least 10 years’ relevant work experience in primary care.
• You have experience in guiding and supporting vulnerable service users to lower the barriers to accessing social services and activities.
• You have a good knowledge of local social services and a strong network of social services in Ghent or Anderlecht.
• You are willing to work in a primary care practice in Ghent or Anderlecht.
• You have relevant work experience or an affinity for working with older people, migrants and/or people who identify as LGBTQI+.
• You have good communication skills and can express yourself fluently in Dutch, French and English.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period 10 months
• Your contract will start on 1/10/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Peter Decat ([email protected]) en Ben Delbaere ([email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].