Addictions Therapist- Sessional
Reference
PRI101019
Location
Priory Hospital Roehampton, Priory Lane, Roehampton, SW15 5JJ
Priory Group Division
Healthcare
Salary
£65- £75
Hours
Sessional
Vacancy Type
Permanent - Part Time
Job Advert Role Description
Sessional Addiction Therapist (Outpatient Services – Roehampton)
Freelance / Sessional Basis
We are looking for an experienced, compassionate, and skilled Sessional Addiction Therapist to join our team, working primarily with outpatients who have completed addiction treatment through our Addiction Therapy Programme (ATP) at Roehampton. While the core focus of this role is supporting clients in addiction recovery, therapists may occasionally be offered work with clients presenting with broader mental health concerns.
About the Role:
This is a sessional position, offering flexible hours to suit both the therapist and the needs of the service. You will be working with clients in the post-treatment phase of their recovery journey, providing ongoing support, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed therapeutic input. Many of our clients have complex needs and histories of co-occurring mental health issues, so a well-rounded therapeutic approach is key.
While this role does not involve initial assessments, a strong ability to identify, document, and communicate accurate risk assessments is essential to ensure client safety and continuity of care within the wider clinical team.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Deliver high-quality, evidence-based one-to-one therapy sessions to outpatient clients with a primary focus on addiction recovery.
2. Support clients in maintaining sobriety and engaging with aftercare, using approaches that encourage autonomy and personal agency.
3. Provide trauma-informed care, integrating therapeutic models appropriate to complex needs (e.g. CBT, integrative, psychodynamic, or somatic approaches).
4. Maintain clear, concise, and timely clinical notes and records.
5. Identify and document any safeguarding or clinical risk concerns, escalating appropriately according to service protocols.
6. Liaise with the wider therapeutic and clinical teams to ensure integrated support and continuity of care for clients.
7. Contribute to regular clinical reviews or handovers when appropriate.
Essential Requirements:
8. A degree in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or a related field.
9. Recognised professional therapy qualification (e.g. BACP, UKCP, HCPC, or equivalent).
10. Minimum 2 years’ experience working in addiction treatment or recovery-focused settings.
11. Experience supporting clients post-detox and/or post-residential treatment.
12. A trauma-informed approach with strong understanding of co-occurring conditions.
13. Strong interpersonal skills and professional boundaries.
14. Qualifications in Integrative Approaches to therapy are accepted, provided they align with relevant professional standards and accreditation.
15. Demonstrated ability to conduct and communicate clear and accurate risk assessments.
16. Up-to-date insurance and enhanced DBS (or willingness to undergo one).
17. Experience working with outpatient or continuing care services.
18. Familiarity with ATP or similar structured addiction recovery models.
19. Confidence in working with clients with dual diagnosis or complex trauma.
Desirable Qualifications:
20. Experience working with dual-diagnosis patients (those with both substance misuse and mental health issues).
21. Knowledge of relapse prevention techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
22. Familiarity with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for addiction treatment.
23. Understanding of the legal framework around addiction treatment in the UK, including the Mental Health Act (1983).
24. Knowledge of local community resources and aftercare services.
Key Competencies:
25. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills, with the ability to develop and implement person-centred treatment plans.
26. Excellent listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.
27. Ability to manage patient behaviour and crisis situations in a calm, professional manner.
28. Desiccation skills, with the ability to remain non-judgmental in difficult situations.
29. A solid understanding of safeguarding protocols and procedures for vulnerable adults and young people.
30. Strong ethical standards, particularly related to patient confidentiality, and a commitment to providing care in line with the NHS values.
Division DBS info
About us
As one of the UK’s leading providers of behavioural care and specialist support services, Priory promise a challenging and fulfilling career with the support of a world class organisation willing to invest in your development. Across our network of hospitals, residential care homes and supported living services, we are making a real and lasting difference to the lives of the people we support.
As part of our wider infection control efforts, and to meet our commissioner and customer requirements, we continue to record vaccination status for all colleagues and we therefore request that you disclose this information as part of your Pre-Employment checks. Your vaccination status will not affect any offer of employment and will be held in line with GDPR requirements. We thank you for your understanding.
Disclosure
All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. We are an equal opportunities employer. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.