At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in overcoming drug and alcohol use through structured care and motivation.
- Company: Join Bristol Drugs Project, a leader in community support for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible role in a developing service with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in healthcare or social support is preferred; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44500 £ per year.
Location: Central & North Bristol
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: 10th August 2026 @ Midday
Interview Date: Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th August 2026
Job Reference: PCLW-HB
Accountable to: Operations Manager through the Locality Team Manager.
Supervised by: Opioid Team Leader.
Contract Type: Permanent
About BDP: Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) has been supporting the people of Bristol around their drug and alcohol use for the past 40 years. We are committed to providing accessible and appropriate support for anyone who needs it and to reduce the harms caused by drugs and/or alcohol. Workers at BDP come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but all share a drive to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with.
Our Horizons Service: Horizons is a brand new partnership that is delivering services to support people affected by drug and alcohol use in Bristol. We have partnered with Turning Point (who are lead provider) and seven other local and national providers: The Nelson Trust, Hawkspring, One 25, Southmead Development Trust, Southmead Project, Wellspring Settlement, and Release. As a partnership, we draw on the expertise of all of the organisations involved to create a service that best meets the unique needs of the people we support.
Purpose of the Role: Primary Care Liaison workers are based within the Treatment Team and have responsibility for delivering evidence-based, structured support to people with primary problematic opioid use and/or dependent alcohol use within Primary Care, working alongside and supporting GPs in delivering treatment. The role is to encourage ambition, motivate and support people to regain their independence from their substance use through the use of opioid substitution or alcohol detox medications coupled with packages of psychosocial care. Primary Care Liaison workers will provide harm reduction advice, inspire and encourage change and actively support individuals through maintenance or detox pathways. They will use a variety of evidenced approaches, including Contingency Management to support their work, and ensure that people link successfully to other services to meet their physical and mental health needs.
Principal Accountabilities:
- To encourage ambition, motivate and support individuals to become free from their problematic drug and/or alcohol use and to achieve their goals.
- Based in GP Practices, to provide a range of evidence-based, structured support packages to people with primary problematic opioid use and/or dependent alcohol use as part of a contractual arrangement with a GP.
- To establish and maintain good liaison with General Practitioners, their reception staff and wider health care team, participating in team meetings and training where appropriate.
- Following referral from GPs to provide assessments, continue opioid substitute prescriptions under GP clinical supervision through assessment and stabilisation, maintenance or detoxification pathways.
- Following referral from GPs to assess and prepare dependent alcohol users for and support them through and beyond medically assisted detoxification in collaboration with GPs or other prescribing professionals.
- To facilitate harm reduction amongst all service users being treated within Primary Care.
- To undertake urinalysis and mouth swab testing.
- To offer and encourage BBV testing and promote access to treatment regarding BBV infection where appropriate.
- In consultation with Team Leaders, to offer Contingency Management packages to service users in particular circumstances, to improve chances of best outcomes for those individuals.
- To work with individuals who have become free of problematic drug and alcohol use, and encourage ambition, motivate and support them in the early stages of their recovery journey, ensuring transitions within Horizons and beyond are seamless and accessible to all service users.
Qualifications and Experience: These are set out in the Person Specification.
Special Notes or Conditions: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is a prerequisite of offer of employment. Post-holders are required to have a Hepatitis B vaccination. This is a post in a developing service, which involves a wide range of agencies. The priorities for this role will be under review and may change as the service develops requiring flexibility from the post holder.
What we offer:
- 27 days annual leave yearly which increases by 1 day every year to a maximum of 32 days after 5 years of service PLUS bank holidays
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
- Thorough line management and reflective practice programme
- Extensive and ongoing training
- Cycle to work scheme
Recruiting | Primary Care Liaison Worker in Bristol employer: Bristol Drug Project
The Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, BDP offers opportunities for growth while working alongside passionate professionals in a collaborative environment. Located in the heart of Central and North Bristol, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere that enhances both personal and professional life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruiting | Primary Care Liaison Worker in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bristol Drug Project.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bristol Drug Project!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bristol Drug Project, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bristol Drug Project or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Recruiting | Primary Care Liaison Worker in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bristol Drug Project:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bristol Drug Project! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Drug Project
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
