Please not this role includes some weekend working which will be on a rota-basis
About the Role
The Substance Misuse Service at HMP Brixton delivers a range of recovery-focused psychosocial interventions within an integrated healthcare framework, known as the New Models of Care (NMOC). Working in partnership with healthcare professionals and a range of other services, the team provides holistic health and wellbeing support to men aged 18 and over who are experiencing drug and/or alcohol misuse issues.
As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will be based on site at HMP Brixton, a Category C resettlement prison in the London Borough of Lambeth. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with a broad range of skills and expertise, delivering combined psychosocial and clinical interventions to support individuals on their recovery journey.
You will manage a caseload of service users, undertaking comprehensive assessments, developing individualised SMART care plans and delivering appropriate harm reduction advice, guidance and support. You will facilitate structured one-to-one and group interventions, including accredited treatment programmes where relevant, using evidence-based approaches to promote positive behavioural change, recovery and improved health and wellbeing.
The role involves supporting individuals at different stages of their prison journey, including Early Days in Custody (EDiC), unscheduled care, planned care, release and resettlement. You will work collaboratively with internal and external partners, including healthcare, housing, employment, gym services, probation, transitional services and external Drug Intervention Teams, to ensure continuity of care and effective throughcare arrangements.
You will also contribute to service delivery objectives and performance targets set by Forward and local commissioners, ensuring that interventions are delivered to a high standard and meet the needs of the individuals accessing the service.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people affected by substance misuse, understands the challenges associated with working within a custodial environment and is committed to delivering person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented support.
Professional Development
All Health and Wellbeing Practitioners and Trainees are required to complete and demonstrate a commitment to the Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Programme (DAWFDP). This is a mandatory 12-month structured professional development programme, aligned with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) Capability Framework. The programme forms an essential part of the role and must be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.
The service operates seven days a week, so flexibility to work evenings and weekends on a rota basis is essential.
About You
You will be a motivated, compassionate and experienced practitioner with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse. You will have the ability to engage positively with people from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing multiple and complex needs, and demonstrate a non-judgemental, empathetic and trauma-informed approach.
You will have a Level 3 Counselling qualification and relevant experience of working within substance misuse services, ideally within the criminal justice sector. You will possess a good understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing substance misuse, the criminal justice environment and the principles of the recovery agenda.
You will be confident in carrying out comprehensive assessments, developing and implementing SMART care plans, and delivering structured psychosocial interventions. You will have experience facilitating therapeutic groups and delivering one-to-one interventions, using motivational interviewing, motivational counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to encourage engagement and support sustainable change.
You will also demonstrate:
- Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice sector and the issues facing individuals affected by substance misuse.
- An understanding of recovery-oriented practice and the importance of person-centred, holistic support.
- A Level 3 Counselling qualification.
- Relevant counselling knowledge and experience, ideally within a criminal justice setting.
- Experience working within substance misuse services.
- Experience undertaking comprehensive assessments and developing, implementing and reviewing SMART care plans.
- Experience delivering structured psychosocial interventions and treatment programmes.
- Experience facilitating therapeutic groups and supporting individuals through group-based interventions.
- The ability to apply motivational interviewing techniques effectively in both one-to-one and group settings.
- Knowledge and practical experience of using CBT and motivational counselling skills.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage individuals who may be reluctant or anxious about accessing support.
- Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and build positive working relationships with internal and external partner agencies.
- The ability to work independently, manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands.
- Flexibility and a willingness to work evenings and weekends as part of a rota.
Above all, you will be passionate about promoting recovery, reducing the harms associated with substance misuse and supporting individuals to make positive changes to their lives, both during their time in custody and as they prepare for successful resettlement back into the community.