Alcohol and Substance Misuse Nurse Specialist

Job summary Job Overview An exciting opportunity has arisen to work at University Lewisham Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the Alcohol and Substance Misuse Team. We are looking for individuals who possess a caring, positive attitude and are dedicated and conscientious. Good communication abilities, compassion and organisational skills are paramount. The candidates will have the ability to lead by example and work well in a team. Previous applicants need not apply. Main duties of the job The Alcohol and Substance Specialist Nurse will be an integral member of the Alcohol and Substance Care Team which provides care and treatment for patients with alcohol and drug misuse. The Alcohol and Substance Specialist Nurse will work as an autonomous practitioner in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of patient care for those who present with alcohol misuse, alcohol related injuries and substance misuse. To advise Trust staff on the care and management of acute alcohol withdrawal, substance misuse, deliver training to staff on brief interventions and participate in the development and delivery of education programmes for Trust staff in the speciality of alcohol and drug misuse. Willing to be flexible to meet the needs of this new team and you must demonstrate knowledge, expertise and passion in working within the speciality of alcohol and substance misuse. About us Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations: Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development Widening access (anchor institution) and employability Improving the experience of staff with disability Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development Making equalities mainstream Details Date posted04 December 2025 Pay schemeAgenda for change BandBand 6 Salary£38,638 to £46,581 a year Per annum plus HCA ContractPermanent Working patternFull-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference number197-AJ7644 Job locationsQueen Elizabeth Hospital / University Hospital LewishamStadium RoadWoolwichSE18 4QH Job responsibilities To comprehensively assess patients, gaining information about their physical health, mental health, social issues as well as their alcohol and substance misuse history to format a plan of care based on the patients individual needs. To advise clinical staff on the management of patients experiencing acute alcohol and substance misuse withdrawal, including detoxification medication and vitamin prescribing. To advise and support emergency department staff on the admission criteria for patients with alcohol and substance misuse issues attending the department. To liaise with and build strong professional relationships with other healthcare professionals both within the hospital and external agencies to meet the needs of the patient. To screen patients to identify those at risk from alcohol related health and social problems (hazardous drinkers) and those whose health is being damaged by alcohol (harmful drinkers) and undertake appropriate interventions or referrals. To undertake individual case management to provide immediate and on-going support to those patients who are unsuitable or unwilling to engage in community services. Qualifications and Training (Essential) Registered Nurse Level 1 Register 1st Level Degree or equivalent Teaching and assessing qualification Well developed interpersonal skills Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Evidence of continued professional development of self and other health care professionals Qualifications and Training (Desirable) Counselling course Specialist course Previous experience working with patients with Alcohol and Substance Misuse Experience (Essential) Minimum two years post-registration experience of working with people with Substance misuse related problems Experience of working within the multidiciplinary team Experience of liaising with other agencies Experience in developing and delivering teaching programmes Knowledge of the impact alcohol misuse can have on physical health, mental health and social issues. Experience (Desirable) Previous experience in the specialty Experience of working in alcohol liaison within an acute hospital. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Queen Elizabeth Hospital / University Hospital Lewisham Stadium Road Woolwich SE18 4QH Employer's website https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) #J-18808-Ljbffr