At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage patients with ketamine-related harm and connect them to treatment and recovery services.
- Company: Join Bristol Drugs Project, a leader in harm reduction for 40 years.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping innovative care models.
- Qualifications: Experience in drug and alcohol services or personal experience with ketamine dependence.
The predicted salary is between 30987 - 30987 £ per year.
Full Time 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: 05th October 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Job Reference: KP-BDP
Contract Type: 12 month fixed term (with possibility of extension)
Accountable to: Harm Reduction and Innovation Lead
Location: Bristol Urological Institute
Salary: £30,987.34 per annum pro rata
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for people who use ketamine? Do you want to work at the forefront of an emerging and complex area of need?
About this role:
This is an exciting time to join Bristol Drugs Project. In 2026, BDP is launching an ambitious new five-year strategy, setting out how we will deepen our impact, respond to emerging harms and strengthen our role as a valued treatment provider. This year also marks 40 years of harm reduction at BDP - four decades of standing alongside people who use drugs and alcohol, challenging stigma and championing evidence-based, compassionate approaches.
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Specialist Ketamine Practitioner to join an innovative pilot role embedded within the Bristol Urological Institute (BUI) at Southmead Hospital. Ketamine use is rising across the South West, and increasing numbers of patients are presenting with serious urological complications. This new role offers a unique opportunity to work directly within a hospital setting to support individuals at a critical intervention point, bridging the gap between acute care, community treatment, and recovery support. As the BUI cares for patients from across the South West, this role will work across commissioning boundaries and will be able to support people to engage with their local drug treatment provider, wherever they are based.
Key Responsibilities:
- You will work alongside urology teams to engage patients experiencing ketamine-related harm, offering specialist advice, assertive support, and clear pathways into treatment and recovery services.
- This is not a traditional role. You will:
- Build trusted relationships with patients at a point of heightened motivation
- Provide expert, non-judgemental guidance on ketamine use and its health impacts
- Actively connect individuals with treatment services, peer support, and recovery communities
- Help shape a more integrated and effective system response
What We're Looking For:
- We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong professional experience in drug and alcohol services or personal experience of ketamine dependence
- Is an independent and assertive individual, able to establish rapport with other professionals from a range of backgrounds
- Can confidently engage individuals who may not have accessed support before
- Is proactive, persistent, and skilled in assertive outreach
- Has excellent knowledge in ketamine-related harm
- Is passionate about improving access to treatment and long-term recovery
About BDP:
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) has been supporting the people of Bristol around their drug and alcohol 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 workers' values come above their job history or qualifications. If you share our attitudes, we can teach you the skills needed for the job.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a pioneering, high-impact role
- Work across clinical and community systems
- Help develop an innovative model of care
- Contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for a growing population in need
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 | Specialist Ketamine Advanced Practitioner (Non-Clinical) 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 | Specialist Ketamine Advanced Practitioner (Non-Clinical)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Bristol Drug Project.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Bristol Drug Project.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Bristol Drug Project.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Bristol Drug Project. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Recruiting | Specialist Ketamine Advanced Practitioner (Non-Clinical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Bristol Drug Project. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Recruiting | Specialist Ketamine Advanced Practitioner (Non-Clinical), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Drug Project
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Bristol Drug Project. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
