Alcohol Care Outreach Clinician

Alcohol Care Outreach Clinician Overview

As a Clinician within the Alcohol Care Outreach Team (ACOT), you will manage a caseload of 15-18 patients who frequently utilize emergency and inpatient services. Your role will involve working closely with these patients to understand their needs, support their recovery on their terms, and help reduce unplanned hospital admissions that affect their health and lives. This position emphasizes assertive, relationship-driven outreach, where your persistence and compassion can significantly change outcomes.

The ACOT is currently expanding across South London, including areas such as Lewisham, Bexley, Greenwich, and Bromley, as part of a regional initiative to integrate care across acute hospital sites and community services. You will be assigned to a primary hospital at one of the participating sites, such as Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich or Lewisham Hospital. While you are encouraged to express your site preferences during the application and interview process, final placements will depend on service capacity and needs. Weekly travel to the team’s main base in Southwark will be required, and as the team grows, some cross-site work may also be necessary.

Your responsibilities will include managing a small caseload of clients with complex needs, conducting assertive outreach visits, engaging clients in alcohol treatment pathways, advocating for clients, performing dynamic risk assessments, maintaining clinical documentation, supervising volunteers, and contributing to service evaluation and quality improvement projects. You will also participate in regular supervision and professional development activities.

To qualify for this role, you must be a Registered Nurse (RMN/RGN), Qualified Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, or hold another relevant health/social care professional registration, or possess significant experience in addictions and assertive outreach. Essential experience includes working with alcohol-dependent or mental health clients in a community setting, demonstrating clinical knowledge of alcohol dependence, and engaging in inter-agency or multi-disciplinary work. Desirable qualifications include post-registration qualifications relevant to the client group and experience in managing a caseload autonomously.

Knowledge of structured alcohol interventions, brief interventions, pharmacological treatment options, and motivational interviewing is essential, along with an understanding of the physical health risks associated with alcohol use. Familiarity with the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act is also required, as is insight into the challenges faced by clients with multiple and complex needs. You must have access to a car or be able to travel between sites and patients’ homes in a timely manner.

The position offers a salary range of £47,951 to £56,863 per annum, including the inner London High Cost Area Supplement, and is a permanent full-time role. You will have access to professional development opportunities and be part of an organization with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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