Addiction Support Worker

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is inviting applications for an Addiction Support Worker to contribute to a recovery-focused programme for patients within HMP Kilmarnock, aligned with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards. This is a permanent role.

You will work under the supervision of the Addiction Charge Nurse and collaborate with Addiction Caseworkers, Mental Health and Primary Care teams as part of a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Qualifications

• Commitment to caring for patients within a secure environment.
• Knowledge of substance misuse and MAT standards.
• Professional qualification (HNC) or relevant experience in drug and alcohol field.

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of the Addiction Charge Nurse.
• Collaborate with Addiction Caseworkers and wider MDT teams.
• Contribute to a recovery-focused MAT program at HMP Kilmarnock.

Skills

Care commitment

Substance misuse knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Higher National Certificate in relevant field

Job description

NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who We Are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way. To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net). AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application-but your answers must be your own.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you-not an AI tool.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Addiction Support Worker to contribute to and deliver a recovery focused programme for patients within HMP Kilmarnock, in line with the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Hours

36 hours per week working Monday to Friday, including Public Holiday working. From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

What You Will Do

You will work under the supervision of the Addiction Charge Nurse and receive support from the Addiction Caseworkers, working in partnership with wider Mental Health and Primary Care Teams as part of an extensive multi-disciplinary team.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to caring for patients within a secure environment. You must be able to demonstrate current thinking in relation to substance misuse and have a Professional Qualification at Higher National Certificate and/or relevant experience within the Drug and Alcohol field.

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack. It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. Please visit here for further information. We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.