States of Guernsey

Senior Substance Misuse Practitioner

The closing date is 04 September 2025

Job summary

The States of Guernsey are looking for a Senior Substance Misuse Practitioner Band 6 to join the team at the Community Drug and Alcohol Team.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, Specialist Mental Health Services facilitating specialist assessment and interventions in a wide variety of settings. The role includes managing the initial stages of medication induction and detoxing of individuals either as an in-patient or in the community. The post holder will provide multi-agency and multi-disciplinary links with the HSC mental health and acute health services, including the Orchard Clinic to facilitate service provision for blood borne virus treatment and sexual health. We also support in-reach into the States of Guernsey Prison Service

About us

The Island of Guernsey is in the English Channel in the Bay of St Malo, 50km off the north-west coast of France and 120km from the English coast.

Guernsey has a population of around 63,000 and in Alderney just under 2,000. Working in a relatively small Health and Social Care Service like ours means you can effectively work with colleagues across the services, health and social care professionals can collaborate not only with each other but also other agencies, the third sector and the community.

We offer an attractive relocation policy and competitive salaries with great career opportunities, modern facilities, excellent training, revalidation and registration support and a healthy work-life balance.

As a health or social care professional who chooses to join our team, you can look forward to working in an environment that gives you the time to care that you hoped for when choosing this career.

Details

Date posted

28 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£46,152 to £62,310 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

K0005-25-0136

Job locations

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

Le Vauquiedor

St. Martin

Guernsey

GY4 6UU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibility for Patient/Service User Care

1.To undertake the assessment of patients/service users with complex needs including individuals with unconfirmed diagnosis.

2.To develop, implement and evaluate specialised programmes of care utilising evidence and research.

3.To work autonomously, recognising changes in patients'/service users' presentation which require intervention, knowing when to escalate as appropriate.

4.To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of specialised patient/service user care.

5.To promote patient/service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care, respecting their beliefs and dignity.

6.To utilise data and information from a range of sources to identify patient/service user condition to guide decision making.

7.Within field of expertise and policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a diagnosis.

8.To undertake the role of health promoter and educator for patients/service users and their support networks.

9.To ensure that professional standards are upheld by the staff members working within the postholders sphere of responsibility.

10.To report all accidents and incidents as per policy and participate in risk management and Quality and Safety processes e.g SWARM.

11.To be accountable for ensuring that safeguards are in place for patients/service users and escalate any safety, safeguarding or risk concerns following the appropriate processes.

Communication

1.To build a therapeutic relationship with patients/service users and their support network, communicating with them in a way that respects their views, language, cultural differences and cognitive function.

2.To use a wide range of communication skills that can be adapted to meet the needs of complex and challenging situations.

3.To manage conflict between individuals including staff, patients/service users and their support network.

4.To establish effective working relations with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and outside agencies, clearly relaying condition related information in a timely and effective manner.

5.Communicates to patients/service users and support networks compassionately, in a confidential and sensitive professional manner.

6.To provide clear, concise, and accurate electronic and paper records of the care given in accordance with agreed policy and standards.

Leadership

1.To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values.

2.To take charge of the department or service as required.

3.To co-ordinate nurse led and multi-agency activities within area of specialist practice.

4.To contribute to team success and excellent standards of care by challenging others constructively, upholding HSCs CARE Values.

5.To ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies and procedures and implications that they have for their practice.

6.To undertake Values Based Appraisals for staff as required and support such staff with performance issues, developing action plans to address developmental needs.

7.To contribute to the recruitment of team members and ensure a positive and supportive working environment for all staff.

8.To advocate on behalf of patients and service users.

9.To take accountability and reflect on own decisions and actions using available support networks.

Planning and Organisation

1.To organise own workload and tasks and that of others, demonstrating the ability to recognise changing priorities and adjusting plans accordingly.

2.To assist with shift planning/work scheduling for the service area including the appropriate allocation of staff to ensure safe levels of care.

3.To coordinate and delegate activities to junior colleagues where applicable within agreed systems of working, considering required skill mix and staffing levels, in accordance with patient/service user need.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibility for Patient/Service User Care

1.To undertake the assessment of patients/service users with complex needs including individuals with unconfirmed diagnosis.

2.To develop, implement and evaluate specialised programmes of care utilising evidence and research.

3.To work autonomously, recognising changes in patients'/service users' presentation which require intervention, knowing when to escalate as appropriate.

