Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Tobacco Dependency Advisor
The closing date is 01 June 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Tobacco Dependency Advisor to join our Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service across the Trust.
We are looking to recruit for a Band 3 Tobacco Dependency Advisor post. The successful candidate will be based at either Durham (Lanchester Road Hospital) or Darlington (West Park Hospital). This is a full or part‑time permanent position, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work flexibly between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday each week.
You will engage regularly with patients to offer advice, support, and treatment options. There will be a requirement to travel locally in some of the directorates as part of this role.
The Advisor must have extensive experience of working within a mental health setting and prior experience of smoking cessation support would be an advantage, but not essential as full training will be provided.
It is essential for this role that you will be fully supportive of the Trusts smokefree policy, acting as a smokefree champion as part of your work.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role
Main duties of the job
Support the assessment, development and implementation of treatment plans for patients identified as smokers throughout the treatment period whilst providing behavioural and motivational support.
Work with patients on a one‑to‑one or group basis where appropriate to assess and agree a treatment and support plan to meet their individual requirements.
Assessment and subsequent support may take place in a range of venues including a patient’s own home.
Report to the relevant tobacco dependency lead nurse on interventions and outcomes on a regular basis.
Ensure that the service adopts a Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach in contacts with patients.
Develop and maintain relationships with individuals and their families to educate, facilitate and promote change, also identifying and managing any risks related to patient care.
Facilitate any transfer of care into Community Stop Smoking Services (CSSS) provision, such as Local Authority CSSS or primary care including GP or Pharmacy services.
Offer therapeutic and supportive interventions to support a quit attempt whilst maintaining patient confidentiality.
Take and record patients carbon monoxide monitor readings and practise safely within infection, prevention and control measures.
Advise patients on the use of stop smoking pharmacotherapy, including NRT and E‑cigarettes.
Contribute to the long‑term development of the onsite tobacco dependency treatment service.
About us
As part of our established team, we aim to provide the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients, their carers/family members and our colleagues. We aim to be caring, compassionate and supportive team members. We will value greatly each other’s contributions and look to ensure the wellbeing of our staff members is a priority. We ensure the team’s culture will be based on honesty, openness, transparency and accountability. As part of the team, we will offer regular supervision and appraisals and a variety of learning/ personal development opportunities.
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate must have Basic Maths and English skills (minimum Functional Level 2) and NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent to be recruited into this position on Band 3.
Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities is essential to the role. Applicants must have worked within Mental Health/Learning Disability services for an extensive time and have a passion for improving both the physical and mental health of patients in our care.
As a Tobacco Dependency Advisor, you will be based in one of the Trust main hospital sites and be responsible for supporting patients identified as using tobacco products to maintain a smokefree status during an admission.
Knowledge of the smokefree agenda is desirable but not essential as full training and support will be provided to the successful candidate to ensure they achieve all levels of training required to fulfil the role.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person Specification
Knowledge
* A knowledge and understanding of drivers of ill health
* Confidence in working with a wide variety of partners
* Motivational skills to inspire others
* Knowledge of tobacco dependency and treatment
Qualifications
* Basic Maths and English skills (minimum Functional Level 2)
* NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
* National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) Level 2 Practitioner Training – Inclusive of the Mental Health module
Experience
* Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities
* Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment
* Self awareness around limitations and competencies and ability to work within them
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Compensation
£25,760 to £27,476 a year (pro rata) per annum
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