Substance Misuse Nurse

Main duties of the job

This is a fixed term role from August 2026 to October 2027 (Maternity cover) and you will:

Undertake physical and mental health assessments.

Appropriately sign post/refer to primary/secondary health care services for identified health issues.

Undertake alcohol assessments, using the outcome to determine safe detoxification.

Undertake community alcohol detoxification at the service or at the service users home.

Assist in the titration process for people using opioids.

Support opioid detoxification in the community.

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

Work within & consolidate integrated care & treatment pathways for those identified as being infected with BBVs.

Undertake phlebotomy, as required.

Use blood results to support the assessment of the current health status of individuals, the need for specialist medical referral and the suitability for community detoxification.

Where indicated, refer for specialist inpatient services and liaise with hospital and inpatient unit staff.

Contribute to CGLs Naloxone Strategy by training staff and individuals who use our services in the use of naloxone.

Be proficient in basic life support, defibrillation and managing a medical emergency.

Understand and adhere to the legislation surrounding the use of patient group directions (PGDs).

Provide line management/supervision/support to HCAs, student nurses & volunteers.

Main purpose of the role

As directed by the Lead/Cluster Lead Nurse, the post-holder will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team offering specialist clinical interventions individuals accessing our services.

All members of staff are required to always act in accordance with Change Grow Live expectations of attitudes and behaviours. These attitudes and behaviours include, but are not limited to:

• Representing Change Grow Live in a professional manner on all occasions.
• Striving to improve and share good practice, and work towards continuous improvement.
• Maintaining and promoting effective communication and shared good practice across the organisation as a whole and externally.
• To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Adopting a co-operative approach to service delivery which draws on the strength, knowledge, and expertise of all individuals including individuals who use our services, staff, and volunteers.
• Promoting mutual trust and respect as a guiding principle for all working relationships both internal and external.

Reporting and working relationships

The role will report directly to the Lead/Cluster Lead Nurse.

Reporting relationships may change.

Role-specific responsibilities

Undertake physical and mental health assessments for people who access our services when indicated by clinical need and ensure appropriate sign posting/referral to primary care or appropriate secondary health care services for identified health issues.

Undertake assessments for all alcohol individuals who use our services as indicated in the Change Grow Live Alcohol Policy and Procedure, using the outcome to determine safe detoxification as required.

Assist in the titration process for opioid individuals who use our services as required by service need to ensure the service user achieves an optimum dose of opioid substitution therapy (OST). This process is supported by good communication to other team members, including community pharmacists.

Provide education, health promotion and screening for blood borne viruses (BBV). Provide Hepatitis A and/or B vaccinations when indicated.

Work within and consolidate integrated care and treatment pathways for individuals who are identified as being infected with BBVs (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and/or HIV).

Undertake community alcohol detoxification either at the service or at the service users home.

Support opioid detoxification in the community.

Undertake phlebotomy, as required, ensuring adherence to identified pathways for blood sample labelling, collection, obtaining results and signposting.

Use blood results to support the assessment of the current health status of individuals who use our services, the need for specialist medical referral and the suitability for community detoxification.

Where indicated, refer for specialist inpatient services (including detoxification) and liaise with hospital and inpatient unit staff.

Contribute to Change Grow Lives Naloxone Strategy by training staff and individuals who use our services in the use of naloxone. Ensuring naloxone is distributed to individuals who use our services at every opportunity.

Offer wound care assessment and basic wound dressing to individuals who use our services. Organise signposting to other services as required and ensure clear pathways into other treatment arenas as appropriate.

Have a demonstrable ability to manage emergency situations by being proficient in basic life support, defibrillation and managing a…