We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Band 6 Community Substance Misuse Nurse to join our team in Southend-on-Sea, delivering frontline clinical support to individuals with drug and alcohol dependency. As part of The Forward Trust’s community-based treatment service, you will play a vital role in engaging and supporting service users throughout their recovery journey.
Role Responsibilities
Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will assess, plan, and deliver a wide range of harm reduction, medically assisted treatment, and psychosocial interventions, contributing to long-term recovery outcomes and promoting safer health behaviours in the community.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Clinical Care
- Conduct comprehensive health and substance use assessments, including risk assessments (e.g. suicide, self-harm, safeguarding, BBVs).
- Initiate and support the delivery of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), including buprenorphine and methadone, under clinical protocols.
- Support detoxification plans, including alcohol withdrawal management and Pabrinex administration.
- Provide harm reduction interventions including needle exchange, naloxone training and distribution, BBV screening, and vaccination.
- Perform and interpret urine drug screening and manage medication following clinical governance standards.
The Ideal Candidate
Please see a list of skills and experience needed below for this role.
Essential
- Registered Nurse (RMN / RGN / RNLD) with valid NMC registration.
- Experience working with clients affected by substance misuse, mental health, or complex needs.
- Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, OST, detoxification protocols, and safeguarding procedures.
- Strong risk assessment and case management skills.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Independent/Supplementary Prescriber (V300) or working towards.
- Experience working in multi-agency environments or community outreach.
- Familiarity with Illy or other digital health systems.
- Knowledge of dual diagnosis and trauma-informed care approaches.