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Job overview
Main duties of the job
- Hold a caseload (10–15) to enable high‑frequency, flexible outreach
- Act as AO Keyworker, building strong, consistent therapeutic relationships
- Deliver specialist substance misuse interventions, including harm‑minimisation, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention
- Complete comprehensive assessments (risk, mental state, substance use, social needs)
- Lead on care planning and safety planning
- Work assertively and creatively to maintain engagement – including home visits, community meetings, and flexible contact
- Provide clinical leadership to Band 4 AO Support Workers
- Liaise closely with REST, D&A services, crisis teams, third sector,inpatient wards, housing, and social care
- Support safe transition back to routine CMHH care
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys autonomy, problem‑solving, and working with complexity in a supportive MDT environment.
We are looking for a clinician who is:
- Professionally registered (NMC, HCPC, SWE or equivalent)
- Experienced in substance misuse assessment and treatment pathways
- Skilled in working with people with severe mental illness and co‑occurring conditions
- Confident in managing risk in community settings
- Able to work flexibly, assertively, and creatively
- Compassionate, trauma‑informed, and non‑judgemental
- A strong communicator and team player
Experience in substance misuse is essential.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Act as AO Keyworker for service users with co‑occurring SMI and substance misuse, delivering assertive, flexible engagement in line with the AO stepped model.
Complete specialist substance misuse assessments, including dependence severity, withdrawal risk, harm‑minimisation needs, and treatment readiness.
Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, including mental state, risk, safeguarding, social needs, and physical health concerns related to substance use.
Develop and lead on integrated care plans addressing both mental health and substance misuse needs.
Deliver evidence‑based substance misuse interventions, such as:
Motivational interviewing
Relapse prevention
Harm‑minimisation
Psychoeducation
Engagement with D&A services
Provide clinical leadership and guidance to Band 4 AO Support Workers, including joint visits and case formulation. Liaise closely with REST, community D&A services, inpatient wards, third sector crisis teams, housing, and social care to coordinate care and manage risk. Maintain a “no discharge for DNA” approach, using persistent, creative engagement strategies. Support safe and timely transition back to routine CMHH care, ensuring structured handover and updated documentation. Participate in AO huddles, zoning meetings, MDT reviews, and joint visits with CMHH clinicians.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Understands & promotes equality, diversity and human rights in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures
- Understanding of confidentiality in the workplace
Experience
Essential
- Substantial Experience of working in the community mental health
- Experience of supervision of junior staff
- Experience of working with complex and high risk patients with SMI
- Experience of working with third sector organizations and collaborating with wider system stakeholders
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team including liaising senior managers and clinicians
- Experience of recording and monitoring data and clinical outcomes
Desirable
- Experience in working with patients who have dual diagnosis/ patients who use drug and alcohol
- Demonstrable experience in safeguarding children /adult practice and procedures.
- Teaching and group facilitation experience.
- Working with other stakeholders. LA/ICB and inpatient staff.
Qualifications
Essential
- Current NMC registration /or equivalent Allied Health Professional with current professional registration
- Evidence of further mental health courses attended/training
Desirable
- Full driving license and use of a car for business purposes
Key Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to develop & maintain high standards of communication both orally and in writing with people about difficult matters & / in difficult situations
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent clinical judgment skills.
Desirable
- Ability to prioritise & plan own workload to meet deadlines & competing demands
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assertive Outreach Substance Misuse Worker with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £47,951 - £56,863 Per annum incl. HCAS (pro rata if p/t). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 06 Aug 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 (23 Jul 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.
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