Harm Reduction Nurse
FOUNDATIONS
This job is now closed
Job summary
The post holder will pro-actively assist in the delivery of comprehensive interventions aimed at reducing risks of harm and improving health & wellbeing for service users across Middlesbrough.
There is an expectation that the post-holder will provide a degree of flexibility and contribute to the wider strategic aims and on-going development of the service.
The post holder will be instrumental in representing Foundations in the community and to partner agencies, sharing knowledge and education on the key principles of Harm Reduction.
Advocate for the Human Rights for Substance Users.
Develop Peer Led Harm Reduction interventions for the provision of peer led support, distribution, education and training around Naloxone and addition Harm Reduction initiatives.
Main duties of the job
- To reduce drug related harm to the individual and wider community
- To promote healthier life styles and increase client choice
- To carry out healthcare assessments
- To provide health advice and low-level interventions
- Ensure BBV screening and vaccinations are comprehensively delivered
- To promote and support individuals into both abstinence based and medically assisted forms of recovery
- To deliver naloxone training and distribution
- Increase partnership working and improve the knowledge of relevant staff in relation to substance use and associated behaviors
- To deliver harm reduction education, awareness and prevention training
- To provide wound care
- Provide clinical interventions for a patient group with significant unmet needs
About us
Foundations currently holds a contract for a GMS Primary Care practice that provides GP and specialist services to support recovery from addictions to alcohol, opiates and other drugs.
This role is an exciting opportunity to work within the organisation to deliver a high quality service and join our innovative and enthusiastic team working within Substance Use in Middlesbrough.
We actively encourage innovative and progressive ways of working within General Practice and within the Social Inclusion Agenda.
Date posted
12 October 2021
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
Depending on experience
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
A1041-21-0555
Job locations
Acklam Road
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS5 4EQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Harm Reduction nurse is a professional in their own right, accountable clinically to the Clinical Partners.
You will ensure your professional practice is in accordance with the appropriate Code of Professional Conduct
You will work flexibly across operational sites as required within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision. This may include evenings and weekends.
Key Activities:
Undertake initial basic healthcare assessments and record in electronic and paper based case notes as required. Report outcomes to Foundations Clinicial Lead
Initiate, complete and follow up on referrals to specialist care
Work with key partners to provide harm reduction advice and assist individuals into treatment.
Screen for blood borne viruses and contribute to integrated care planning to assure effective referrals to Hepatology and GUM services to enable assessment for specialist treatment. Support the provision of pre and post blood borne virus test discussion
Immunise service users and staff participating in the HBV vaccination programme.
Ensure vaccines are stored correctly and the cold chain is maintained as per current Department of Health Guidance. Maintain clinic fridge and room temperature checks and record as required.
Maintain required standards of infection control and hygiene as per policies and procedures
Provide evidence based harm reduction services
Assist and carry out appropriate screening processes including urine and saliva tests.
Liaise with and take direction from other healthcare professionals, including Nurses, Lead Clinician and Keyworkers in order to provide the best possible specialist care for patients, ensuring co-ordination and continuity of care
Undertake fast track assessments for clients who request or require structured treatment interventions
Ensure that all interventions are suitably recorded and in accordance with policies, procedures and national guidelines from the NTA, DoH, NICE, NMC and as directed by the Partners
Ensure that all safeguarding issues, including child protection and protection of vulnerable adults, are dealt with in accordance to policies and procedures, and local and national statutory requirements.
Recognise personal and professional boundaries and work within START clinical governance framework at all times
Always treat service users with respect and dignity.
Ensure that ALL data requirements are met within deadlines.
Present a professional image and actively promote the service at all times to service users, other stakeholders, partnership organisations and the general public.
Produce relevant reports, action plans and developmental service frameworks in response to needs of the organisation and managerial requests.
Actively participate in regular supervision, in active learning and development professionally, in accordance with service and organisational requirements
Uphold data protection legislation and only share client information as per policy, local and formally agreed information sharing protocols and client confidentiality agreements.
Regularly use IT systems including Word; Outlook; electronic case management systems
To undertake any other duties as instructed by the management team that will contribute to fulfilling the project aims.
In carrying out the above duties the post holder will:
1. Work flexibly across operational sites as required within an agreed number of hours of work to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision including weekend and evenings.
2. Seek to improve personal performance, contribution, knowledge and skills.
3. Participate in appraisal, training and supervision processes.
4. Keep up-to-date with developments in services, legislation and practice relevant to the relevant client group.
5. Ensure the implementation of the all Foundations policies.
6. Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post
This is a standards based job description that incorporates the National Occupational Standards relevant to the job, as well as DANOS and other occupational standards such as CJNTO.
