Job Purpose
The post holder will carry a caseload of young people aged 18-25, carry out comprehensive substance use assessments, risk assessments, develop and review care plans and contribute to a holistic package of care for each individual. They will provide advice and information on substance use, one-to-one support, alcohol and drug awareness group sessions, and transitional support to adult services where appropriate. The post holder will be competent to facilitate Brief Interventions, use Motivational Interviewing skills and deliver Relapse Prevention sessions. The aim of the work carried out is to a provide assertive outreach support to young people in the community who may not have otherwise been referred into services and address substance use and associated behaviours.
Post Outline
- Complete thorough substance use assessments with young people within 5 days of receipt of referral.
- Develop, deliver, and review structured care plans to support individuals on a one-to-one basis within 10 days of completion of assessment.
- Engage with young substance users to minimise the harm they are causing themselves, their families, and the wider community.
- Take personal responsibility for referrals, care plans and subsequent caseload.
- Encourage individuals to reduce the harms associated with their substance use and provide access to needle and syringe provisions and BBV testing.
- Ensure all relevant information is inputted onto the appropriate client database and accurately recorded in a timely manner in order that the quarterly statistics and the Key
- Performance Indicators are achieved.
- Provide support to individuals within their own environment e.g., accommodation
- Contribute to a duty/drop-in service including facilitating a Needle and Syringe Programme.
- Support the existing adult engagement outreach team to conduct joint welfare visits for those identified as having a non-fatal drug overdose.
- Promote health awareness to young people accessing the service and work in partnership with dedicated agencies to provide holistic support and assistance.
- Develop close and collaborative relationships with a wide range of service providers, both in statutory and voluntary sectors.
- Organise and manage time effectively to ensure service delivery opportunities are maximised.
- Provide advice, support, and training to colleagues in partnership agencies as necessary.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Adferiad Recovery policy and procedure and with any statutory/contractual requirements.
- Work in a non-judgmental, anti-discriminatory way at all times.
- Participate in organisational meetings, regular supervision sessions and annual appraisals.
- Take responsibility for updating training needs and knowledge requirements such as relevant legislation, practice and research about substance use and young people.
- Carry out all tasks with professionalism and in line with the Adferiad’s policies and procedures and with any statutory/contractual requirements.
- To have commitment to and demonstrate an undertaking of equality of opportunity and its relevance to different sectors within the community.
- Be willing to work flexible hours to respond to the needs of young people.
- Must demonstrate empathy towards Adferiad Recovery’s beneficiaries.
- To carry out all other tasks commensurate with the role.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care and/or relevant professional qualification. Considerable relevant experience would be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
Desirable
- A qualification in Youth Work, Social Work or Counselling
Method of Assessment
- Application
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with individuals affected by substance use
- Experience of working with young people
- Experience of delivering harm reduction support
Desirable
- Experience of lone working on an outreach basis
- Experience of liaising with other specialist and non-specialist agencies
Method of Assessment
- Application / Interview
Skills
Essential
- Substance use assessment and care planning skills
- Ability to complete risk assessments and manage risk
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Group/awareness session delivery skills
- Administration skills including IT proficiency and report writing, and the ability to gather and collate information and statistics on own caseload and activity
- An ability to organise own time and prioritise workload effectively
- An ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable
- Ability to use online communication methods such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Zoom.
- Proven ability to develop effective partnership working with other professionals and agencies.
Method of Assessment
- Application / Interview
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the different approaches to working with young people affected by substance use.
- Knowledge of substance use and effects on individuals and significant others
- Knowledge of legislation pertinent to the role including Safeguarding.
- Knowledge of the range of issues that can affect young people
- Knowledge of the range of interventions and approaches appropriate to working with children and young people
Desirable
- Knowledge of local and national resources.
Method of Assessment
- Application / Interview
Other Requirements
Essential
- Full driving licence with access to own transport to be used for work purposes with appropriate insurance.
Desirable
- Welsh language skills.
Method of Assessment
- Application / Interview