Community Practitioner - Memory Services

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
London
6 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Psychology Instructor (Glenns Campus)

HR Development Lead

Senior Marketing and Communications Professional (Estates)

Data Scientist

Systems Consultant- Space

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated, caring and creative people to come and join us and work within an exciting and fast paced environment that provides high quality addictions and recovery care to a diverse service user group. We are looking to recruit an experienced Band 6 nurse to be a core member of the multi-disciplinary team, participating in the provision of on-going assessments, care planning, treatment and support of people with drug and alcohol issues to promote health, independence and recovery.

Main duties of the job

To discharge professional responsibilities under the Mental Health Act (1983) and revised subsequent act Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the NMC Professional Code of Conduct and SLaM commitments.

Be accountable and responsible for a defined caseload that reflects the priorities of the local population and carry responsibility for the assessment of care needs; under the supervision of the Clinical Lead.

To develop, implement and evaluate evidence based programmes of care; set standards of care and liaise with other agencies.

Working for our organisation

Richmond and Wandsworth Community Drug and Alcohol Service (RCDAS/ WCDAS) is part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), within the Addictions Clinical Academic Group. The Trust provides recognised high quality learning and development opportunities as well as offering the chance to be involved in research projects through the Institute of Psychiatry and globally respected Addictions Department.

This is a Consortium partnership comprised of We Are With You, St. Mungos, CDARS (Community Drug and Alcohol Services) and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), with SLaM being the lead agency in this model. This is a cross borough contract since 1st April 2020 with shared leadership and specialist roles as well as local core services.

WCDAS and RCDAS provide an excellent and first class range of drug and alcohol treatment options to residents of the two Boroughs. Our services are busy and dynamic, with a strong recovery focus. We currently operate 2 sites across Wandworth plus various satellites including in primary care, and one Richmond site with additional satellites. We in-reach to local hospitals, offer street outreach, and work closely with local stakeholders including social care and mental health. We also have an online offer which we continue to develop.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Ensure that a risk assessment and management plan is completed for service users, especially if there is a history of, or a potential for risk. To be aware of the potential for vulnerability to abuse amongst the service users/families, and use of the local policy to inform appropriate personnel in line with safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and SLaM.

Ensure that BBV testing, treatment and where appropriate naloxone are offered to service users at first contact.

To effectively implement recovery based care-plans in collaboration with service users so their needs are best met within the treatment system which may include a successful transfer to the team or site that best meets the service user’s needs.

Help develop and maintain effective joint working arrangements with colleagues in the community mental health services, residential services, primary health care, social services and voluntary services, thus facilitating the co-ordination and comprehensiveness of provision of care, and to provide high quality nursing advice and consultation to colleagues, community groups and organisations. 

To participate in the Consortium’s Group Training Program, SLaM mandatory training and the Consortium Duty and Triage rotas as required.

To act in a manner to respect the customs, individuality, values, sexuality and spiritual beliefs, actively supporting the individual to fulfill these, and to adhere to all registration professional standards.

To lead the clinical management of a care package to individuals who use our services, as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

To co-ordinate and monitor the delivery of person centered healthcare to a designated group of people who use our services, using complex clinical decision making where appropriate and responding to changes in presentation/ situation appropriately. To promote shared decision making with service user/relatives/carers, as appropriate, in terms of involvement in all aspects of their care.

To deliver individual and group therapy utilising CBT skills.

To ensure provision of the necessary physical care to help people who use our services i.e.: personal hygiene, diet and fluid intake, clothing and laundry, personal environment, manual handling, elimination, maintaining rest and sleep and activity, physical observations.

To ensure provision of therapeutic activities, emotional support and stability to clients to ensure effective engagement whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

To ensure prescribed physical observations are undertaken as follows: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood sugars, urinalysis, weight and height and act upon exceptions appropriately

Supervise junior nurses and other non-qualified staff in the service/team, and participate in the education of pre and post registration nursing, social work, psychology, medical and occupational therapy students.

To lead the development, maintenance and monitoring of service standards, collect and collate data/ information effectively for the purpose of audit, research and service performance.

To ensure compliance by self and staff of the Trust’s Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, including taking all reasonable steps to manage and promote a healthy working and diverse working environment.

To participate in clinical governance activities including monitoring standards set within the service.

