Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team of motivated Band 4 Health Improvement Advisors for Tobacco Dependency. The successful post holder will join our existing small team of friendly and engaged Advisors and will be integral to delivering the Inpatients and the Maternity Tobacco Dependency Services. This involves working directly with pregnant people and acute inpatients, both face to face and via phone contact, to support access to appropriate Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Behavioural Support to quit smoking. The role will include some training delivery to clinical staff on the importance of Very Brief Advice to quit smoking and completing key documentation of smoking status. Post Holder's will be key in leading by example to embed a Smoke Free culture.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, who are passionate about health promotion and health behaviour change, to work with our patients to treat their tobacco dependency throughout pregnancy or following an admission to our hospitals. The service is a key part of achieving the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle Version 4 and the NHS Long Term Plan.
Main duties of the job
This role will deliver the key aims of the Tobacco Dependency Programme as per the NHS Long Term Plan and the Saving Babies Lives bundle by delivering tobacco dependency treatment in both Maternity and Acute Inpatient settings. Working as part of a team that cover all sites across University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust, this role involves working directly with patients and their families in Brighton, in both face to face and virtual/telephone consultations and follow ups.
You will have excellent record keeping skills and will maintain databases for National Reporting on outcomes for all patients that you work with. You will have excellent communication and rapport building skills, utilise Motivational Interviewing techniques and be able to work as part of a cross-site team, whilst being able to work with minimal direct supervision during patient consultations. The role will include some training delivery to clinical staff on the importance of delivering Very Brief Advice to quit smoking to patients and will be key in leading by example to embed a Smoke Free culture.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Description for a detailed outline of the main responsibilities for the role of Health Improvement Advisor for Tobacco Dependency
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Person specification
Experience/qualifications
Essential criteria
1. required education level NVQ3/GCSE
2. Health Promotion work experience utilising Behaviour Change and/or Motivational Interviewing skills
Desirable criteria
3. NCSCT Level 2 Smoking Cessation Practitioner Training
4. Knowledge of NHS systems and processes
Skills
Essential criteria
5. computer skills
6. confidentiality
7. Team work
8. Communication skills
9. Customer service/telephone/patient skills
10. Non-judgemental
Desirable criteria
11. knowledge of TDP programme and criteria
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
12. able to work independently
13. complex workloads and patient caseloads
14. works to deadlines
15. staff training
equality, diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
16. An understanding of the relationship between smoking and health inequalities
Specific
Essential criteria
17. Non smoker
18. Ability & willingness to travel between hospital sites and community bases 3.Team worker
19. A high level of accuracy in data input and patient record keeping
Desirable criteria
20. Experience working with patients and/or vulnerable people in a caring environment.
21. Experience working with pregnant people.
22. Experience of working within a hospital environment
23. Lived experience of quitting smoking or experience of the health impact of smoking
Freedom to act
Essential criteria
24. problem solving
25. prioritisation
26. time management
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
27. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
28. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications