Job Summary
The Substance Misuse Nurse provides specialist clinical care and recovery-focused interventions to individuals engaged with the criminal justice system who experience drug and/or alcohol misuse.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments.
* Assess drug and alcohol dependence, withdrawal risks, and related health concerns.
* Work with the CANOL Multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualised care and recovery plans.
* Deliver evidence-based substance misuse interventions.
* Monitor service users’ physical health and wellbeing.
* Support safe detoxification and stabilisation programmes where applicable.
* Provide harm-reduction interventions, including overdose prevention education.
* Collaborate with probation, courts, prison and criminal justice settings.
* Support individuals with a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) and those transitioning from custody.
* Contribute to reducing substance-related offending behaviour and participate in risk assessments.
* Coordinate referrals to mental health, community drug and alcohol, primary healthcare and social support services.
* Maintain accurate clinical documentation and support continuity of care on release.
* Provide clinical advice to non‑clinical colleagues and attend MDT meetings.
* Adhere to NMC Code of Practice, maintain registration and CPD, and participate in supervision and audit.
Qualifications and Experience
* Essential Qualifications: Registered Nurse (General or Mental Health) and current NMC registration.
* Essential Experience: Working with substance misuse or addictions; supporting vulnerable or complex populations; clinical assessment and care planning experience.
* Desirable Experience: Prison or criminal justice healthcare; community drug and alcohol services; dual diagnosis experience; MRCGP Part 1 & Part 2 – Substance Misuse.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong clinical assessment skills.
* Risk assessment and safeguarding awareness.
* Trauma‑informed practice.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills.
* Ability to work autonomously and within MDT environments.
* Understanding of recovery‑focused approaches.
Personal Attributes
* Structured and methodical.
* Commercially aware and risk‑focused.
* Confident leading people and making decisions.
* Comfortable escalating risks and raising concerns.
* Can work autonomously within an operational environment.
Benefits
* Pension salary scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support.
* Access to workplace perks.
General Information
The post holder may be required to perform other relevant duties as reasonably needed. This description is subject to regular review.
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