Reconnect substance misuse worker
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Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust Reconnect substance misuse worker
The closing date is 20 November 2026
Job summary
Reconnect seeks to improve the continuity of care of vulnerable people leaving prison by supporting their transition to community-based services, thereby safeguarding health gains made whilst in prison and working to improve the wellbeing of people in prison, reduce inequalities and address health related drivers of offending behaviour.
The role of the Band 5 substance misuse worker is to undertake assessment and needs planning for those leaving prison, having a particular focus on those who have either current or historical substance misuse or alcohol difficulties. The post holder will build strong links with specialist substance misuse services, provide additional support and assistance to colleagues working with substance misuse and complex cases and be an expert within the team in relation to drug and alcohol difficulties and provide support to Recovery support workers/ peer workers when developing plans that include substance misuse issues and safety planning around these.
We are looking for applications from people who have either a registered qualification(Registered nurse/SW/OT) or a degree in a related field/ and or substantial experience of working with people with substance misuse/alcohol difficulties.
Due to the post covering countywide a full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required.
Prison clearance will be prerequisite prior to any unconditional offer of employment due to requirement to work both within custodial settings and the community.
Main duties of the job
To liaise and communicate effectively with statutory and non-statutory agencies to enable early identification of those leaving prison who may require additional support to access community healthcare services.
To work independently under the guidance of the team leader
To build robust working relationship with local substance misuse services to aid joint working and referral processes.
Act as a point of contact to junior colleagues to provide support and advice where appropriate.
The ability to analyse multi-agency partnership information as well engage with individuals to inform delivery and manage risk/harm.
Provide specialist mental health/ substance misuse assessments for individuals with potentially complex and multiple needs to identify and inform onward referrals and care pathways.
To provide brief interventions to service users whilst awaiting commencement with identified referred services
To maintain own caseload, being mindful of own capabilities and working within the scope of practice, escalating concerns to a team leader as appropriate
To work collaboratively with service users to identify onward community needs and referrals.
To develop knowledge of third sector support agencies and be aware of referral procedures and develop effective relationships with key agencies.
About us
NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county - as well as some specialist services in bordering and nearby counties. We work together with our partners to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors receives compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning, to improve the care and safety of our patients and colleagues. We have achieved our 'outstanding' rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.
At NHFT we believe that work should be rewarded in every sense which is why we are proud to an accredited living wage employer.
We aim to support financial wellbeing and create an environment where are people feel valued and able to thrive.
Details
Date posted
06 November 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£32,073 to £39,043 a year pa pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
270-TH523-MH
Job locations
Campbell House
Campbell Square
Northampton
NN1 3EB
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
To increase access to and uptake of healthcare and relevant services for people leaving prison
To reduce health inequalities for prison populations
To ensure that the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met.
To ensure a safe transition from prison to community healthcare and support services in England and to provide ongoing support so that engagement is maintained.
To facilitate engagement and liaise with community healthcare and / or other services and enable delivery of a coordinated response.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To increase access to and uptake of healthcare and relevant services for people leaving prison
To reduce health inequalities for prison populations
To ensure that the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met.
To ensure a safe transition from prison to community healthcare and support services in England and to provide ongoing support so that engagement is maintained.
To facilitate engagement and liaise with community healthcare and / or other services and enable delivery of a coordinated response.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working within Substance misuse services and/or registered practitioner (nursing/allied health professional)
- Demonstrates good knowledge of recovery-based models within drug/alcohol use
- Understanding of the interface within other services including mental health services and the criminal justice system
Desirable
- Experience of working within a custodial environment
Skills
Essential
- Experience of working and leading interventions for individuals with substance misuse
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working within Substance misuse services and/or registered practitioner (nursing/allied health professional)
- Demonstrates good knowledge of recovery-based models within drug/alcohol use
- Understanding of the interface within other services including mental health services and the criminal justice system
Desirable
- Experience of working within a custodial environment
Skills
Essential
- Experience of working and leading interventions for individuals with substance misuse
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address
Campbell House
Campbell Square
Northampton
NN1 3EB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address
Campbell House
Campbell Square
Northampton
NN1 3EB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Reconnect team lead
Tanya Browne
07917788302
Details
Date posted
06 November 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£32,073 to £39,043 a year pa pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
270-TH523-MH
Job locations
Campbell House
Campbell Square
Northampton
NN1 3EB
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
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