Tobacco Dependence Advisor

Overview Are you passionate about helping others make life‑changing improvements to their health and wellbeing? We’re looking for a Tobacco Dependence Advisor to join our small, supportive team of three at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading. Smoking remains the largest cause of preventable illness and early death in the UK, and people experiencing mental health challenges are among the most at risk. Since becoming a smoke‑free trust in 2015, Berkshire Healthcare has been committed to supporting patients on their journey to better health – and you can be part of that. Responsibilities Supporting in‑patients through evidence‑based interventions to stop or reduce smoking. Providing motivation, encouragement and practical advice tailored to individual needs. Working collaboratively with healthcare professionals across the hospital. Contributing to reducing health inequalities and improving long‑term patient outcomes. Act as the Hospital Tobacco Dependence Advisor promoting the Trust’s smoke‑free policy. Providing a high‑quality tobacco dependence treatment service, ensuring all patients referred are screened and monitored using carbon‑monoxide testing. Working autonomously within the Mental Health In‑patient service. Coordinating the referrals received and carrying out comprehensive assessments and devising individual treatment plans to either help patients stop or to reduce harm from tobacco smoking. Providing risk assessment and supporting the MDT to mitigate the risk for patients on the caseload and ensuring good communication of any risks with ward clinical teams. Being responsible for the liaison between in‑patient services and specialist community smoking‑cessation services to ensure seamless support for patients on discharge. Taking the lead in post‑discharge liaison with CMHTs and the physical health team if appropriate. Follow‑up at 1 month to ascertain smoking status post‑discharge from hospital, providing face‑to‑face review if requested by the patient. Facilitating training on tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation to staff and supporting any staff quit attempts, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Working Hours This role offers a Monday‑Friday working pattern (8 am‑4 pm or 9 am‑5 pm). Qualifications Health‑related qualification or NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Health and Social Care, or Foundation degree, or evidenced relevant equivalent experience. Significant experience working with patients who have acute mental health needs. Previous experience of or a specialist interest in reducing health inequalities and health‑related harm from tobacco dependence. Application Process Applications for this role will be reviewed in the order they are received. The advert may close early if the right applicant is found. Please contact us on [email protected] for assistance with your application. No agencies, please. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion We welcome talent from all backgrounds and offer guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants and armed forces community members who meet the minimum criteria. Berkshire Healthcare fosters an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. Benefits Flexible working options to support work‑life balance. 27 days’ annual leave rising with service, plus opportunity to buy and sell. Generous NHS pension scheme. Excellent learning and career development opportunities. 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles. Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services. Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants. Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, environment and armed forces community to support equality. Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave. Free parking across Trust sites. Trusted Organisation Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust, rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. Our values are: Caring for and about you is our top priority; Committed to providing good quality, safe services; Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr