Search for more jobs in London
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work at University Lewisham Hospital in the Alcohol and Substance Misuse Team. We are looking for an individual who possess a caring, positive attitude and is dedicated and conscientious. Good communication abilities, compassion and organisational skills are paramount. The candidates will have the ability to lead by example and work well in a team.
Main duties of the job
The Alcohol and Substance Specialist Nurse will be an integral member of the Alcohol and Substance Care Team which provides care and treatment for patients with alcohol and drug misuse. The Alcohol and Substance Specialist Nurse will work as an autonomous practitioner in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of patient care for those who present with alcohol misuse, alcohol related injuries and substance misuse.
To advise Trust staff on the care and management of acute alcohol withdrawal, substance misuse, deliver training to staff on brief interventions and participate in the development and delivery of education programmes for Trust staff in the speciality of alcohol and drug misuse.
Willing to be flexible to meet the needs of this new team and you must demonstrate knowledge, expertise and passion in working within the speciality of alcohol and substance misuse.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To comprehensively assess patients, gaining information about their physical health, mental health, social issues as well as their alcohol and substance misuse history to format a plan of care based on the patient’s individual needs.
- To advise clinical staff on the management of patients experiencing acute alcohol and substance misuse withdrawal, including detoxification medication and vitamin prescribing.
- To advise and support emergency department staff on the admission criteria for patients with alcohol and substance misuse issues attending the department.
- To liaise with and build strong professional relationships with other healthcare professionals both within the hospital and external agencies to meet the needs of the patient.
- To screen patients to identify those at risk from alcohol related health and social problems (hazardous drinkers) and those whose health is being damaged by alcohol (harmful drinkers) and undertake appropriate interventions or referrals.
- To undertake individual case management to provide immediate and on-going support to those patients who are unsuitable or unwilling to engage in community services.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Well developed interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Evidence of continued professional development of self and other health care professionals
- Knowledge and understanding of the relevant NICE guidance
Desirable
- IT skills Knowledge of research and audit
Experience
Essential
- Minimum two years post-registration experience of working with people with Substance misuse related problems
- Experience of working within the multidiciplinary team
- Experience of liaising with other agencies
- Experience in developing and delivering teaching programmes
- Knowledge of the impact alcohol misuse can have on physical health, mental health and social issues.
Desirable
- Previous experience in the specialty Experience of working in alcohol liaison within an acute hospital.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Fit for active physical workload and resilient under reasonable pressure of work
- Ability to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills.
- Ability to work both autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered Nurse Level 1 register
- 1st Level Degree or equivalent Teaching and assessing qualification
Desirable
- Counselling course Specialist course
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 6 Nurse roles in London
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Alcohol & Substance Misuse Nurse Specialist with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Clinical nurse specialist role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum plus HCA. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 03 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (19 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.