The Drug and Alcohol Worker will be an integral member of the Neighbourhood Project Pilot, working across the Primary Care Network (PCN) and local communities to identify, engage, and support individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse.
The role will focus on improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities, preventing escalation of substance misuse issues, and increasing access to treatment and recovery services. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting young people and young adults affected by substance misuse, including the growing prevalence of ketamine use and dependency.
Working within a multidisciplinary neighbourhood model, the post holder will provide early intervention, harm reduction, assessment, care planning, recovery support, community outreach, and partnership working to address substance misuse within local communities.
Main duties of the job
- Identify and engage individuals experiencing drug and alcohol-related issues through referrals, outreach, and community-based initiatives.
- Undertake assessments and develop personalised support and recovery plans.
- Deliver brief interventions, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction advice.
- Support individuals to access treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and community support services.
- Provide education and awareness around substance misuse and associated risks.
- Work with young people affected by substance misuse, including ketamine dependency.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals, community organisations, and local support services.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and neighbourhood case discussions.
- Support health improvement, prevention, and wellbeing initiatives across local communities.
- Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
Job responsibilities
We are looking for a motivated, compassionate, and proactive Drugs & Alcohol Worker to join our friendly and supportive St Helens South Primary Care Network (PCN) team.
This exciting new role forms part of our Neighbourhood Project Pilot and will focus on supporting individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse across our communities.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help identify, engage, and support people experiencing substance misuse issues, providing early intervention, harm reduction advice, recovery-focused support, and signposting into specialist services.
A key aspect of the role will involve supporting young people and young adults affected by substance misuse, particularly those experiencing issues related to ketamine use and dependency.
You will work closely with GP practices, social prescribing teams, mental health practitioners, schools, colleges, youth services, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and specialist treatment providers to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities across St Helens South.
Person Specification
Experience
- Experience of working with individuals affected by drug and/or alcohol misuse.
- Experience undertaking assessments and developing support plans.
- Experience managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records.
- Experience working in partnership with healthcare, social care, voluntary sector, or community organisations.
- Experience supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs.
- Experience working within Primary Care Networks, General Practice, Community Health Services, or Integrated Care Systems.
- Experience working within neighbourhood or community-based projects.
- Experience supporting young people affected by substance misuse.
- Experience working with individuals affected by ketamine dependency.
- Experience delivering group work, health promotion, or educational sessions.
Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in Health and Social Care, Substance Misuse, Community Development, Counselling, Youth Work, Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Motivational Interviewing qualification or training.
- Safeguarding Children and Adults training.
- Mental Health First Aid or equivalent.
Knowledge & Skills
- Understanding of substance misuse, addiction, recovery models, and harm reduction approaches.
- Knowledge of drug and alcohol treatment pathways.
- Understanding of health inequalities and wider determinants of health.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures relating to children and vulnerable adults.
- Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
- Knowledge of confidentiality, information governance, and data protection requirements.
- Knowledge of emerging drug trends, including ketamine misuse among young people.
- Understanding of local community assets and neighbourhood working models.
- Knowledge of NHS Primary Care and Integrated Care Systems.
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.
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