Job Description

Key Activities The Specialist Nurse for the Alcohol & Drug Outreach Service will work in partnership with multi-agency professionals to meet the health needs of people experiencing drug and alcohol issues. This includes attending meetings, developing working relationships, and communicating effectively at all levels. They are responsible for maintaining their own safety and the safety of others, risk-assessing approaches to individuals, and ensuring all clinical activity is robustly and contemporaneously documented in line with organisational risk and lone working policies. The nurse must ensure effective communication regarding treatments, progress, and outcomes with other healthcare agencies, including GPs.



They will identify when individuals are not in contact with relevant services, such as GPs, mental health support, addictions services, or dentists, and support appropriate access. The role includes providing screening (e.g. blood spot testing for blood-borne viruses) and integrating care pathways for individuals infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. They will contribute to CGLs Naloxone Strategy by participating in and delivering training, distributing naloxone where appropriate.



Patient feedback will be actively sought, and individuals will be encouraged to participate in planning and service delivery. The nurse may also develop local policies and clinical guidelines to support service delivery. Managing ones workload efficiently to allow time for clinical work, data reporting, and participation in meetings is expected. Clinical Practice and Harm Reduction The nurse will deliver specialist harm reduction interventions and advanced healthcare, including making high-level clinical decisions and initiating interventions independently.



They will carry out holistic assessments addressing physical, mental health, addictions, safeguarding, housing, and social care needs. Outreach work involves carrying appropriate equipment to assess clinical risk and provide immediate care, including treatments such as wound dressings, while also signposting to mainstream services. Services may also be delivered via a harm reduction van. Service User Engagement They will develop therapeutic alliances using trauma-informed principles to build relationships and enable treatment.



Acting as a health case manager for service users with high unmet needs, they will work toward outcome-based goals. Safeguarding concerns will be identified and addressed appropriately through referral and contribution to safeguarding plans. The role includes advocating in line with the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use. General Terms of Reference The post holder will work flexibly across operational sites as needed and within agreed hours to meet service demands.



They will seek to improve personal performance through training, supervision, and appraisal, and stay informed about developments in legislation and practice. They are expected to implement all CGL policies, contribute to a safe working environment, and undertake other duties as appropriate. Completion of annual Data Protection Training is also required.