About this role
Job summary
The Drug and Alcohol Worker will be an integral member of the Neighbourhood Project Pilot, working across the Primary Care Network (PCN) and local communities to identify, engage, and support individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse.
The role will focus on improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities, preventing escalation of substance misuse issues, and increasing access to treatment and recovery services. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting young people and young adults affected by substance misuse, including the growing prevalence of ketamine use and dependency.
Working within a multidisciplinary neighbourhood model, the post holder will provide early intervention, harm reduction, assessment, care planning, recovery support, community outreach, and partnership working to address substance misuse within local communities.
The role will work closely with GP practices, schools, colleges, youth services, social prescribing teams, mental health practitioners, community organisations, local authorities, and specialist drug and alcohol services to deliver person-centred and trauma-informed support.
Main duties of the job
What You'll Do
In this varied and rewarding role, you will:
Identify and engage individuals experiencing drug and alcohol-related issues through referrals, outreach, and community-based initiatives. Undertake assessments and develop personalised support and recovery plans. Deliver brief interventions, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction advice. Support individuals to access treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and community support services. Provide education and awareness around substance misuse and associated risks. Work with young people affected by substance misuse, including ketamine dependency. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, community organisations, and local support services. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and neighbourhood case discussions. Support health improvement, prevention, and wellbeing initiatives across local communities. Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
About us
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, with General Practices grouping together to form a network of Practices, supported by a number of additional clinical roles.
The St Helens South Primary Care Network Limited Company (PCN) is the organisation that delivers the core components of the PCN Contract as well as supports the wider Primary Care system and tenders for, designs and develops new/ existing services for the benefit of the St Helens South population.
The PCN is comprised of 10 Practices in the St Helens South areas. The practices have a combined geographic area made up of around 85,000 patients.
This role will contribute to the improving quality of care of our patients across the PCN and its network of practices.
Job description Job responsibilities
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated, compassionate, and proactive Drugs & Alcohol Worker to join our friendly and supportive St Helens South Primary Care Network (PCN) team.
This exciting new role forms part of our Neighbourhood Project Pilot and will focus on supporting individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse across our communities.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help identify, engage, and support people experiencing substance misuse issues, providing early intervention, harm reduction advice, recovery-focused support, and signposting into specialist services.
A key aspect of the role will involve supporting young people and young adults affected by substance misuse, particularly those experiencing issues related to ketamine use and dependency.
You will work closely with GP practices, social prescribing teams, mental health practitioners, schools, colleges, youth services, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and specialist treatment providers to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities across St Helens South.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of working with individuals affected by drug and/or alcohol misuse. Experience undertaking assessments and developing support plans. Experience managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records. Experience working in partnership with healthcare, social care, voluntary sector, or community organisations. Experience supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs.
Desirable
Experience working within Primary Care Networks, General Practice, Community Health Services, or Integrated Care Systems. Experience working within neighbourhood or community-based projects. Experience supporting young people affected by substance misuse. Experience working with individuals affected by ketamine dependency. Experience delivering group work, health promotion, or educational sessions.
Qualifications Essential
Relevant qualification in Health and Social Care, Substance Misuse, Community Development, Counselling, Youth Work, Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, or equivalent experience. Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
Motivational Interviewing qualification or training. Substance Misuse Practitioner qualification. Safeguarding Children and Adults training. Mental Health First Aid or equivalent.
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Essential: Understanding of substance misuse, addiction, recovery models, and harm reduction approaches. Knowledge of drug and alcohol treatment pathways. Understanding of health inequalities and wider determinants of health. Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures relating to children and vulnerable adults. Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches. Knowledge of confidentiality, information governance, and data protection requirements.
Desirable
Knowledge of emerging drug trends, including ketamine misuse among young people. Understanding of local community assets and neighbourhood working models. Knowledge of NHS Primary Care and Integrated Care Systems.
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.
Employer details Employer name St Helens South PCN (Rainhill Village Surgery)
Address St Helens South PCN Ltd
Elephant Ln,
Thatto Heath
St Helens
Merseyside
WA9 5PR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hollybanksurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)