Specific standards (DANOS related where appropriate) for this role include:
AA6 Promote choice, well-being and the protection of all individuals
AA2 Relate to, and interact with individuals
AA3 Support individuals to access and use services and facilities
AA4 Promote the equality, diversity, rights and responsibilities of individuals
AA5 Interact with individuals using telecommunications
AB1 Support individuals who are distressed
AB2 Support individuals who are substance users
AB3 Contribute to the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviour
AB4 Contribute to the protection of individuals from harm and abuse
AB5 Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users
AB8 Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
AC1 Reflect on and develop your practice
AC2 Make use of supervision
AC3 Contribute to the development of the knowledge and practice of others
AD1 Raise awareness about substances, their use and effects
AD4 Develop and disseminate information and advice about substance use, health and social well-being
AF1 Carry out screening and referral assessment
AF3 Carry out comprehensive substance misuse assessment
AG1 Develop, implement and review care plans for individuals
AG3 Assist in the transfer of individuals between agencies and services
AH3 Supply and exchange injecting equipment for individuals
AH4 Support individuals to undertake and monitor their own health care
AH7 Support individuals through detoxification programmes
AH12 Enable individuals to take their medication as prescribed
AI2 Help individuals address their substance use through an action plan
AI1 Counsel individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models
AI3 Counsel groups of individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models
AJ1 Help individuals address their offending behaviour
AJ2 Enable individuals to change their offending behaviour
BA3 Contribute to the development of organisational policy and practice
BB1 Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders
BD3 Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
BD4 Promote monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
BE2 Receive, analyse, process, use and store information
BE4 Supply information for management control
BG5 Making and recording payments
BI5 Promote effective communication for and about individuals
BI1 Develop productive working relationships
BI6 Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies
BI7 Participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals
Person Specification
Essential criteria:
Registered Nurse
Experience of Drug and Alcohol Treatment services or other similar background
Previous experience in health care support work
IT literacy including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
Good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
The ability to respond to appropriate requests for assistance, maintaining confidentiality whenever necessary.
Good organisational skills
Knowledge of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults procedures.
Knowledge of the issues facing substance mis-users including appropriate medical interventions, social care and health issues.
Ability to work with and manage challenging behaviour
Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of the team
Communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
Respond flexibly to the demands of the post.
Show a capacity to work alone and the ability to keep calm under pressure.
Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
Employ an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude towards service users.
Show commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for service users
Desirable criteria:
Knowledge of local services and geography.
Clinical services provision understanding
Certificated Injection Technique and Immunisation Training
Access to own transport
This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.
Amendments: This description accurately reflects the present position; it may be amended and reviewed. Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Harm Reduction nurse is a professional in their own right, accountable clinically to the Clinical Partners.
You will ensure your professional practice is in accordance with the appropriate Code of Professional Conduct
You will work flexibly across operational sites as required within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision. This may include evenings and weekends.
Key Activities:
Undertake initial basic healthcare assessments and record in electronic and paper based case notes as required. Report outcomes to Foundations Clinicial Lead
Initiate, complete and follow up on referrals to specialist care
Work with key partners to provide harm reduction advice and assist individuals into treatment.
Screen for blood borne viruses and contribute to integrated care planning to assure effective referrals to Hepatology and GUM services to enable assessment for specialist treatment. Support the provision of pre and post blood borne virus test discussion
Immunise service users and staff participating in the HBV vaccination programme.
Ensure vaccines are stored correctly and the cold chain is maintained as per current Department of Health Guidance. Maintain clinic fridge and room temperature checks and record as required.
Maintain required standards of infection control and hygiene as per policies and procedures
Provide evidence based harm reduction services
Assist and carry out appropriate screening processes including urine and saliva tests.
Liaise with and take direction from other healthcare professionals, including Nurses, Lead Clinician and Keyworkers in order to provide the best possible specialist care for patients, ensuring co-ordination and continuity of care
Undertake fast track assessments for clients who request or require structured treatment interventions
Ensure that all interventions are suitably recorded and in accordance with policies, procedures and national guidelines from the NTA, DoH, NICE, NMC and as directed by the Partners
Ensure that all safeguarding issues, including child protection and protection of vulnerable adults, are dealt with in accordance to policies and procedures, and local and national statutory requirements.
Recognise personal and professional boundaries and work within START clinical governance framework at all times
Always treat service users with respect and dignity.
Ensure that ALL data requirements are met within deadlines.
Present a professional image and actively promote the service at all times to service users, other stakeholders, partnership organisations and the general public.
Produce relevant reports, action plans and developmental service frameworks in response to needs of the organisation and managerial requests.
Actively participate in regular supervision, in active learning and development professionally, in accordance with service and organisational requirements
Uphold data protection legislation and only share client information as per policy, local and formally agreed information sharing protocols and client confidentiality agreements.
Regularly use IT systems including Word; Outlook; electronic case management systems
To undertake any other duties as instructed by the management team that will contribute to fulfilling the project aims.
In carrying out the above duties the post holder will:
1. Work flexibly across operational sites as required within an agreed number of hours of work to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision including weekend and evenings.
