Job Description Post Title Directorate Reports to Responsible for Key Relationships Independent Prescriber (Nurse or Pharmacist) Operations Team Leader or Clinical Lead N/A Internal: Clinical Team, Multi-Disciplinary Team, Other Addaction employees External: Partnership Agencies, Service Users Job Summary 1. To undertake the role of supplementary/independent prescriber, abiding at all times by Addaction and National restrictions; regulations, policies and procedures, applicable to this role 2. To take responsibility for clinical assessment, diagnosis and clinical management 3. To prescribe independently and cost effectively in accordance with policy and best practice 4. To organise and undertake clinical supervision specifically related to being a supplementary/independent prescriber 5. To keep up to date with contemporary practices in the management of the conditions for which they prescribe 6. To provide a high standard of care under the supervision of the Team Leader or Clinical Lead and to take part in the development, implementation and evaluation of clinical and psychosocial interventions 7. To be responsible for implementing agreed policies and clinical standards in a multidisciplinary integrated team 8. To work closely with the stakeholders, both statutory and voluntary, and to be sensitive to the changing needs of the service 9. To provide clinical interventions to the client group in line with Models of Care (MOC) and service contract. 10. To provide harm reduction support, information and advice to individuals in relations to substance misuse 11. To improve access to appropriate services for clients with substance misuse issues 12. To develop and deliver prescribing clinics and act as adviser in relation to detoxification 13. To deliver a vaccination and blood testing programme; alongside clear and consistent harm reduction and health promotion in order to help reduce the incidence of Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) amongst local injecting drug users and their sexual partners 14. To promote access to secondary care and ongoing clinical management for HCV+ service users 15. To initiate onward referrals to partner agencies as required 16. To communicate Addactions vision and deliver its mission, corporate strategies and business plans MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES/ DUTIES Service Delivery 1. Assess clients, either voluntary or those referred through the criminal justice system, carrying out screenings, triages and full comprehensive assessments as required and making onward referrals to specialist agencies, where necessary. 1 of 6
2. Provide assessment and ongoing management of substitute prescribing for clients in liaison with pharmacists and central prescribing doctors. 3. Assess the risk and ensure a safe and appropriate environment for all through the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviours. 4. Test for substance use and feedback to individuals and services where appropriate. 5. Provide harm reduction advice and information to clients in a variety of settings, including the provision of needle exchange. 6. Organise the effective development of new referral pathways and partnerships with local statutory and voluntary sector agencies as necessary. 7. Act as an advisor for non-clinical team members in relation to the health care needs of service users attending the service. 8. Participate in training of new staff and students, to act as a mentor for student healthcare professionals placements. 9. Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings and keep the team informed of all relevant work aspects. 10. Participate in audit and quality assurance initiatives. 11. Actively seek out substance misuse needs of the local population and be involved in Health Promotion for individuals and groups. 12. Ensure that a vaccination and blood testing programme is carried out in accordance with relevant Patient Group Directions and clinical protocols agreed by Addaction and local NHS authorities. 13. Prescribe medication including controlled drugs for service users and contribute to the development of supplementary pharmaco-therapy within services. 14. Assess and deliver a range of pharmaco-therapeutic and detoxification intervention as part of service users Recovery Plans. 15. Provide relevant information and advice on HCV and other blood borne viruses in manner consistent with recognised clinical practice to existing and potential injecting drug users and their partners on a regular basis. 16. Proactively advise on safer sex and safer drug use to ensure that drug users and their partners reduce the risk of viral transmission. 17. Carry out basic Health Check for service users. 18. Develop and review recovery plans for service users and if required, arrange interagency referral or joint-worked recovery-focused packages of care for service users. 19. Work with colleagues to develop and deliver post-detoxification aftercare packages to maximise opportunity for service users progress towards recovery. 20. Conduct regular case management reviews with service users on caseload and to contribute to clinical reviews with other prescribing colleagues. 21. Promote healthy lifestyles and assess HAV/HBV/HCV/HIV risk behaviour, working with service users to reduce these risks by ensuring appropriate advice and support is given. Promote recovery from dependency as the ultimate aim of treatment interventions. 22. Contribute to, and comply with, clinical governance arrangements within Addaction organisationally and locally within the Recovery Partnership s operating area. 23. Fulfil the professional expectations required of a registered pharmacist by the General Pharmaceutical Council or registered nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Addaction. This will include taking every opportunity to expand one s own practice in line with the principles contained within the professions Code of Ethics/Professional Conduct, adhering to the elements contained within this document, in particular those related to professional accountability and undergoing individual performance management to establish training needs and using clinical supervision as a means to update practice 2 of 6
