Job Description

As a Band 5 Substance Misuse Nurse at HMP & YOI Styal Women's Prison, you will be a vital part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality nursing care to women with complex substance use needs. Working under the guidance of the Lead Nurse, you will help plan and deliver effective, person-centred services in a secure setting.
Your responsibilities will include the safe administration of prescribed medications, monitoring for side effects, and promoting treatment adherence. You'll conduct clinical assessments, contribute to care planning, and deliver evidence-based interventions that support harm reduction and recovery.
Collaborating with the psychosocial team, wider healthcare staff, and external agencies, you will ensure each patient receives integrated, holistic support. You'll also engage in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and reflective practice to maintain high standards of care.
Your role will support a safe, therapeutic environment that encourages rehabilitation and wellbeing. Flexibility is key, as you may assist with broader nursing duties as needed. If you are passionate about recovery-focused care and making a meaningful difference, this role offers a rewarding opportunity.
Main duties of the job
Deliver high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to women with substance misuse issues within a secure environment.
Administer prescribed medications (including OST) safely, accurately, and in line with clinical guidelines.
Monitor and manage patients for side effects or adverse reactions to prescribed treatments.
Conduct comprehensive assessments and contribute to the development, implementation, and review of personalised care plans.
Work collaboratively with the psychosocial team and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic, integrated care.
Promote treatment engagement and support service users in their recovery journey.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional and legal standards.
Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development.
Contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment that prioritises dignity, confidentiality, and trauma-informed care.
Take part in supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development.
Provide support to the wider nursing team and demonstrate flexibility in meeting operational and clinical demands.
About us
BE THE DIFFERENCE IN HEALTHCARE
Join our team
We're looking for passionate individuals to join our diverse and innovative team.
Whether you are starting out in your healthcare journey or are an experienced healthcare professional looking for a new challenge we've got a role for you!

• Access to NHS Pension
• Annual leave on your Birthday
• Welcome payment for some posts
• Refer a friend scheme
• Training and Development opportunities
• Flexible Working
• Access to Employee Assistance and Health and Wellbeing programmes
• Up to 33 days annual leave

We have an ambition to become a truly lived experience inclusive employer, changing how we approach staff experience and value personal stories our colleagues bring with them.
We welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who belong to LGBTQIA+ Community and are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and Asexual, people with a disability, neurodivergent applicants and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Spectrum Community Health CIC provides a range of award-winning healthcare services on behalf of the NHS, Local Authority Public Health services, and other partners across substance misuse, sexual health, and health and justice settings. As a not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company our focus is centred on people - our patients, service users, staff and partners.
Details
Date posted
24 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
29,970 to 36,483 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
847-RM-25-V609
Job locations
HMP Styal
Styal Road
WIlmslow
SK9 4HR
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached and Person Specification for further information on the advertised role. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached and Person Specification for further information on the advertised role.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential

• Registered Nurse (RMN, RGN, or RNLD) with current NMC registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

• Training in substance misuse or addiction (e.g. RCGP Part 1/2, or similar CPD)

Experience
Essential

• Experience or a strong interest in working with individuals affected by substance misuse
• Experience of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care
• Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Experience participating in clinical audits or service evaluations
• Experience with dual diagnosis or working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience in delivering Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) or other prescribed treatments for substance misuse

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the physical, psychological, and social impact of substance misuse
• Ability to administer medication safely and monitor for side effects
• Awareness of safeguarding procedures and ability to promote service user safety
• Ability to manage clinical risk and respond to challenging behaviour appropriately
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including accurate clinical documentation
• Basic IT skills and familiarity with electronic patient records

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies, including the Mental Health Act, NICE guidelines, and Controlled Drugs regulations
• Understanding of the specific needs of women in custody and experience delivering women-centred care
• Experience supervising or supporting students or junior staff
• Experience contributing to audits, service evaluation, or quality improvement initiatives

Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential

• Registered Nurse (RMN, RGN, or RNLD) with current NMC registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

• Training in substance misuse or addiction (e.g. RCGP Part 1/2, or similar CPD)

Experience
Essential

• Experience or a strong interest in working with individuals affected by substance misuse
• Experience of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care
• Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Experience participating in clinical audits or service evaluations
• Experience with dual diagnosis or working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience in delivering Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) or other prescribed treatments for substance misuse

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the physical, psychological, and social impact of substance misuse
• Ability to administer medication safely and monitor for side effects
• Awareness of safeguarding procedures and ability to promote service user safety
• Ability to manage clinical risk and respond to challenging behaviour appropriately
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including accurate clinical documentation
• Basic IT skills and familiarity with electronic patient records

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies, including the Mental Health Act, NICE guidelines, and Controlled Drugs regulations
• Understanding of the specific needs of women in custody and experience delivering women-centred care
• Experience supervising or supporting students or junior staff
• Experience contributing to audits, service evaluation, or quality improvement initiatives