Job Description

The Group Facilitator is a fast paced, highly rewarding, service user facing role integral to the smooth running and holistic offer of care and treatment to service users using the ARC Hounslow service.



You will need to be creative and possess determination to continually improve and adapt the offers of therapeutic, recovery and skill-based groups in order to promote recovery and independence amongst our service users.

We are looking for someone who has:

Good communication skills:

verbal and written, English to GCSE or equivalent



Experience in facilitating groups and individuals' activities



Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment



Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of service users with substance use issues.



Experience of working / lived experience in substance use and/or mental health settings is an advantage



If so, there is an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Group Facilitator to work alongside the Lead Group Facilitator, Senior Group Facilitator, Recovery Day Programme (RDP) team, Nurses, Recovery Practitioners, Peer Support Workers and Consultant Psychiatrist at ARC Hounslow. You will work closely with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) in leading on the facilitation of Psycho-Social Group interventions and other service user-centred activities.

CLINICAL:

1. To facilitate Psycho-Social based Group Work interventions for people experiencing substance use disorders



2. To engage service users into group work and promote a culture of hope and recovery



3. To support Service users to identify the most appropriate group work programme to meet their needs from a range of options.



4. To work closely with local and regional mutual aid groups and community-based aftercare options.



5. To promote and develop the group programme for service users at ARC Hounslow as well as the Recovery Day Programme, ensuring this enhances the therapeutic effect and evidence-based outcomes.



6. To assist service users to identify their strengths, personal interests and goals; providing opportunities for service users to direct their own recovery process.



7. To ensure timely and accurate documentation of all service user contact as well as support with all administrative tasks related to the running of the group work programme.



8. To support the delivery and facilitation of holistic recovery-oriented activities including creative groups and arts-based approaches.

COMMUNICATION:

1. To demonstrate effective communication skills and form positive working relationship, using warmth and empathy that enables service user empowerment.



2. To promote the role of the group work programme within the ARC Hounslow service.



3. Maintain professional relationships with particular attention to confidentiality and the maintenance of boundaries.



Job Flexibility



The post holder will be required to work flexibly, providing assistance as and when necessary, which may involve them in a developing role.



Working Relationships



The working relationship between all members of staff should be mutually supportive, with staff deputising and covering for each other when appropriate.



Health and Safety



Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust has a Health and Safety Policy applicable to all employees. Employees must be aware of the responsibility placed on them under the Employment Rights Act 1996, to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out, and to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors.



The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.



Please note there are new visa changes in place from 9th April 2025, the eligibility for a sponsorship has changed. Before submitting your application, please check out below link for further information regarding the qualifications or salary requirement to qualify for a skilled worker sponsorship: New rules to prioritise recruiting care workers in England - GOV.UK



The Group Facilitator will work closely with the Lead Group Facilitator, Senior Group Facilitator, Clinical Lead and Recovery Day Programme team to support in delivering a range of group interventions as part of the group work programme at ARC Hounslow. These will be evidence based and will include Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Activity based CBT-informed, Positive Psychology and Solution Focused interventions supporting service users from contemplating change through to long term recovery and aftercare.



The post holder will have appropriate awareness and/or working knowledge of therapies relevant to drug and alcohol disorders (i.e. Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, ITEP.) and have experience of assessment, care planning, case management, risk assessment and of offering individual and group-based recovery interventions. They will also promote the use of a 'coaching' role to support service users in identifying goals and developing personal recovery plans.



The aim of the role is to provide group interventions, using recovery principles, in order to improve the service users' quality of life and to support them to do the things they want to do and live the life they want to lead. The post holder will receive regular supervision by the Senior Group Facilitator and opportunities for training through CNWL Learning and Development and the Recovery and Wellbeing College. Staff are also encouraged to develop their skills through reflection and learning.



The post is based at ARC Hounslow which is a drug and alcohol service supporting service users with substance use issues. The role includes facilitating a programme of social, creative and therapeutic activities to both individuals and groups which promotes social inclusion for service users.