Substance Misuse Practitioner - till 31.03.26
Job overview
Closing Date: 18.05.25 (this may change dependent on response)Shortlisting to take place after closing date: commencing 19.05.25
Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting: commencing 26.05.25
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated Band 4 Substance Misuse Practitioner who has an interest in addiction and a passion for improving the care of patients with alcohol misuse issues. This practitioner will be responsible for the assessment of patients who misuse a variety of substances will provide health education and psycho-social interventions.They will have a caseload of patients who will be supported both pre and post detox, and they will respond to the needs of patients attending hospital frequently for a variety of reasons.
The Substance Misuse Practitioner will be welcomed into the Alcohol Care Team. We are a friendly and passionate team. We have the shared vision to improve this service to meet (or exceed) the needs of the local population who have substance misuse issues.We are the opposite of change resistant and love to be challenged and to trial new ways of working.
The team is relaxed and there is a focus on wellbeing. We recognise that if we don't value our own health, we will be unable to provide the service our patients deserve.
Main duties of the job
The Practitioner will use their knowledge and experience to holistically assess patients who are in hospital and who have issues with drugs, alcohol or both. They will develop therapeutic relationships and provide appropriate advice and motivational support.They will make appropriate referrals into internal and external services to meet the needs of the individual.
Working for our organisation
Our People Charter outlines the behaviours we can expect from one another and what you can expect from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust:
- We value people
- We are one team
- We care
We’re keen to meet people who share these values and are passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Substance Misuse Practitioner will be an integral member of the Alcohol Care Team, which provides care and treatment for patients with drug & alcohol misuse issues across the hospital environment. Working closely with the Alcohol Care Team, the Substance Misuse Practitioner will assess the needs of the individual patient and deliver appropriate psychosocial interventions.
The Substance Misuse Practitioner will provide training to employees on screening, brief interventions and harm minimisation. They will support the Alcohol Care Team in developing and delivering education to Trust employees in the speciality of drug & alcohol misuse.
The practitioner will be flexible to meet the needs of the team and will demonstrate knowledge, expertise and passion in working within the speciality of alcohol misuse.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- To have knowledge of the impact excessive drug & alcohol consumption has on physical health, mental health and social issues and to use this knowledge to fully assess patients.
- To provide brief interventions, psychosocial interventions, harm minimisation and motivational interviewing as appropriate.
- To screen patients to identify those at risk from substance related health and social problems and those whose health is being damaged by these.
- To liaise with community services on a regular basis to ensure continuity of care for all patients.
- To undertake individual case management to provide immediate and on-going support to those patients who are unsuitable or unwilling to engage in community services.
- To develop therapeutic relationships with clients
- To support other members in the Alcohol Team in the care and management of intoxicated patients and patients in acute withdrawal.
- To make accurate assessments of the risk patients pose to themselves and others and take necessary action within Trust safeguarding guidelines.
- To educate patients and their families on related harms and deliver brief advice.
- To provide health education and health promotion to clients, either individually or in groups.
- To adhere to the Trust equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
- To escalate any concerns to the Lead CNS in a timely manner.
- To display excellent verbal and written communication skills and be computer literate.
- To keep timely and accurate records of interventions and outcome activity and use this in decision making, using the Trust’s policies, procedures and electronic recording and data collection system.
- To signpost into other services and integrate care with other providers of health services
- To undertake clinical supervision on a regular basis in line with relevant professional guidelines and policies.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience in working with clients with substance misuse issues.
- Experience of working within an acute hospital or community drugs service
- Experience, knowledge and awareness of patient care need, e.g. patient monitoring
- Experience of dealing with members of the public
- Experience of working in the NHS
Skills
Essential criteria- Basic IT skills
- Good verbal and written command of English
- Numeracy skills (demonstrated through qualifications or experience)
- Ability to plan organise own and delegated workload and work under pressure in a busy environment in a professional manner
- Aware of own strengths and limitations/levels of competence
- Record keeping and documentation
- Ability to respond to changes in patient condition
- Ability to work as a team member
- Motivation, reliability and ability to work as part of a team
- Flexibility and adaptability
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Understands the limits of the job role. Has the ability to recognise situations that require reporting and demonstrates the ability to escalate to a senior person where appropriate
- Ability to carry out and report on observations/ tests
- Knowledge in delivering of psychosocial interventions including brief interventions
- Knowledge of the impact substance misuse can have on physical health, mental health and social issues.
- Good understanding of health care relevant to the potential client group
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Care Certificate (or willingness to undertake)
- Minimum NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or in Care