Dual Diagnosis Recovery Practitioner

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable healthcare organization in Thatcham is seeking a Drug and Alcohol Specialist Practitioner. The role focuses on delivering quality clinical care for patients with dual diagnoses of substance misuse and mental illness. Candidates are expected to conduct assessments, create safety plans, and work flexibly with a multi-disciplinary team. Experience in mental health or substance use is crucial. Attractive benefits including flexible working and ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days' annual leave

Career development opportunities

'Cycle to Work' scheme

Wellbeing tools and services

Discounts at retailers and restaurants

Generous maternity and paternity leave

Free parking across Trust sites

Qualifications

• Experience of working within the mental health or substance use field.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practices.
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals' substance use and mental health needs.
• Complete effective risk management/safety plans.
• Respond to the full range of mental health and drug and alcohol needs.

Skills

Assessment skills

Risk management

Empathy

Flexibility

Communication

Education

Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent qualification

Training in mental health or substance use

Job description

This is an exciting and innovative role within a reputable Trust and local authority to deliver quality clinical care and to marry up the support from both organisations for individuals with a dual diagnosis of substance misuse and mental illness.

Designed to complement the CMHT's structure, the Drug and Alcohol Specialist Practitioner will be clinically responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of effective, evidence-based, patient focused specialist interventions to patients with co-occurring mental health, alcohol and substance use needs.

This will be developed through effective communication and liaison with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, Via and with other staff providing support services.

[You will be expected to primarily work on a 9-5 basis, but with the ability to work flexibly when required in order to meet the clinical needs of the service.]

Main duties of the job

Conduct comprehensive assessments of individual's substance use and mental health needs

Complete effective risk management/safety plans to manage an individual's risk to self and others

Respond to the full range of mental health and drug and alcohol needs which maximises opportunities for engagement and eventual recovery

Show empathy and utilise a non-judgmental approach to listening to service users

Identify and respond to service user's needs and goals

Work flexibly and persistently to respond to a range of needs

Recognise the service user's level of motivation to address co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol use conditions and adapt their approach accordingly

Work proactively and flexibly to prevent service users from dropping out of the assessment process and to re-engage them if they do

Maintain accurate and timely case notes of service user engagement and contact

Make appropriate and timely safeguarding referrals in cases of vulnerable adults and children

To maintain professional integrity in relationships with service users, peers and other relevant professionals

Coordinating care with other professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers

Contribute to the development of service policies, joint working protocols and procedures for co-occurring mental health and substance use

Building partnerships with other organisations to improve service integration and access

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals substance use and mental health needs
• Complete effective risk management/safety plans to manage an individuals risk to self and others
• Respond to the full range of mental health and drug and alcohol needs which maximises opportunities for engagement and eventual recovery
• Make appropriate and timely safeguarding referrals in cases of vulnerable adults and children

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: [Maureen Rawson] on [0118 904 3200] or email: [[e-mail]] wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

• Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience of working within the mental health or substance use field, or relevant training in an appropriate area
• A proven commitment to anti-discriminatory practices and an understanding of Equal Opportunities policy and practice
• A good understanding of safeguarding practice in relation to vulnerable adults and children.
• An understanding of the Mental Health Act and other related legislation.

Continuous Professional Development

• Evidence of continuing professional development, particularly in relation to the development of knowledge and skills for working with people with dual diagnosis.

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.