Dual Diagnosis practitioner

PAN TRADE; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health service provider is seeking a Dual Diagnosis practitioner to join their team in Macclesfield. The role involves working with individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities, aiming to improve health equity. Candidates should have appropriate qualifications and relevant experience, including risk assessment skills. This temporary position lasts until April 2026. A comprehensive onboarding program is provided.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of dual diagnosis and related complexities.
• Experience in delivering evidence-based interventions.
• Post-qualification experience with complex vulnerabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and service for individuals on probation.
• Work with people with mental illness and learning disabilities.
• Support health services access and reduce health inequalities.

Skills

Mental health conditions

Forensic history

Intervention approaches

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Education

Appropriate professional registration/qualification

Academic qualification in relevant subject

Working towards a 2nd degree (Masters or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Band 7 | Main area: Dual Diagnosis practitioner | Contract: 6 months (Fixed Term End Date 30 April 2026) | Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week | Job ref: 373-SMH2462-A RD | Site: Macclesfield and Crewe Probation Office | Town: Macclesfield | Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per annum | Salary period: Yearly | Closing: 30/09/2025 23:59

Do you want to work in a team which has just secured a place in CWP’s "Book of Best Practice" 2024/2025 due to exemplary practice in improving health equity and reducing inequalities, providing the best outcomes through great care, and working with partners for our population? If so, this may be the role for you. We are recruiting a highly motivated and organised Nurse (RMN or RNLD) to the Dual Diagnosis Service based in and alongside the Cheshire Probation Service.

A strong knowledge base in working with individuals with a learning disability, mental health conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders is desirable, and you must be comfortable working with people who have a forensic history. The role is based at Crewe Probation Office and Macclesfield Police Station, with travel across the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust footprint. The post is subject to Enhanced Police Vetting due to one office being in a police station. If this may be problematic, please discuss before interview.

This is a temporary opportunity for internal (Substantive or Bank) applicants only.

The post is temporary until 30 April 2026 due to limited funding. If longer-term or permanent funding is secured, the post will be advertised to both internal and external applicants.

Main duties of the job

The team offers a consultation and formulation service to those on probation who are struggling to access health services. You would work with people who have trauma, mental illness, learning disabilities, autism spectrum condition, ADHD, and other vulnerabilities. The team aims to reduce health inequalities for people on probation by reducing barriers, challenging discrimination, and providing education and training to probation staff and other services. The team works closely with probation staff, substance misuse services, housing teams, the police, and community health services. The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of clinical competency in evidence-based risk assessment and formulation to support pathway management, public protection and service user outcomes. The post holder will require excellent communication skills and should be able to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team.

Working for our organisation

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for over one million people, employing around 4,500 staff across 73 sites with services across Wirral and Cheshire and in additional areas. We are rated Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with an overall Good rating. CWP is committed to inclusive recruitment and values diversity, with accreditation schemes supporting applicants from diverse backgrounds. New starters commence on one fixed start date each month with the Prepare to Care (P2C) induction program, offering up to 3 weeks of training.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

Please download the job description (PDF, 344.6KB) for full details of the main responsibilities. Our recruitment processes are based on competence and values, using a values-based interview approach. Provide examples of how your values align with the Trust’s values in your application.

Helpful information for applicants: guidance is available on the trust’s site; contact the recruitment team via email or by calling 01244 393100 if you need assistance. If you have a disability, indicate this for consideration under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme where applicable. The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to armed forces applicants who meet essential criteria. Note that DBS costs are paid by applicants; DBS Update Service enrollment is encouraged.

New entrants to the NHS begin at the minimum of the stated scale. Early application is advised as vacancies may close early if a high number of applications are received.

Person specification

Qualifications – Essential criteria

• Appropriate professional registration/qualification
• Academic qualification in relevant subject
• Training in risk assessment and risk management
• Professional knowledge related to substance misuse/dual diagnosis via degree, experience or CPD
• Mentorship qualified
• Working towards a 2nd degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant subject area

Desirable criteria

• Training in relevant assessment and intervention approaches (e.g., behavioural, CBT)
• Leadership training

Knowledge and Expertise – Essential criteria

• Knowledge of research and audit
• Current knowledge of criminal justice legislation and services, including function, purpose and philosophy
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and liaise across professional boundaries
• Sound knowledge of dual diagnosis and related complexities

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of legal frameworks (MHA 1983) and application to people with mental illness/learning disability

Experience – Essential criteria

• Post-qualification experience working with complex vulnerabilities and forensic history in community or inpatient settings
• Experience of comprehensive mental health and substance misuse assessments, including risk assessment and care planning
• Experience delivering evidence-based interventions to support risk management and recovery
• Delivery of training to groups and individuals
• Undertaking audit/service evaluation

Desirable criteria

• Delivery of training in forensic issues
• Undertaking research

Documents to download

• Job description (PDF, 344.6KB)
• OH employee Occupational health form (PDF, 384.4KB)
• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy (PDF, 167.7KB)
• DBS Update Service Applicant Guide (PDF, 228.4KB)
• Privacy Notice (PDF, 177.4KB)
• Trust Profile (PDF, 521.4KB)
• Application Guide (PDF, 28.3MB)

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Sara Ryan | Job title: Dual Diagnosis practitioner

Additional information: If you require help to complete your application, contact 01244 393100 or Sara Ryan for further information.