Tobacco Dependence Advisor (TDA)

Provide CIC; North End; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Norfolk seeks a Tobacco Dependence Advisor to support the Emergency Department Stop Smoking Service. The role involves engaging with adult smokers, offering evidence-based support, and working flexibly across multiple hospital sites. Ideal candidates will have experience in delivering health services, possess UK clinical registration, and should demonstrate the ability to work with communities disproportionately affected by smoking. The position provides opportunities for professional development and contribution to public health initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in health or lifestyle services, ideal for Health Care Assistants.
• Lived experience of tobacco dependence is welcomed.
• Professional clinical registration is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage smokers at Emergency Departments.
• Provide smoking cessation support using evidence-based methods.
• Maintain a caseload of participants for the Stop Smoking Service.

Skills

Experience delivering health or lifestyle services

Engagement with individuals experiencing tobacco dependence

Motivational interviewing techniques

Ability to work independently

Education

Professional UK clinical registration

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join us as a Tobacco Dependence Advisor (TDA), supporting the delivery of the new Emergency Department Stop Smoking Service operating within Norfolk's three acute hospital Trusts. The base location is Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, but the post holder may be required to work flexibly across the Trust throughout the contract, including travelling to and working from different sites such as Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and James Paget University Hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and engage adult smokers at the three Emergency Departments in Norfolk who smoke, providing brief interventions and delivering evidence‑based support to help individuals begin their journey toward stopping smoking.
• Offer free vape starter kits in line with national harm‑reduction guidance.
• Record engagement, quit attempts and referrals to inform performance monitoring, service evaluation and reporting.
• Maintain contact with patients, contacting them within 48 hours of engagement and at least once a week up to 6 weeks before the 28‑day quit date.
• Work to monthly targets to ensure that KPIs are met and adapt delivery based on projected outcomes for long‑term success.
• Provide evidence‑based smoking cessation support to adults attending Emergency Departments, contributing to reduced smoking prevalence, health inequalities and hospital admissions.
• Embed the smoking cessation offer as part of a whole‑system approach in collaboration with acute, community and public health partners.
• Manage a caseload of participants identified as part of the Emergency Department Stop Smoking Service independently, using techniques such as motivational interviewing and Making Every Contact Count (MECC).
• Ensure inclusive engagement with individuals and communities experiencing the highest burden of smoking‑related harm.
• Develop and strengthen local cessation pathways in partnership with acute trusts, local authority public health teams and community partners.
• Where vaping is not appropriate, establish alternative support in the community.
• Refer patients requiring alternative pharmacotherapy or more intensive support to the appropriate service.
• Complete documentation and data entry into local systems and PharmOutcomes, ensuring accuracy and monitoring of audit reports.
• Work collaboratively with other TDAs, health professionals and ED smoking champions.
• Maintain professional working relationships within Norfolk Acute Trusts and other relevant organisations.
• Engage in continuous professional development, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of evidence‑based practices and emerging guidance (including NICE) and complete all mandatory Trust training and NCSCT modules as required.
• Manage own daily timetable of delegated tasks, including time for supervision and training.
• Carry out administrative duties as required by the role.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience delivering health or lifestyle services is preferred; ideal for a Health Care Assistant seeking a new challenge or someone with Lifestyle Services experience.

• We welcome applicants who bring lived experience of tobacco dependence or behaviour change, as this insight can enhance empathetic, patient‑centred support.

• Professional UK clinical registration is required for the role; the employer will pay for registration during the first year of employment if you need it.

Additional Information

COVID‑19 Vaccination: All colleagues are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

Anti‑Fraud: Staff are trained in anti‑fraud procedures and will use technology to examine identity/immigration documents.

Disability: If you have a disability and need assistance or more time to complete your application or interview, please contact the HR Services Team.

Work Trials: If interested in a work trial, contact the HR Services team for arrangements with the Recruiting Manager.

Application Process

To check progress on your application, log into your TRAC account. The recruitment team will keep you updated on the status of your application as soon as possible.

Provide reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time or bring forward the closing date should an overwhelming response occur. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for consideration.

Successful applicants will be required to provide all documentation at the interview and at the pre‑employment appointment with the Recruitment Coordinators. All information will be treated confidentially.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Provide is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We are proud to have LGBT+, Ethnic Minority and Men’s Networks, and we are committed to equal opportunities, flexible working practices and the National Living Wage.

About Provide

Provide is a Community Interest Company (social enterprise) delivering a broad range of health and social care services in the community. We are employee‑owned, reinvest profits locally and work across various settings, including hospitals, community clinics, schools, nursing homes and primary care. Our values are Care, Innovation and Compassion; our vision is Transforming Lives and our mission is an ambitious, employee‑owned social enterprise growing in size and influence.