(MGMT) Substance Use Practitioner

Presbyterian Church in Ireland; Belfast; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected social service organization in Belfast is seeking a dedicated Substance Use Practitioner. This role involves providing therapeutic interventions within a residential treatment programme while maintaining high standards of care. Ideal candidates will have a recognised Social Work degree, experience in substance use treatment, and strong skills in group therapy. Join a supportive team dedicated to promoting dignity and respect for individuals on their recovery journey.

Benefits

Discount card – money off in local shops and restaurants

Free training

Enhanced annual leave

Free Access NI and NISCC registration

Enhanced maternity pay and pension scheme

Qualifications

• At least 1 year's experience in mental health or addiction.
• Experience in facilitating Group Work / Group Therapy.
• Must be NISCC / NMC registered or willing to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide biopsychosocial therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct group therapy sessions and manage individual caseloads.
• Administer and manage medications safely.

Skills

Experience in substance use treatment or mental health services

Understanding of group therapy and therapeutic interventions

Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workload

Competency in risk assessment and safeguarding

Education

Recognised Social Work Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Overview

Please note this post may close early if there are sufficient applications

Council: Council for Social Witness (Specialist Services)

Location: Carlisle House

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)

Responsible to: Director of Carlisle House

About the Role

Carlisle House is seeking a dedicated Substance Use Practitioner to provide biopsychosocial therapeutic interventions within a residential substance use treatment programme. The role involves maintaining excellent standards of care to promote dignity and respect, and engaging with service users in the process of change through building a strong collaborative therapeutic alliance.

Carlisle House is a residential substance use treatment centre situated near the centre of Belfast. It caters for individuals over the age of 18 who currently live within the Belfast Health Trust and Northern Health Trust areas. Service Level Agreements are held with both Trusts who are the main funders. It offers a range of services, advice and information, treatment programmes, and ongoing support services.

Key Responsibilities

RESIDENTIAL

• Maintain programme boundaries and foster helpful group dynamics
• To carry out alcohol/drug screening tests in accordance with Carlisle House policies and procedures when required
• To ensure a rigorous monitoring and recording practice is adhered to

ADMISSIONS

• To assist in the admission and induction of Service Users to the Residential Substance Use Treatment Programme, in accordance with Carlisle House policies and procedures
• To undertake health checks with regard to Service Users participating in physical activities
• To promote a welcoming atmosphere to all Service Users and their families

GROUP THERAPY

• Group Therapy / Groupwork is the core treatment intervention employed by Carlisle House. There are up to three groupwork sessions each day employing an integrated systemic strength-based approach
• Facilitation of 3-4 group therapy / groupwork sessions each week as set out in the group therapy manual
• To facilitate post programme, support groups – one evening every 3 months

LINK WORK

• To manage an individual caseload through Link Work, promoting Service User strengths and expertise in developing, reviewing and updating treatment plans as required
• To employ the Alcohol and Drug Outcome Star to inform treatment plans
• To create helpful holistic / systemic conversations with clients
• To source supports, and advocate for clients post programme
• To liaise with detox wards, Community Addiction Practitioners and other referral agents
• To liaise with GP’s and other medical professionals
• To complete and manage risk assessments

MEDICATION

• Take responsibility for the management of medicines of those you link work
• To record and administer medication in accordance with Carlisle House policies and current legislation and guidelines
• To re-order medication and source medication prescriptions as required
• To complete medication audits and medication trails in line with RQIA requirements
• To complete Self Administration of Medication Risk Assessments, and ensure outcomes are recorded and adhered to accordingly

TEAM MEETINGS

• To participate in therapeutic team meetings and staff meetings, contributing to a cohesive team across the residential services
• To engage in self-reflective groups

SUPERVISION AND DEVELOPMENT

• To participate in clinical and online supervision
• To engage in continual professional development and meeting the requirements of professional requirements
• To maintain mandatory training

LEAD

• To fulfil the role of LEAD as on rota
• To lead Handovers and delegate daily tasks
• To ensure Health and Safety policies and procedures are maintained
• To act as Fire Warden
• Participate in an On-Call rota as required

OTHER

• To be willing to work within the ethos of the Carlisle House and the Presbyterian Council of Social Witness
• To undertake any other relevant duties which may be required of the post

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in substance use treatment or mental health services
• Strong understanding of group therapy and therapeutic interventions
• Experience of using a strength based model to assess need and formulate effective treatment plans
• Ability to work on own initiative, to work under pressure and prioritise workload
• Competency in risk assessment and safeguarding
• A commitment to professional development and reflective practice

Why Join Us?

• Work in a respected residential treatment centre
• Join a supportive and experienced team
• Opportunities for ongoing training and career progression
• Competitive salary and benefits

Benefits:

• Discount card – money off in local shops and restaurants
• Free – training
• Enhanced – annual leave
• Free – Access NI and NISCC registration
• Enhanced – maternity pay and pension scheme
• Free – employee assistance programme for staff and household members 16+ years

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey, we would love to hear from you.

Required Criteria

• Recognised Social Work Degree
• Knowledge of addiction and treatment models
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office, in particular Outlook / Word / Excel
• At least 1 year's experience in a relevant area of mental health or addiction, using a strength based model to assess need and formulating effective treatment plans
• Experience in facilitating Group Work / Group Therapy
• Experience of working with substance use and associated complex health needs
• Must be willing to behave in a manner which respects the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Available for flexible working and on call duties
• Respectful of the values, views and needs of others
• Evidence of a commitment to continued professional development
• NISCC / NMC registered or willing to apply for registration
• Willing to complete an Access NI check

Desired Criteria

• Post-registration training in addiction-related studies
• Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice or equivalent qualification

Skills & About The Company

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, PCI is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work both locally and globally. The Church plays an active role in education, social care, and advocacy, reflecting its core values of faith, compassion, and service. Through worship, discipleship, and outreach, PCI seeks to make a meaningful impact on society while fostering a strong, supportive Christian community. Governed by a system of elders, the Church values biblical teaching, leadership, and engagement with contemporary issues. Additionally, PCI provides a range of resources and initiatives to support individuals, families, and communities in their faith journey.

Company Culture

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) fosters a culture of faith, service, and community, rooted in biblical teaching and the Reformed tradition. It values integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging members to live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and outreach. PCI places a strong emphasis on servant leadership, where ministers, elders, and members work collaboratively to support one another and serve their communities. The Church is deeply committed to pastoral care, social responsibility, and global mission work, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact both locally and internationally. With a focus on spiritual growth, education, and engagement with contemporary issues, PCI provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals and families can deepen their faith, contribute to meaningful causes, and build lasting relationships within a vibrant Christian community.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Referral bonus, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Wellbeing Scheme, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Service recognition increases to annual leave

Salary

£35,235.00 - £39,513.00 per year

Benefits: Work From Home, Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Referral bonus, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Wellbeing Scheme