2. Seek to improve personal performance, contribution, knowledge and skills.
3. Participate in appraisal, training and supervision processes.
4. Keep up-to-date with developments in services, legislation and practice relevant to the relevant client group.
5. Ensure the implementation of the all Foundations policies.
6. Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post
This is a standards based job description that incorporates the National Occupational Standards relevant to the job, as well as DANOS and other occupational standards such as CJNTO.
Specific standards (DANOS related where appropriate) for this role include:
AA6 Promote choice, well-being and the protection of all individuals
AA2 Relate to, and interact with individuals
AA3 Support individuals to access and use services and facilities
AA4 Promote the equality, diversity, rights and responsibilities of individuals
AA5 Interact with individuals using telecommunications
AB1 Support individuals who are distressed
AB2 Support individuals who are substance users
AB3 Contribute to the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviour
AB4 Contribute to the protection of individuals from harm and abuse
AB5 Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users
AB8 Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
AC1 Reflect on and develop your practice
AC2 Make use of supervision
AC3 Contribute to the development of the knowledge and practice of others
AD1 Raise awareness about substances, their use and effects
AD4 Develop and disseminate information and advice about substance use, health and social well-being
AF1 Carry out screening and referral assessment
AF3 Carry out comprehensive substance misuse assessment
AG1 Develop, implement and review care plans for individuals
AG3 Assist in the transfer of individuals between agencies and services
AH3 Supply and exchange injecting equipment for individuals
AH4 Support individuals to undertake and monitor their own health care
AH7 Support individuals through detoxification programmes
AH12 Enable individuals to take their medication as prescribed
AI2 Help individuals address their substance use through an action plan
AI1 Counsel individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models
AI3 Counsel groups of individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models
AJ1 Help individuals address their offending behaviour
AJ2 Enable individuals to change their offending behaviour
BA3 Contribute to the development of organisational policy and practice
BB1 Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders
BD3 Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
BD4 Promote monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
BE2 Receive, analyse, process, use and store information
BE4 Supply information for management control
BG5 Making and recording payments
BI5 Promote effective communication for and about individuals
BI1 Develop productive working relationships
BI6 Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies
BI7 Participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals
Person Specification
Essential criteria:
Registered Nurse
Experience of Drug and Alcohol Treatment services or other similar background
Previous experience in health care support work
IT literacy including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
Good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
The ability to respond to appropriate requests for assistance, maintaining confidentiality whenever necessary.
Good organisational skills
Knowledge of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults procedures.
Knowledge of the issues facing substance mis-users including appropriate medical interventions, social care and health issues.
Ability to work with and manage challenging behaviour
Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of the team
Communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
Respond flexibly to the demands of the post.
Show a capacity to work alone and the ability to keep calm under pressure.
Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
Employ an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude towards service users.
Show commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for service users
Desirable criteria:
Knowledge of local services and geography.
Clinical services provision understanding
Certificated Injection Technique and Immunisation Training
Access to own transport
This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.
Amendments: This description accurately reflects the present position; it may be amended and reviewed. Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Knowledge of general office procedures.
- Experience of Drug and Alcohol Treatment services or other similar background
- Previous experience in health care support work
- IT literacy including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
- Good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
- The ability to respond to appropriate requests for assistance, maintaining confidentiality whenever necessary.
- Good organisational skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults procedures.
- Knowledge of the issues facing substance mis-users including appropriate medical interventions, social care and health issues.
- Ability to work with and manage challenging behaviour
- Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of the team
- And the ability to:
- Communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Respond flexibly to the demands of the post.
- Work as a member of a team.
- Show a capacity to work alone and the ability to keep calm under pressure.
- Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
- Employ an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude towards service users.
- Show commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for service users
Desirable
- Knowledge of local services and geography.
- Clinical services provision understanding
- Certificated Injection Technique and Immunisation Training
- Access to own transport
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Knowledge of general office procedures.
- Experience of Drug and Alcohol Treatment services or other similar background
- Previous experience in health care support work
- IT literacy including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
- Good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
- The ability to respond to appropriate requests for assistance, maintaining confidentiality whenever necessary.
- Good organisational skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults procedures.
- Knowledge of the issues facing substance mis-users including appropriate medical interventions, social care and health issues.
- Ability to work with and manage challenging behaviour
- Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of the team
- And the ability to:
- Communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Respond flexibly to the demands of the post.
- Work as a member of a team.
- Show a capacity to work alone and the ability to keep calm under pressure.
- Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
- Employ an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude towards service users.
- Show commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for service users
Desirable
- Knowledge of local services and geography.
- Clinical services provision understanding
- Certificated Injection Technique and Immunisation Training
- Access to own transport
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
FOUNDATIONS
Address
Acklam Road
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS5 4EQ
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
FOUNDATIONS
Address
Acklam Road
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS5 4EQ
Employer's website
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
12 October 2021
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
Depending on experience
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
A1041-21-0555
Job locations
Acklam Road
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS5 4EQ