Health Early Action Practitioner in Lancaster

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay has a firm commitment to strengthening the diversity of our workforce, and therefore welcome and encourage applications from likeminded people who can support our ambition to become effortlessly inclusive. We are particularly keen to hear from protected groups – including BAME, LGBT+ and people with a disability.

An exciting position has arisen as a Hospital Alcohol Liaison Specialist Nurse as part of The Health Early Action Team at the RLI. The team operates both a nurse liaison service and a case management model to coordinate and plan care for some of the most vulnerable patients who have alcohol/substance misuse and homelessness issues, attending our hospitals. You will work closely with inpatient teams, community care coordinators, integrated care communities, other healthcare professionals and 3rd sector organisations to manage patients' health and wellbeing, making sure that appropriate support is made available to them and their carers and also ensuring that their changing needs are addressed and facilitating health behaviour change, acting as a part of the wider multi-agency team using a better care together approach.

Main duties of the job

• Act as a Liaison Nurse, demonstrating a high level of practice and knowledge whilst participating in direct evidenced based patient care.
• Be part of a multi-agency team working within a variety of specialities providing professional and clinical support to both these patients and the wider health economy.
• Undertake health assessments; diagnosing, support treatment plans and pathways support timely discharging of patients with a range of conditions and engage patients in community based follow-up, support and/or treatment plans.
• The Health Early Action Practitioner will provide expert care and treatment to patients within agreed protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Provide support within the team and act as role model and resource, encouraging and developing a high standard of clinical skill and improving patient outcomes.
• Functions in a variety of role dimensions: health care provider, educator, researcher, clinical advocate and implementer of clinical governance.
• Support the development of clinical services within the Health Early Action Team and improve the quality of care delivered.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Clinical assessment & care: Undertake comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments of patients presenting with substance misuse issues. Screen patients using recognised tool AUDIT C & SADQ to identify harmful or dependent drinking. Deliver brief interventions, motivational interviewing and psychosocial support. Develop and implement individualised care plans. Ensure alcohol withdrawal and substance misuse pathways are kept up to date and implement and support the use in a hospital setting. Build therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Providing advice, education and support regarding substance use and treatment options. Acting as a patient advocate for some of the most vulnerable in society and ensuring person-centred care. Support discharge planning and reduce re-admissions. Act as a link between hospital multidisciplinary teams (ED, wards, mental health & social care) and a variety of community services. Refer and signpost patients to appropriate treatment services. Be part of numerous MDT meetings to monitor patient progress across services to ensure continuity of care.
• Education & leadership: Provide expert advice to hospital staff on substance misuse. Promote screening and early identification of alcohol issues. Contribute to service development, policies, and quality improvement. Provide training for hospital staff relevant to role and Nursing, mental Health and Medical students. Assess and manage risks (e.g. withdrawal, self-harm, safeguarding concerns), referring to relevant agencies. Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and professional standards of the Trust. Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation.

Skills & Experience

• Registered Nurse (RGN or RMN) with NMC registration.
• Experience in substance misuse, mental health, or acute care.
• Knowledge of alcohol-related physical and mental health issues.
• Skills in: Motivational interviewing, Risk assessment, Multidisciplinary working.
• Strong communication and ability to manage complex or distressed patients.

Person specification

• Registered Nurse Adult or Mental Health Qualified minimum of 5 years with Band 6 experience.
• Experience of Complex Case Management.
• Evidence of Leadership Experience.
• Excellent oral and communication skills with evidence of conflict skills.
• Experience of working with Substance Misuse and up to date knowledge.
• Evidence of Teaching and Developing Staff.
• Experience of working as an Autonomous Practitioner.

Please note that shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email. The Trust promotes flexible working opportunities wherever possible to enable staff to balance their work and home life. We are committed to Equal Opportunities and aim to be Effortlessly Inclusive. The trust operates a No Smoking Policy. Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our Person Specification will be shortlisted for Interview. We reserve the right to close a job advert early where sufficient applications have been received. The Trust does not offer interview expenses to shortlisted candidates unless indicated in the advert.