Job responsibilities
About Us
DrPA Secure has been operating in secure environments since 2014, providing high-quality healthcare services across the UK. We deliver our services based on our ethos of CARE:
Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive
Assurance that care is evidence-based and demonstrates high-quality outcomes for our patients
Respectful of peoples cultural and religious beliefs
Empowerment we centre each resident by co-creating holistic care plans that treat individual needs and support long-term wellbeing
Job Summary
The Substance Misuse Nurse provides specialist clinical care and recovery-focused interventions to individuals engaged with the criminal justice system who experience drug and/or alcohol misuse.
Working within the CANOL Offender Intervention Service, the post holder supports the delivery of integrated interventions and dispensing medication aimed at addressing substance misuse as a driver of offending behaviour, improving health outcomes, and reducing reoffending across South Wales custodial and community pathways.
The role contributes to a holistic programme offering therapeutic interventions and health and wellbeing support. The service works with people who have entered the criminal justice system due to substance misuse and aims to break cycles of harmful use and offending through coordinated multi-agency support
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Undertake comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments of individuals presenting with substance misuse issues.
Assess drug and alcohol dependence, withdrawal risks, and associated health concerns.
Work with the CANOL Multidisciplinary team to develop, implement individualised care and recovery plans.
Deliver evidence-based substance misuse interventions.
Monitor service users physical health and wellbeing.
Support safe detoxification and stabilisation programmes (where applicable).
Provide harm-reduction interventions including overdose prevention education.
Substance Misuse Interventions
Work collaboratively within probation, courts, prison and criminal justice settings.
Support individuals who have been sentenced by the courts to a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) and those who are transitioning from custody and community services.
Contribute to reducing substance-related offending behaviour.
Participate in risk assessments relating to harm, safeguarding, and vulnerability.
Liaise with probation, prison staff, healthcare providers, and third-sector partners.
CANOL operates as an integrated partnership service across prisons and justice services to reduce reoffending linked to substance misuse
Health Promotion & Education
- Deliver health promotion interventions addressing:
- Blood-borne viruses (BBV)
- Safer injecting practices
- Alcohol harm awareness
- Physical health improvement
- Encourage engagement in wellbeing, education, and recovery opportunities offered by the service.
Care Coordination
Work with CANOL partners to:
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation.
- Coordinate referrals to:
- Mental health services
- Community drug and alcohol teams
- Primary healthcare
- Social and recovery support services
- Support continuity of care on release from custody.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Identify safeguarding concerns for adults.
- Follow organisational safeguarding procedures.
- Participate in multi-agency risk management processes.
Multidisciplinary Team Working
- Work as part of an integrated team including:
- Recovery practitioners
- Criminal justice professionals
- Psychosocial staff
- Healthcare providers
- Attend case reviews and MDT meetings.
- Provide clinical advice to non-clinical colleagues.
Clinical Governance
- Adhere to NMC Code of Practice.
- Maintain professional registration and CPD.
- Participate in supervision, audit, and service evaluation.
- Follow prison security procedures and organisational policies.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (General or Mental Health)
- Current NMC Registration
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Essential Experience
- Experience working with substance misuse or addictions.
- Experience supporting vulnerable or complex populations.
- Clinical assessment and care planning experience.
Desirable Experience
- Prison or criminal justice healthcare.
- Community drug and alcohol services.
- Dual diagnosis experience.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment skills
- Risk assessment and safeguarding awareness
- Trauma-informed practice
- Excellent communication and engagement skills
- Ability to work autonomously and within MDT environments
- Understanding of recovery-focused approaches
Personal Attributes
- Structured and methodical
- Commercially aware and risk-focused
- Confident leading people and making decisions
- Comfortable escalating risks and raising concerns where necessary
- Able to work autonomously within an operational environment
General Information
The post holder may be required to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as reasonably needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Benefits
Pension salary scheme available
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support
Access to perks at work
Please note, in order to apply, all applicants need to have been living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa) for the last 5 years with no more than a 28-day break being outside of the UK and no gaps in employment during this time.
EMAIL CV TO: RECRUITMENT@DRPASECURE.CO.UK
Shortlisted candidates will be asked for RTW, DBS/CTC consent and references.
