Tobacco Dependence Advisor
The closing date is 02 October 2025
Job summary
Smoking is the largest avoidable cause of death and disability in the UK. Treating tobacco dependence is a priority for clinicians and the NHS. Berkshire Health Care has been a smoke free trust since 2015. Smoking remains the largest cause of preventable early death and patients who experience mental health issues are most vulnerable.
In order for us to continue to improve our support to patients who smoke we require a Tobacco Dependence Advisor.
The Tobacco Dependence Advisor is a pivotal and exciting role based at Prospect Park Hospital within a small team .You will have the motivation and desire to work with a complex and often vulnerable group of patients to achieve the best possible outcomes, improve their quality of care and contribute to the overarching agenda of tackling avoidable illness from Tobacco Dependence and reducing health inequalities.
This role provides our patients with a real opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing through addressing smoking during their hospital admission and ensure appropriate support and follow up to continue their smokefree / cut down journey after discharge
A Monday-Friday 8am-4pm or 9-5 pm working pattern is just one of the attractions this opportunity provides.
Main duties of the job
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Act as the Hospital Tobacco Dependence Advisor promoting the Trusts smoke free policy
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This post holder will provide a high-quality tobacco dependence treatment service, ensuring all patients referred are screened and monitored using carbon monoxide testing.
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The Tobacco Dependence Advisor will work autonomously within the Mental Health Inpatient service.
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To coordinate the referrals received and carry out comprehensive assessments and devise individual treatment plans to either help patients stop, or to reduce harm from tobacco smoking
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To provide risk assessment and support the MDT to mitigate the risk for patients who are on the caseload and ensure good communications of any risks with ward clinical teams
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To be responsible for the liaison between inpatients services and specialist community Smoking cessation services to ensure seamless support for patients on discharge.
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To take the lead in post discharge liaison with CMHTs and the physical health team if appropriate.
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Follow up at 1 month to ascertain smoking status post discharge from hospital, providing face to face review if requested by the patient.
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The post holder will help facilitate training on tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation to staff and support any staff quit attempts ensuring they receive appropriate support.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
Details
Date posted
18 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
371-MHS826-A
Job locations
Tobacco Advisory , Prospect Park Hospital
Reading
RG30 4EJ
Employer details
Employer name
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address
Tobacco Advisory , Prospect Park Hospital
Reading
RG30 4EJ
Employer's website
https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
Supporting links (all open in new tabs)
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