Drug and Alcohol Practitioner - FTC 12 months

HMP Chelmsford is a busy local remand prison, and we are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our team.

The successful candidate will provide client-centred support to prisoners experiencing problematic substance misuse, using both harm reduction and abstinence-based approaches depending on the individual needs of each client.

Working as part of an integrated healthcare team, you will play a key role in supporting people to make positive changes, reduce substance-related harm and prepare for a successful transition back into the community.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a caseload of clients with problematic substance misuse.
• Providing client-centred, evidence-based support using harm reduction and abstinence-based approaches.
• Completing comprehensive assessments and care plans based on individual needs.
• Providing appropriate harm reduction advice, information and guidance.
• Delivering structured 1:1 support sessions focused on substance misuse and low-level mental health.
• Facilitating group-work sessions covering substance misuse and low-level mental health topics.
• Providing transitional and throughcare support to help clients prepare for release and resettlement in the community.
• Working closely with a range of internal and external services to ensure clients receive appropriate support.

Supporting clients with access to services including:

• Housing
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Probation
• Gym and wellbeing services
• Transitional services
• External Drug Intervention Teams
• Contributing to the targets and outcomes set by Forward and local commissioners.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case notes and records.
• Producing high-quality progress reports for clients where required, ensuring information is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Working as part of an integrated healthcare framework and contributing positively to the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Building effective professional relationships with clients and partner agencies to support positive outcomes.

What we’re looking for

• A compassionate and non-judgemental approach to supporting people affected by substance misuse.
• Experience of working with individuals experiencing substance misuse or related support needs.
• An understanding of both harm reduction and abstinence-based treatment approaches.
• The ability to complete effective assessments and develop appropriate care plans.
• Experience of delivering structured 1:1 and/or group sessions.
• Good understanding of low-level mental health needs and how these can interact with substance misuse.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary and integrated healthcare team.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce accurate, clear and professional case notes and reports.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external services.
• A commitment to supporting clients with their throughcare, resettlement and transition from prison into the community.
• A flexible, professional and proactive approach to your work.
• A genuine commitment to helping people make positive and sustainable changes in their lives.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. By providing consistent, person-centred support during custody and helping clients access the right services before release, you will play an important role in reducing substance-related harm and supporting successful resettlement in the community.

Please note HMPPS vetting is needed for this role and can take up to 12 weeks. Please also see the job description attached for more information.

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