Band 6 Dual Diagnosis Nurse
Job Description
Job summary
Please note that this is a part-time position, working 21 hours per week. The advertised salary has already been pro rata to reflect the reduced hours.
About the Role
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Dual Diagnosis Nurse to join our team, supporting individuals with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health needs.
This is an exciting opportunity for a registered nurse who is passionate about delivering person-centred care and improving outcomes for people facing complex challenges. You will play a key role in providing clinical assessment, care planning, risk management, and evidence-based interventions, helping individuals to achieve recovery and improve their overall wellbeing.
Working within a multidisciplinary team and alongside a range of health, social care, and community partners, you will support service users through their recovery journey, ensuring they have access to integrated, holistic, and responsive care.
Main duties of the job
As a Dual Diagnosis Nurse, you will:
- Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments for individuals with co-existing substance misuse and mental health conditions.
- Develop, implement, and review personalised care and risk management plans.
- Deliver evidence-based interventions, including motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Support individuals through community and inpatient detoxification pathways.
- Provide overdose prevention advice and promote the use of naloxone where appropriate.
- Deliver structured one-to-one and group interventions.
- Monitor and respond to changes in mental health, escalating concerns when required.
- Build strong partnerships with Community Mental Health Teams, GPs, housing providers, social care services, criminal justice agencies, and voluntary sector organisations.
- Advocate for service users to access appropriate mental health and recovery support.
- Promote recovery, resilience, social inclusion, and improved quality of life.
- Contribute to service development, audits, quality improvement initiatives, and staff training.
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals while contributing to the development of integrated dual diagnosis pathways within the community.
About us
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.
We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits -
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Job responsibilities
Please see attached document for full job description.
Job Purpose
The post holder will provide clinical assessment, care planning, and interventions for individuals experiencing co-occurring substance misuse and mental health conditions (dual diagnosis).
The role aims to improve access, engagement, and outcomes through person-centred, integrated care, working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners across health and social care systems.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments plans for clients with co-existing substance misuse and mental health needs.
Develop, implement, and review individualised care and risk management plans.
Deliver evidence-based interventions, including:
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention
- Harm reduction
- CBT-informed and trauma-informed approaches
Support clients through community or inpatient detoxification pathways.
Provide harm reduction advice, including overdose prevention and naloxone us
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in substance misuse and/or mental health services.Knowledge of dual diagnosis and recovery-based approaches.Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.Excellent communication and engagement skills.Commitment to person-centred, values-driven care.Desirable CriteriaTraining in motivational interviewing, CBT, or trauma-informed care.Experience in community or outreach settings.Knowledge of local services and care pathways.Key CompetenciesPerson-centred and recovery-focused practiceClinical judgement and decision-makingCollaborative and partnership workingCultural competence and inclusivityResilience and adaptability
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (RMN, RGN, or RNLD) with current NMC registration.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
The Forward Trust
Address
65-67 Orsett Rd
Grays
RM17 5HJ
United Kingdom