4.To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of specialised patient/service user care.

5.To promote patient/service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care, respecting their beliefs and dignity.

6.To utilise data and information from a range of sources to identify patient/service user condition to guide decision making.

7.Within field of expertise and policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a diagnosis.

8.To undertake the role of health promoter and educator for patients/service users and their support networks.

9.To ensure that professional standards are upheld by the staff members working within the postholders sphere of responsibility.

10.To report all accidents and incidents as per policy and participate in risk management and Quality and Safety processes e.g SWARM.

11.To be accountable for ensuring that safeguards are in place for patients/service users and escalate any safety, safeguarding or risk concerns following the appropriate processes.

Communication

1.To build a therapeutic relationship with patients/service users and their support network, communicating with them in a way that respects their views, language, cultural differences and cognitive function.

2.To use a wide range of communication skills that can be adapted to meet the needs of complex and challenging situations.

3.To manage conflict between individuals including staff, patients/service users and their support network.

4.To establish effective working relations with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and outside agencies, clearly relaying condition related information in a timely and effective manner.

5.Communicates to patients/service users and support networks compassionately, in a confidential and sensitive professional manner.

6.To provide clear, concise, and accurate electronic and paper records of the care given in accordance with agreed policy and standards.

Leadership

1.To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values.

2.To take charge of the department or service as required.

3.To co-ordinate nurse led and multi-agency activities within area of specialist practice.

4.To contribute to team success and excellent standards of care by challenging others constructively, upholding HSCs CARE Values.

5.To ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies and procedures and implications that they have for their practice.

6.To undertake Values Based Appraisals for staff as required and support such staff with performance issues, developing action plans to address developmental needs.

7.To contribute to the recruitment of team members and ensure a positive and supportive working environment for all staff.

8.To advocate on behalf of patients and service users.

9.To take accountability and reflect on own decisions and actions using available support networks.

Planning and Organisation

1.To organise own workload and tasks and that of others, demonstrating the ability to recognise changing priorities and adjusting plans accordingly.

2.To assist with shift planning/work scheduling for the service area including the appropriate allocation of staff to ensure safe levels of care.

3.To coordinate and delegate activities to junior colleagues where applicable within agreed systems of working, considering required skill mix and staffing levels, in accordance with patient/service user need.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Two years experience in the a specialist substance use or mental health setting.
  • The ability to evidence how HSCs CARE Values are applied in practice
  • Evidence of relevant CPD in the field of mental health or substance misuse
  • A high standard of communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal with complex and challenging situations in a calm and diplomatic manner
  • The ability to effectively prioritise own workload and that of others
  • The ability to work autonomously and also as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support service users, families, carers and any other relevant people
  • Commitment to self development and the development of others
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing service needs
  • Ability to deal with stress in self and others, recognising when support is required
  • Experience of facilitating evidence based psychosocial interventions within specialist mental health and substance use fields
  • Experience of working autonomously and as part of the MDT managing complexity on the caseload which could include a wide variety of identified need, risk and safeguarding

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (NMC register or Registered Social Worker)
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Two years experience in the a specialist substance use or mental health setting.
  • The ability to evidence how HSCs CARE Values are applied in practice
  • Evidence of relevant CPD in the field of mental health or substance misuse
  • A high standard of communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal with complex and challenging situations in a calm and diplomatic manner
  • The ability to effectively prioritise own workload and that of others
  • The ability to work autonomously and also as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support service users, families, carers and any other relevant people
  • Commitment to self development and the development of others
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing service needs
  • Ability to deal with stress in self and others, recognising when support is required
  • Experience of facilitating evidence based psychosocial interventions within specialist mental health and substance use fields
  • Experience of working autonomously and as part of the MDT managing complexity on the caseload which could include a wide variety of identified need, risk and safeguarding

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (NMC register or Registered Social Worker)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

States of Guernsey

Address

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

Le Vauquiedor

St. Martin

Guernsey

GY4 6UU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.gg/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

States of Guernsey

Address

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

Le Vauquiedor

St. Martin

Guernsey

GY4 6UU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.gg/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Jeff Evans

jeff.evans@gov.gg

01481224272

Details

Date posted

28 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£46,152 to £62,310 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

K0005-25-0136

Job locations

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

Le Vauquiedor

St. Martin

Guernsey

GY4 6UU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

States of Guernsey's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)