Treatment Practitioner in Pontypool

The Gwent Drug and Alcohol service provides support to individuals and families affected by substance use across all 5 local authorities. As part of our service re-launch, we are recruiting for new roles across the service that align with the vision of the Gwent APB Substance Misuse Commissioning Team. We are seeking empathetic and dedicated individuals with experiences from a range of sectors to join us in establishing a new, innovative drug and alcohol treatment service. We welcome people with experience of working not just in substance misuse but in housing, mental health, primary care, secondary care, youth services, probation and other sectors that have transferable skills. We welcome individuals with their own lived experience of drug and alcohol use and/or mental health and those who have supported others with lived experience.

GDAS Values

• GDAS is delivered in consortium with 3 of Wales' largest substance misuse providers; Kaleidoscope, Barod and G4S.
• To share our individual specialisms and best practice to enhance our integrated service delivery.
• To commit to and drive innovation in order to ensure we are constantly improving our treatment offer.
• To embrace a culture of candour, using lessons learnt as an opportunity to reflect on and improve our systems.
• To embrace the principles of the Healthier Wales Strategy, collaborating with our social care partners and service users to create a seamless whole system approach that focuses on improving health and wellbeing.
• To recognise and respond to the movement of individuals across open access and criminal justice pathways by using our knowledge of both Gwent and national criminal justice strategic direction and priorities.

ROLE PURPOSE

Support a caseload of individuals using our Open Access service, who require in-depth therapeutic solutions as part of a whole service response.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Case Work
  • Via 1:1 or group setting, deliver to Open Access service users: Engagement services to drug and alcohol service users through provision of initial assessment, signposting and onwards referral.
  • Deliver Active Treatment services to drug (High Intensity) and alcohol service users via comprehensive assessment and care coordination to ensure service users receive integrated care-planned treatment appropriate to their level of need and readiness to change.
  • Deliver detox and early aftercare services for drug and alcohol service users through detox preparation support, liaison and supporting Medically Assisted Recovery programmes, attending medical assessments and reviews with the GDAS medical team, linking with Tier 4 services and liaison with GPs.
  • Provide a suite of interventions, as part of a multi-disciplinary approach, for those with complex needs.
  • Provide structured group work programmes and sessions.
  • Liaise and signpost with external agencies including, but not limited to, specialist substance misuse services, mental health, sexual health, housing, debt and finance.
  • Undertake risk assessment and development of risk management plans.
  • Inspire and enthuse individuals to achieve and maintain positive lifestyle changes.
• Harm Reduction Provision
  • Deliver harm reduction services and advice, including provision of Prenoxad Training, Needle Exchange Programme (NEX) and Dry Blood Spot Testing (DBST).
• Compliance and Information Management
  • Ensure compliance with internal case management systems and client records.
  • Undertake appropriate monitoring, review and evaluation procedures.
  • Adhere to host organisation and GDAS policies and procedures including safeguarding and boundaries.
  • Undertake appropriate administrative tasks.
• Networking and Awareness Raising
  • Foster and sustain good working relationships with stakeholders, including local partners within the local authorities and the health board.
  • Represent host organisation or GDAS in appropriate forums and groups.
  • Deliver talks, workshops, presentations, and provide training where appropriate.
• Development & Training
  • Provide a lead role in an area related to the role e.g. safeguarding, needle exchange (full training will be provided).
  • Engage in a range of tools and methods designed to support further development in practice, including, but not limited to, Over 50’s training, the GDAS Worker Development Tool, Supervision, Reflective Practice and Group Supervisions.
  • Commitment to Learning and Practice Plans, ensuring knowledge and training remain up to date.
• Other
  • Act as a link worker for GDAS volunteers.
  • Ensure sound joint working practice to deliver an integrated holistic care pathway by working as required with other GDAS disciplines and teams.
  • Communicate host organisation and GDAS vision and deliver upon mission, corporate strategy and business plans.
  • Take up arrangements for support and participate in all relevant internal meetings.
  • Undertake other reasonable duties as requested but which may not be specified within the job description.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Ideally all these requirements must be met by the candidate on appointment. However, in certain circumstances, a candidate may be appointed who does not meet a particular requirement. This is provided that the shortfall can be made good in a reasonable time and the candidate brings other skills, knowledge or experience which are valuable to the role and the Organisation.

• Qualifications and training
  • Expected to meet basic skills in numeracy and literacy.
  • Completed accredited training in structured psychosocial interventions.
  • NVQ Level 3 or above in a health and social care qualification or equivalent.
  • Psychology, Criminology or other related degree.
  • Counselling qualifications.
• Role-related knowledge, skills and experience
  • Experience of giving advice and support concerning housing, benefits, education and employment.
  • Knowledge of the harmful effects associated with drug and alcohol use, in relation to health, social welfare, housing, employability and relationships.
  • Knowledge of ACE informed practice.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
  • Ability to develop relationships with strategic partners and other external parties/ organisations.
  • Record keeping and report writing.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365.
  • Experience of working within the field of substance misuse.
  • Demonstrable experience of providing manualised interventions.
  • Trained in: Motivational Interviewing, Controlled Drinking, Cognitive Behavioural Coping Skills, Social Behaviour and Network Therapy.
  • Knowledge of sexual health, mental health awareness, and harm reduction initiatives.
  • Experienced Palbase user.
• Interpersonal skills
  • Empathic.
  • Credible.
  • Unconditional positive regard.
  • Ability to work in partnership with those who use our services.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Ability to strengthen self-efficacy in others.
  • Supports a Recovery and Harm Reduction ethos.
  • Personal drive and resilience.
  • Quality and compliance focus.
  • Initiative and creativity.
  • Organised and structured in approach to work.
  • Ability to manage time effectively.

The post holder will be required to work flexibly around the needs of the people who use our services. This may include work at multiple locations and flexible working hours outside of the normal working week and may include weekends. This role involves travel across Gwent to offices and community settings (with occasional possibility of transporting volunteers/clients). Therefore the post holder is required to have a full current driving licence, permitting them to drive their vehicle in the UK, and have full access to their own personal mode of transport which is insured for business use.

Personal Attributes

Commitment to uphold the GDAS values.