At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide dual diagnosis expertise and coordinate care for individuals with mental health and substance misuse issues.
- Company: Join South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and work alongside world-class experts in mental health care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with a background in mental health or nursing; passion for helping others is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with a chance to develop collaborative plans and enhance your skills in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post holder will work as a dual diagnosis/substance misuse nurse specialist within the Mental Health Liaison Team (MHLT) at University Hospital Lewisham to provide dual diagnosis/substance misuse expertise and facilitate co-ordinated service delivery for people aged 18+ with suspected coexisting mental health and substance misuse issues. The post holder will help address many of the co-morbid drug/substance misuse related issues that can, in some circumstances, lead to delay in assessment times.
The post holder will promote high standards of assessment and treatment of anyone aged 18+, including older adults, with suspected or co-existing mental health and substance misuse problems, based on the best available evidence, within the expected response times set out for urgent referrals from the ED and inpatient wards. The post holder will forge strong inter-agency alliances.
The post holder will need to work with colleagues in the MHLTs to help achieve the expected outcomes set out by NHS England including:
- Reduce the number of frequent attenders presenting to A&E/MHLT
- Reduce the number of hospital admissions of Frequent Attenders
- Increase engagement of service users with substance misuse services
- Increase knowledge and skills of the MHLT and acute trust colleagues working with people with DD
The post holder will lead on developing collaborative plans with service users who attend A&E on a frequent basis with suspected co-existing mental health and substance misuse issues. The post holder will lead on providing expert dual diagnosis knowledge to the MHLT/Acute Trust and to key stakeholders involved.
The post holder will lead the development and delivery of dual diagnosis practice in the MHLT in line with national best practice guidance, NICE and DoH guidance, and Trust policy in consultation with senior dual diagnosis colleagues. The post holder will work with colleagues to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in working with people with dual diagnosis.
The post holder will support the development of excellent relationships with SLaM teams and partner agencies to promote effective collaborative working and seamless care pathways. The post holder will liaise, communicate effectively and update the Team Leader accordingly for the MHLT on a frequent basis to feedback progress and highlight any areas of focus or concern in relation to substance issues inclusive of poor practice, unhelpful staff attitudes and behaviour and omissions of care.
The post holder will work closely with all members of the MDT to increase professional working knowledge of substance misuse within the liaison setting. This includes assessment, treatment, management and evaluation of care for service users who present with substance misuse issues.
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness.
By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Justina Ariwodo Job title: Team Leader Email address: Ogochukwu.Ariwodo@slam.nhs.uk Telephone number: 07858686482 Irene Muh Consultant Nurse - Dual Diagnosis Irene.Muh@slam.nhs.uk 07969587147
Dual Diagnosis Practitioner employer: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
Ogochukwu.Ariwodo@slam.nhs.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dual Diagnosis Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals with dual diagnosis. Understanding the complexities of co-existing mental health and substance misuse issues will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of mental health and substance misuse. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest practices, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Research South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's approach to dual diagnosis. Being knowledgeable about their policies and practices will show your genuine interest in the role and help you align your answers with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would foster inter-agency collaboration. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked with other teams, as this is crucial for the role and will highlight your teamwork skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Dual Diagnosis Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Dual Diagnosis Practitioner role. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to mental health and substance misuse.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in mental health and dual diagnosis. Include specific examples of your work with co-existing mental health and substance misuse issues, as well as any inter-agency collaboration you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. Mention your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with dual diagnosis and how you can contribute to improving service delivery.
Highlight Professional Development: In your application, emphasise any training or professional development related to dual diagnosis or mental health care. This could include certifications, workshops, or relevant courses that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand Dual Diagnosis
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what dual diagnosis means, especially in the context of mental health and substance misuse. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach treatment for individuals with coexisting conditions.
✨Showcase Inter-agency Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience in working with various agencies and teams. Discuss specific examples where you successfully forged partnerships to improve patient outcomes, as this role requires strong inter-agency alliances.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Best Practices
Research national best practice guidelines, NICE and DoH guidance relevant to dual diagnosis. Being able to reference these during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to high standards of care.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle frequent attenders at A&E with dual diagnosis issues and be ready to articulate your thought process.