Job Description

Job Title:

Addiction Therapist (Bank)/ Part Time

Job Purpose:

To provide compassionate and effective care to individuals experiencing substance use disorders within an addiction treatment setting, supporting their recovery process through therapeutic interventions, assessments, and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct thorough initial assessments of patients to identify their needs and develop personalised treatment plans.

Provide individual and group therapy sessions focusing on addiction recovery, emotional wellbeing, relapse prevention, and coping strategies.

Monitor and document patient progress, including behavioural changes, treatment goals, and any arising challenges.

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including medical staff, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure holistic patient care.

Educate patients and their families about substance misuse, addiction recovery, and available coping mechanisms.

Lead or co-facilitate group therapy sessions, workshops, and recovery-focused activities.

Ensure accurate and timely documentation in line with legal and hospital requirements, particularly regarding patient care, progress, and treatment outcomes.

Be a positive role model, demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms and a professional attitude towards addiction recovery.

Assist in discharge planning, ensuring patients are equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and support for continued recovery after treatment.

Maintain professional standards and adhere to the ethical guidelines of the profession.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

A degree in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or a related field.

Accredited member of a professional body such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), or another equivalent UK accreditation body.

At least three years post-qualification experience in a relevant setting, working directly with clients with substance use disorders.

Qualifications in Integrative Approaches to therapy are accepted, provided they align with relevant professional standards and accreditation.

A good understanding of trauma-sensitive care.

Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.

The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently when required.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information with discretion and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to patient care.

Working Hours and Availability:

This is a 7-day program, so the role requires flexibility to work weekends, mainly Saturdays, when necessary.

Candidates must be able to accommodate weekend shifts as part of the rotating schedule to ensure continuous care for patients.

Desirable Qualifications:

Experience working with dual-diagnosis patients (those with both substance misuse and mental health issues).

Knowledge of relapse prevention techniques and crisis intervention strategies.

Familiarity with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for addiction treatment.

Understanding of the legal framework around addiction treatment in the UK, including the Mental Health Act (1983).

Knowledge of local community resources and aftercare services.

Key Competencies:

Strong assessment and diagnostic skills, with the ability to develop and implement person-centred treatment plans.

Excellent listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to manage patient behaviour and crisis situations in a calm, professional manner.

Desiccation skills, with the ability to remain non-judgmental in difficult situations.

A solid understanding of safeguarding protocols and procedures for vulnerable adults and young people.

Strong ethical standards, particularly related to patient confidentiality, and a commitment to providing care in line with the NHS values.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to manage the physical demands of the role, including engaging with patients in group and individual settings, and supporting crisis situations when required.

Ability to sit for long periods and engage actively with patients through both therapy and recovery-focused activities.