Dual Diagnosis Practitioner

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health organization is seeking a Dual Diagnosis/Substance Misuse Nurse Specialist to work within the Mental Health Liaison Team. The role focuses on providing expert knowledge and facilitating coordinated service delivery for individuals with coexisting mental health and substance misuse issues. Candidates will engage in inter-agency collaboration and contribute to reducing hospital admissions while enhancing treatment standards.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Expertise in dual diagnosis and substance misuse.
• Experience in mental health assessment and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Forge strong inter-agency alliances.
• Lead development of collaborative plans for frequent A&E attendees.
• Enhance team knowledge in dual diagnosis cases.

Skills

Dual Diagnosis

Substance Misuse

Mental Health

Job description

The post holder will work as a dual diagnosis/substance misuse nurse specialist within the Mental Health Liaison Team (MHLT) at University Hospital Lewisham. The role involves providing expertise in dual diagnosis and substance misuse, facilitating coordinated service delivery for individuals aged 18 and above with suspected coexisting mental health and substance misuse issues. The post holder will address co-morbid drug/substance misuse issues that can delay assessment times.

The post holder will promote high standards of assessment and treatment for anyone aged 18+ with suspected or co-existing mental health and substance misuse problems, based on the best available evidence, within the response times set for urgent referrals from the ED and inpatient wards.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Forging strong inter-agency alliances.
2. Working with colleagues in MHLTs to achieve outcomes set by NHS England, such as reducing frequent attenders at A&E/MHLT, decreasing hospital admissions, increasing engagement with substance misuse services, and enhancing the knowledge and skills of the team.
3. Leading the development of collaborative plans with frequent A&E attendees with suspected co-existing issues.
4. Providing expert dual diagnosis knowledge to the MHLT, Acute Trust, and stakeholders.
5. Developing and delivering dual diagnosis practices aligned with national guidance, NICE, DoH, and Trust policies in consultation with senior colleagues.
6. Enhancing team knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with dual diagnosis cases.
7. Building effective relationships with SLaM teams and partner agencies for seamless care pathways.
8. Communicating regularly with the Team Leader about progress, concerns, or issues related to substance misuse and practice.
9. Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to improve professional knowledge of substance misuse assessment, treatment, management, and evaluation.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provides extensive mental health and substance misuse services, working closely with academic partners like King's College London. The organization employs around 5,000 staff, serving a population of 1.1 million with over 230 services, including inpatient, outpatient, and community care.

Joining SLaM offers opportunities for professional development, working alongside world leaders in mental health research and care.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

• Name: Justina Ariwodo
  Job title: Team Leader
  Email: [e-mail]
  Telephone: [phone]
• Consultant Nurse - Dual Diagnosis: Irene Muh
  Email: [e-mail]
  Telephone: [phone]