Information and Governance 24. Provide written reports and audits when requested to demonstrate adherence to Medicines Management 25. Maintain up-to-date clinical records and individual care plans for clients in treatment, including completion of treatment outcome monitoring forms. 26. Complete all necessary documentation relating to all client care including: screening, triage and comprehensive assessments, TOPS, care plans, evaluation, clinical notes etc. using the electronic client management systems and to liaise with relevant agencies in accordance with Addaction policy. 27. Share relevant information, as directed by line manager, within the context of information sharing protocols, with regard to risk minimisation and prevention of public harm. 28. Record client statistics in accordance with Addaction policy to ensure the integrity of information included in Quarterly and Annual Reports to funders. 29. Collect and collate monitoring and outcome data to inform Payment by Results contractual requirements. Service User Engagement 30. Ensure good working relationships are established and maintained with clients, their partners, Addaction management as well as partner agencies and commissioning organisations. 31. Promote co-operation with colleagues within Addaction and other agencies and to promote good relationships and have a good knowledge of services available. General Responsibilities 1. Confidentiality: Ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential or personalised information externally with prior consent from a line manager. 2. Data Protection Act: To comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and its amendments to ensure integrity and security of information entrusted to Addaction. 3. Safeguarding: Ensure the organisational and individual statutory and organisational responsibilities are met in respect of safeguarding Children & vulnerable adults. 4. Conflict of interest: All applicants/employees in any post within Addaction are required to declare any involvement either directly or indirectly with any firm, company or organisation that has a contract with Addaction. Failure to do so may result in an application being rejected or dismissal after appointment. 5. Equal Opportunities and Diversity: To ensure that all service users, their partners and carers, colleagues both in Addaction and other partner organisations are treated as individuals within Addaction s Diversity and Equality framework. 6. Health and Safety: Compliance at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations and Addaction s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures, ensuring reasonable care is taken with regard to yourself as well as any colleague, service user or visitor who might be affected by an act or failure to act by yourself. 7. Quality Assurance: To ensure all activities are delivered in a way that supports and maintains Addaction's registration with the Care Quality Commission and appropriate agencies in the devolved administrations. 8. Any Other duties: To undertake any other duties that are reasonable and are commensurate with the role as directed by the Executive Director of Operations in line with the changing needs of the service and legal requirements. 9. Self-Development: To ensure continuous professional development both personally and professionally through training, supervision and other appropriate methods. 3 of 6
Person Specification Post Title Independent Prescriber (Nurse or Pharmacist) Directorate Operations Technical Competencies & role requirements Education/ Qualifications Experience Skills/Ability / Knowledge Essential Criteria First level nurse registration OR Registered Pharmacist (GPhC) Evidence of successful completion of a specific education programme in order to fulfil the role of supplementary/independent prescriber, holding appropriate entry on the NMC Register or GPhC register Evidence of developing self through continuing professional development A successful track record of delivering nursing interventions in a community setting Demonstrable experience of assessment, care planning and key working evidence of peer group or working within a multi disciplinary team Desirable Criteria Educated to degree level or above Relevant post graduate study Qualified to perform immunisation and vaccinations Mentorship Course/ ENB 998 or equivalent for pharmacists experience of providing supervision Clinical experience in more than one specialty including substance misuse Devising and delivering immunisation and vaccination programmes Safer injecting techniques Philosophy of harm minimisation in drug treatment work Dealing with physical health issues associated with injecting drug users and appropriate clinical interventions Demonstrative knowledge of the issues Training skills affecting drug misusers, including health care issues Ability to work effectively as a team player in a collaborative and supportive manner Strong prioritisation skills with the ability to manage competing / conflicting demands. Excellent written and oral communication skills Excellent IT skills & awareness linked to the use of Microsoft Windows software Excellent time management & organisational Knowledge of dealing with difficult people and personal safety Knowledge and understanding of Group work Understanding of solution focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour 4 of 6
Personal Circumstances Essential Criteria skills Ability to gather and maintain relevant information Positive, enthusiastic, motivated and confident Flexibility of working in different locations to include where cover is required Flexibility with working times in order to meet the demands of the job Commitment to support Addaction s values and mission Desirable Criteria Therapy and/or Motivational Interviewing Full details of the Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards can be found on the website www.skillsforhealth.org.uk 5 of 6
Guiding Principles and Behaviours Addaction s Guiding Principles are listed below along with a selection of behaviours we look for in all those working for our organisation. The Guiding Principles describe how we expect our staff to behave when fulfilling their duties. Consider how you have demonstrated each of the Guiding Principles, detailed below Collaborative - We are outstanding team players and committed to a One Team approach. Examples might include: - Where you have worked collaboratively with others to achieve a great outcome - Where you have supported in building a team and gaining commitment to the team Ethical We are open, honest and transparent; we are powered by our integrity and principles. Examples might include: - When you have followed through and delivered an activity you agreed to complete - Where you have challenged bias or intolerance, either directly with an individual or in a group situation Inspiring - We are exceptional communicators who empower our service users and each other to reach our potential. Examples might include: - Where a need has been recognised which resulted in you coming up with or progressing an idea/concept and developing it as you bring the idea to conclusion - Where you have inspired and guided an individual or group through a challenging time Resilient - We embody a positive, solution focused and can do approach. Examples might include: - Where you have demonstrated flexibility in a changing situation - When you have overcome a challenging circumstance achieving a positive outcome Self-challenging - We strive for personal excellence, outstanding service quality and continual service improvement. Examples might include: - When you have organised your time/activities in such a way to ensure that all is completed while at the same time keeping your life in balance - Where you have taken the initiative in your personal development 6 of 6