To participate in the recruitment and selection of staff

If the post-holder is not an NMP, they will be expected to apply for this training within the Trust

The post-holder may be asked to carry out tasks in other sites/services if there are pressures on other parts of the treatment system

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

•Registered Nurse with considerable post qualification experience which would include lengthy clinical experience working with people with substance misuse related problems and evidence of commitment to harm reduction interventions) •Evidence of continuing professional development and training (band 6: relevant to substance misuse work and harm reduction activity) •Willingness to work towards an NMP qualification if not yet achieved

Desirable criteria

•Diploma or degree level qualification in addictions or related area of practice such as CBT, dual diagnosis, etc. •Non-Medical Prescriber •Mentorship Qualifications and updates

Experience

Essential criteria

•Experience and evidence of ability to produce formal written reports, presentations and draft policies for consultation •Experience of supervising staff or students •Experience of using word processing and database use as well as a willingness to improve existing skill base •Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team •Experience of liaison with statutory and non-statutory services

Desirable criteria

•Experience of working in the community •Experience of the management of clients with complex needs •Phlebotomy training

Knowledge / Skills

Essential criteria

•A thorough understanding of harm reduction in relation to injecting behaviour as well as safer sexual practices •Knowledge of potential physical, psycho-social problems among this client group and appropriate interventions to address them •Knowledge of crack/stimulant interventions •Knowledge of PIEDs interventions •Strong understanding of harm reduction, and relapse prevention in relation to substance misuse and planning recovery •An understanding of the current issues affecting substance misuse services •Effective assessment and engagement skills •Effective care planning skills •Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate with clients to influence positive outcomes •Ability to be flexible and thrive in a rapidly changing environment •Ability to organise and manage time effectively and work autonomously •Ability to work effectively with clients with drug/alcohol assessments prioritise referrals •Ability to effectively evaluate care using audit and outcome measurements •IT skills in relation to clinical notes and report writing

Desirable criteria

•Experience of supervising/managing junior staff and students •Experience of and skills in delivering training

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Tips for Staying Inspired: How Space Professionals Fuel Creativity and Innovation

The space industry captures our collective imagination like few others—sending probes to distant planets, launching constellations of satellites for global connectivity, even exploring the possibility of human settlements beyond Earth. From propulsion engineers and satellite architects to astrophysicists and mission control specialists, the field is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and grand ambitions. Yet, in this demanding arena, rife with rigorous testing, tight budgets, risk mitigation, and lengthy research cycles, even the most fervent space professionals can find their creative fire dwindling at times. How do people working in space—whether at government agencies, private aerospace firms, or research institutions—maintain a spark of innovation amid technical complexities, funding pressures, and enormous stakes? Below, we explore ten practical strategies to keep you inspired, inventive, and energised. Whether you’re building propulsion systems, planning satellite missions, or leading new explorations of lunar resources, these tips can help you break out of ruts, generate fresh perspectives, and push boundaries that define the future of humanity’s journey among the stars.

Top 10 Space Career Myths Debunked: Key Facts for Aspiring Professionals

The space industry has surged well beyond the era of government-led missions and iconic moon landings. Today, a diverse ecosystem of private companies, public agencies, and research institutions drives innovation in satellite technology, launch services, microgravity research, human spaceflight, planetary exploration, and more. With emerging trends like space tourism, in-orbit servicing, and interplanetary missions, there’s never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in this far-reaching field. Yet, myths about space careers still linger—from the idea that you must be a former fighter pilot to get involved, to the assumption that space jobs exist only for rocket scientists at a handful of major agencies. At ukspacejobs.co.uk, we see how these misconceptions can limit people’s aspirations in a domain that truly spans engineering, science, business, and beyond. In this article, we debunk the top 10 myths surrounding space careers—illuminating the reality of an industry that’s growing, diversifying, and actively seeking new talent. Whether you’re a student passionate about astronomy, a software developer intrigued by satellite systems, or a professional ready to pivot into space technologies, read on to see how the cosmos might be your next frontier.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK Space Job Market to International Landscapes

How to evaluate opportunities, salaries, and work culture in space technology across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia The space industry is booming, no longer dominated solely by government agencies and massive aerospace contractors. Over the last decade, new players—both established corporations and agile startups—have propelled advances in satellite constellations, launch vehicles, in-orbit services, and deep-space exploration. From broadband satellites improving global internet access to small launch systems delivering cubesats into low Earth orbit, the commercialisation of space is rapidly accelerating. In this article, we’ll explore how the UK space job market compares with other leading hubs, notably the United States, continental Europe, and parts of Asia. We will delve into the range of in-demand roles, expected salary levels, and cultural and regulatory factors that influence careers in space technology. Whether you’re a rocket propulsion engineer, a satellite data scientist, or a business professional looking to help commercialise new orbital services, this guide will clarify your options and steer you toward a fulfilling path. By the end, you’ll see how the UK stacks up internationally for space-sector prospects—and what to keep in mind if you’re pondering a move overseas or transitioning into the industry for the first time.