Job Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to stand out and make a difference in a national role for a unique and high‑profile mental health charity.
About us
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans. For over a century we’ve helped former personnel to deal with PTSD, anxiety, depression and related complex mental health issues. We provide specialist treatment and support through community, outpatient and online digital services for veterans from every service and conflict.
About the role
The post holder will be responsible for developing and integrating UK‑wide substance misuse specialist pathways and partnerships within a highly specialised military veterans psychological trauma service. The role is primarily developmental and strategic, focusing on building sustainable internal capability and external networks. The post‑holder will lead on our substance misuse strategy, ensuring pathways and partnerships are evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, veteran‑centric and aligned with NICE approved best practice.
Key responsibilities include inspiring, motivating and influencing colleagues across the charity, communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and travelling to other sites as required.
Responsibilities
* Develop and integrate UK‑wide substance misuse specialist pathways and partnerships.
* Lead the substance misuse strategy to ensure evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, veteran‑centric pathways aligned with NICE best practice.
* Build sustainable internal capability and external networks.
* Communicate with internal and external stakeholders and travel to other sites as required.
What we offer
As a reputable charity with a committed follower base, we offer a dynamic and supportive working environment.
* 27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years continuous service.
* Competitive stakeholder pension scheme with contributions matched up to 11% of salary.
* Discount shopping vouchers.
* Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
* Flexible working.
* Access to Blue Light Card scheme.
* Death in Service Scheme.
Qualifications
Essential
* Registered or qualified healthcare professional (e.g. nurse, OT, clinical or counselling psychologist, accredited psychotherapist, or equivalent).
* Post‑graduate training in or substantial experience of direct delivery of substance misuse or addictions practice.
* Minimum of 3 years post‑registration experience, including work with co‑morbid substance misuse and mental health or trauma.
* Experience of leading service development, pathway design and/or partnership work.
* Experience teaching or training multi‑disciplinary team colleagues.
* Experience in clinical risk assessment and management of complex client groups.
* Experience managing staff and stakeholders.
Desirable
* Relevant postgraduate qualification or training in addictions, dual diagnosis, trauma.
* Experience in co‑production and structured professional judgement approaches to risk assessment.
* Experience in quality improvement activities and UK‑wide service development.
* Experience in veteran or military mental health settings.
* Experience leading cross‑sector collaboration.
Skills, Knowledge and Attributes
Essential
* In‑depth understanding of substance misuse assessment and intervention approaches.
* Knowledge of NICE guidance relevant to substance misuse, PTSD/C‑PTSD.
* Knowledge of current legislation and initiatives within substance misuse and mental health.
* Strong communication, negotiation and partnership building skills.
* Commitment to the values of care, respect and inclusivity.
Desirable
* Knowledge of veteran‑specific health and social care landscape.
* Understanding of trauma‑informed care principles and their application in operational service design.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Closing Date
28 November 2025
Interview Date
2nd or 3rd week in December
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