Job Overview
The Community Hospital Alcohol Team (CHAT) is a community-based service working closely with UHNM to provide support to Stoke-on-Trent residents presenting at emergency portals with harmful alcohol use. The role of the community alcohol support worker focuses on reducing risks associated with alcohol while promoting healthier outcomes for patients.
This position supports alcohol detox nurses within the team, offering a part-time opportunity (30 hours per week) within a 7-day nurse-led service operating from 8 am to 4 pm. The team provides psychosocial interventions for up to 12 weeks post-discharge, including harm reduction, relapse prevention, and seamless referrals to recovery services.
Main Duties of the Job
- Facilitate earlier discharge or admission avoidance for patients with alcohol-related issues.
- Provide support for individuals frequently utilizing emergency services.
- Deliver care to service users with complex physical health conditions requiring coordinated management.
- Offer assertive engagement for individuals resistant to services, including home visits and additional contacts.
- Assist registered professionals in assessments, care planning, and evaluation of individual care plans.
Working for the Organisation
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust is dedicated to improving health and well-being through high-quality care.
Key commitments include:
- Prioritizing team member well-being through wellness initiatives and flexible working opportunities.
- Supporting the NHS Green Plan and the goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2045.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion, with active encouragement for underrepresented groups to apply.
The “Proud to be Green” campaign aligns with sustainability goals, fostering workforce engagement in achieving these targets for the benefit of service users, communities, and the planet.
Detailed Responsibilities
- Communicate with service users, carers, and multidisciplinary teams through verbal and digital channels.
- Document health status and care progress in the Halo System and report to registered staff.
- Maintain professional boundaries and uphold equality and diversity principles in all interactions.
- Identify and minimize risks of harm, reporting concerns to senior colleagues.
- Collaborate with emergency departments and other services to ensure seamless care transitions.
- Deliver therapeutic activities and assist in holistic assessments under supervision.
- Support service users in developing recovery plans aligned with individual health goals.
- Facilitate access to activities and services promoting independence and well-being.
- Provide personal care, guidance, and support to service users and their carers, maintaining confidentiality.
- Engage in personal and professional development through supervision and training.
- Contribute to continuous service improvement through feedback and participation in quality initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Advanced Apprenticeship in Mental Health and Social Care or NVQ Level 3 in Substance Misuse. Demonstrable literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to GCSE or Functional Skills.
Essential Experience
- Experience working with individuals experiencing substance misuse, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Additional Information
- Priority consideration is given to NHS staff at risk of redundancy, provided the role matches their skillset and current band.
- New clinical staff in bands 2-4 are required to complete a Care Certificate.
- All employees new to the Trust undergo a 6-month probationary period.
- Disclosure & Barring Service checks are required for roles involving access to health service users.
Application Notes
- All communications will be sent via email; candidates should regularly check inboxes, including spam/junk folders.
- Applications may close early if a high volume is received, so prompt submission is advised.
- Travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed.
- Ensure complete referee contact details, particularly email addresses, are provided to prevent delays.
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust values diversity, flexibility, and the delivery of exceptional care, offering an excellent opportunity to contribute to the community while advancing professional skills.
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