Lead Nurse Integrated Alcohol Care Pathway

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and King’s College Hospital (KCH) are seeking a Lead Nurse for the Integrated Alcohol Care Pathway. Closing date: 21 June 2026.

Role Overview

The Lead Nurse will be the senior nursing authority within the Integrated Alcohol Care Pathway, bridging acute hospital care and community outreach.

Main Duties

• Lead and manage a team of Band 6 Liaison Nurses, providing guidance, supervision, and professional development.
• Direct line management, annual appraisals, and support staff growth.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership for the Addiction Care Team (ACT) and Alcohol Care Outreach Team (ACOT).
• Act as a senior clinical resource for complex assessments, alcohol withdrawal management, safeguarding, and decision‑making.
• Develop and deliver training on substance use, brief interventions, and physical health assessment.
• Maintain clinical activity data, ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and clinical governance standards.
• Support induction of new staff and competency sign‑offs.
• Collaborate with ACOT Team Manager and Clinical Service Lead to maintain consistent nursing standards across the pathway.
• Represent the service at internal Trust and hospital‑wide meetings when deputising for the Clinical Service Lead.

Person Specification – Qualifications

• Current NMC registration as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Non‑medical prescribing qualification.
• Advanced assessment skills or other postgraduate clinical qualifications.

Experience

• Significant experience working with alcohol or drug‑related needs in acute, liaison or community settings.
• Direct experience in staff supervision, conducting appraisals, and clinical support.
• Track record of teaching and developing staff confidence.
• Experience in performance management and multidisciplinary/multi‑agency teams.
• Experience at the interface of hospital and community care.
• Previous experience in quality improvement or service development projects.

Knowledge

• Understanding of alcohol‑related harm, safeguarding, risk assessment, and co‑occurring mental/physical health needs.
• Ability to conduct complex assessments and formulate safe, effective care plans.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, maintaining professional credibility across settings.
• Proficiency in IT systems, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of national policy and quality standards relevant to ACTs and assertive outreach.
• Use of data, audit findings, and quality information to drive practice development.

Personal Attributes

• Visible, approachable leader with high emotional intelligence and commitment to equality and diversity.
• Resilient, flexible, and service‑user‑focused attitude.
• Track record of championing innovation and reflective practice.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Salary

£58,133 to £65,261 a year, inclusive of Inner London HCAs.

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