Substance Misuse Nurse

NHS; Wirral; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established health and social care charity is seeking a dedicated Substance Misuse Nurse to join their multidisciplinary team. This role focuses on supporting individuals facing complex challenges related to substance use, emphasizing a holistic, person-centered approach. You will conduct health assessments, provide community detoxification, and contribute to the overall well-being of clients. The organization values professional growth, offering numerous educational opportunities and support for continuous development. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and thrive in a collaborative environment, this position is an exciting opportunity for you.

Benefits

Protected CPD time

Free access to learning platforms

Wellbeing resources

Educational opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with experience in substance misuse and mental health.
• Proficient in conducting health assessments and referrals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct health assessments and provide community detoxification.
• Support opioid titration and educate on health promotion.
• Manage emergencies and ensure compliance with health regulations.

Skills

Substance Misuse Assessment

Phlebotomy

Basic Life Support

Communication Skills

Clinical Leadership

Education

Registered Nurse Qualification

Job description

Change Grow Live is one of the UK’s leading health and social care charities, and the Substance Misuse Nurse role is varied. You will support people with complex issues related to the impact of substance use on their physical and mental health.

Our Nurses are essential members of multidisciplinary teams, providing specialist clinical interventions. Every individual who accesses our services is treated uniquely; understanding the importance of a holistic, person-centered approach, being curious, a good listener, clinically robust, and flexible are crucial skills.

At Change Grow Live, we support your professional growth through:

• Regular national nurse and HCA forums, and ongoing 1:1s and appraisals
• Protected CPD time, up to 6 days annually, to support revalidation
• Educational opportunities, including free access to the RCNi learning platform and NMC fee coverage
• Use of the government-backed Apprenticeship Levy to develop your practice
• Encouragement to take a weekly wellbeing hour and access to wellbeing resources

Main duties of the job

Undertake physical and mental health assessments.

Signpost/refer to primary or secondary healthcare for identified issues.

Conduct alcohol assessments to determine safe detoxification.

Provide community alcohol detoxification at the service or the client’s home.

Assist with opioid titration and support community opioid detoxification.

Offer education, health promotion, screening for blood-borne viruses (BBV), and Hepatitis A/B vaccinations.

Work within integrated care pathways for BBV-infected individuals.

Perform phlebotomy as needed and interpret blood results for health assessments and referrals.

Refer to inpatient services when necessary and liaise with hospital staff.

Contribute to Naloxone training and ensure its distribution.

Be proficient in basic life support, defibrillation, and emergency management.

Understand and adhere to legislation regarding patient group directions (PGDs).

Provide supervision/support to HCAs, students, and volunteers.

About us

Believe in people

We believe in the potential of everyone—those using our services, staff, and volunteers—to make positive changes and achieve their goals.

Our mission is to help individuals change their lives, grow, and reach their full potential. Our vision is to develop a whole-person approach that transforms society.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds to enrich our team and improve our services.

Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations is our priority, and we will support you to uphold the highest standards of safety and care.

Job responsibilities

Main purpose of the role

As directed by the Lead/Cluster Lead Nurse, you will be a key member of a multidisciplinary team, delivering specialist clinical interventions.

All staff are expected to uphold professional attitudes and behaviors, including:

• Representing Change Grow Live professionally
• Sharing good practice and striving for continuous improvement
• Promoting effective communication internally and externally
• Safeguarding and promoting welfare
• Adopting a collaborative approach drawing on team strengths
• Building mutual trust and respect in all relationships

Reporting and working relationships:

The role reports directly to the Lead/Cluster Lead Nurse, with potential for changes in reporting lines.

Role-specific responsibilities:

Clinical Practice

• Conduct health assessments and signpost to appropriate care
• Perform alcohol assessments for safe detoxification
• Support opioid titration and community detoxification
• Provide BBV screening, vaccinations, and contribute to care pathways
• Undertake phlebotomy and interpret results
• Refer to inpatient services as needed and liaise with hospital staff
• Train staff and service users in naloxone use, ensuring distribution
• Offer wound care and organize signposting to other services
• Manage emergencies with proficiency in life support and defibrillation
• Comply with legislation on PGDs
• Utilize psychosocial interventions to promote engagement and recovery

Communication

• Build therapeutic alliances and effective partnerships with service users
• Communicate treatment plans and outcomes clearly to other healthcare providers
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and meet revalidation requirements
• Develop health education materials on substance use and detoxification
• Participate in relevant meetings for role development

Delivering a Quality Service

Contribute to high-quality, evidence-based services aligned with UK guidelines and organizational protocols.

Leadership

Provide clinical leadership, support, coaching, and supervision to team members, including HCAs, students, and volunteers.

Team Working

• Assess suitability for client transfers within shared care services
• Ensure timely access to prescribing and detoxification services
• Contribute to service performance and community detox plans
• Provide harm reduction advice and manage risk assessments

Managing Information

Record and manage client data accurately, ensuring compliance with contractual and governance standards.

This outline is not exhaustive and may evolve with service needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, is required.