Community Addiction Worker - Internal Only

NHS Scotland; Ayr; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Ayrshire and Arran in Scotland invites applications for a Development Opportunity Community Addiction Worker AFC Band 6 on a fixed-term/secondment basis until March 2027. The post is 36 hours per week, based in Ayrshire.

You will provide specialist assessment, care planning, treatment and caseload management for individuals with alcohol and drug dependency, including those with complex mental health and social care needs, and supervise staff while contributing to service development and

Qualifications

• A degree, or equivalent knowledge, in a relevant area e.g. health or social care is essential.
• A post graduate qualification relating to alcohol and drug use is desirable.
• Experience of working in the field of addictions is essential.
• Experience of working in a related community setting is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of addiction related theory and practise is essential to be able to undertake comprehensive assessments of need and incorporate a range of cognitive/ behavioural strategies to enhance lifestyle change.
• Superior communication skills is essential
• In addition the post holder is often drawn on to provide training and information both individually and in conjunction and in conjunction with Prevention and Support Team
• Experience of the delivery of training is desirable.
• Car owner/driver is essential.
• Information technology skills is essential
• Awareness of addiction related national, local and organisational policies and guidelines.
• As an expert in this field, the post holder is required to use their theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance service design/redesign in line with national standards of best practice.

Responsibilities

• To provide specialist assessment, care planning, treatment, and case management for individuals experiencing alcohol and drug dependency, including those with complex mental health and social care needs.
• The role involves delivering person-centred interventions, managing a complex caseload, coordinating care with partner agencies, and promoting recovery and harm reduction.
• The post holder provides clinical leadership, supervision, training, and support to staff and students, while contributing to service development, quality improvement, clinical governance, and the implementation of national and local policies.
• The role also includes outreach work, partnership working, monitoring treatment outcomes, and ensuring safe, effective, and accessible service delivery.

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.

Note that this post is only open to internal staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran and/or NHS Scotland.

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 -

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application but your answers must be your own.

• 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.

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

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Development Opportunity Community Addiction Worker AFC Band 6. This post is offered on a fixed-term / secondment basis until March 2027.

Hours

36 hours, 9-5 Monday Friday

UK Driving Licence

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

What You Will Do

To provide specialist assessment, care planning, treatment, and case management for individuals experiencing alcohol and drug dependency, including those with complex mental health and social care needs. The role involves delivering person-centred interventions, managing a complex caseload, coordinating care with partner agencies, and promoting recovery and harm reduction.

The post holder provides clinical leadership, supervision, training, and support to staff and students, while contributing to service development, quality improvement, clinical governance, and the implementation of national and local policies. The role also includes outreach work, partnership working, monitoring treatment outcomes, and ensuring safe, effective, and accessible service delivery.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

• A degree, or equivalent knowledge, in a relevant area e.g. health or social care is essential.
• A post graduate qualification relating to alcohol and drug use is desirable.
• Experience of working in the field of addictions is essential.
• Experience of working in a related community setting is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of addiction related theory and practise is essential to be able to undertake comprehensive assessments of need and incorporate a range of cognitive/ behavioural strategies to enhance lifestyle change.
• Superior communication skills is essential
• In addition the post holder is often drawn on to provide training and information both individually and in conjunction and in conjunction with Prevention and Support Team
• Experience of the delivery of training is desirable.
• Car owner/driver is essential.
• Information technology skills is essential
• Awareness of addiction related national, local and organisational policies and guidelines.
• As an expert in this field, the post holder is required to use their theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance service design/redesign in line with national standards of best practice.

If you want to find out more about the role, please contact Jacqueline MacPhail - [e-mail]

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.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Additional Information For Candidates

• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.