Substance Misuse Practitioner

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team committed to supporting military veterans through their mental health and substance misuse challenges. This full-time role offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country. You will work collaboratively to provide tailored support, manage caseloads, and enhance community links. With generous benefits and a supportive environment, this position is perfect for those passionate about making an impact in mental health care. Embrace this opportunity to grow your career while helping others on their journey to recovery.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days annual leave

Generous NHS pension scheme

Learning and career development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Access to wellbeing tools

Discounts at retailers

Support for diversity and inclusion

Generous leave policies

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting veterans with substance misuse and mental health issues.
• Knowledge of the SMART UK recovery programme is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of veterans with substance misuse and mental health needs.
• Deliver specialist substance misuse information and assessments.

Skills

Substance Misuse Assessment

Mental Health Support

Case Management

Collaboration with Community Services

Psychological Therapy

Education

Relevant Degree in Mental Health or Substance Misuse

Professional Qualification in Substance Misuse

Job description

Interviews are due to be held on 05 June 2025

This is an exciting opportunity for a Substance Misuse Practitioner to join the growing Op COURAGE Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. This service covers the entire South Central region (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight). The role will predominantly cover Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire; therefore, the post holder will need to reside in one of these areas to be considered.

Within Op Courage, our team works with military veterans to identify mental health concerns and address psychosocial and practical needs by supporting veterans to connect with appropriate services.

The team offers psychological therapy to veterans with mental health needs such as PTSD, depression, and moral injury. Working collaboratively as part of the Op COURAGE services, the postholder will deliver specialist substance misuse information, advice, assessment, caseload management, recovery and harm reduction, signposting, and onward referral to further support and treatment as required.

If you share our passion for helping people, we’d love to welcome you to our warm, friendly team, who want to help you make your career reflect your ambitions.

Role Details

1. This is a full-time permanent role, Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
2. Based at our offices in Erlegh House, Reading.
3. Covering Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
4. The post holder will manage a caseload of veterans requiring support to stabilize and manage their substance misuse, mental health, and social needs in collaboration with other Op Courage colleagues.
5. Responsible for enhancing and leading the substance misuse pathway in the BOB area and building links with community services.
6. Opportunity to facilitate the SMART UK recovery programme; training will be provided if required.

About Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care across Berkshire. We offer an inclusive and compassionate environment where our staff share a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our Values

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

Benefits of Working with Us

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days’ annual leave, increasing with service, plus options to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing schemes, including electric vehicles
• Access to wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at various retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks supporting diversity and inclusion
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption, and special leave
• Free parking across the Trust site

Contact for Further Details / Informal Visits

Name: Maria Warburton
Job Title: Deputy Service Lead/Advanced MH Practitioner
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]