Op Courage Veterans Mental Health Service
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Are you passionate about supporting veterans, transitioning military personnel and reservists experiencing substance misuse, addictive behaviours, and mental health difficulties?
Op Courage - South East offers support to Veterans and Reservists within the geographical regions of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. A veteran is an individual who has service one or more days in the British Military, and it is this group of people that Op Courage works with on a holistic level.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated practitioner to lead on substance misuse within the Op Courage Veterans Mental Health Service. This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
This post offers the Trust's £2,000 Golden Hello or Relocation Incentive for Band 6 Nurses & Practitioners, (pro rata and subject to terms and conditions; please see attached Protocol Document for full details).
About the Role
As the Specialist Substance Misuse Practitioner, you will provide expert assessment, formulation, and psychosocial interventions for veterans presenting with substance misuse and addictive behaviours alongside complex mental health and social care needs.
You will act as the service lead for substance misuse, supporting colleagues through consultation, training, and the development of best practice across the team. Working autonomously and collaboratively, you will manage a defined caseload, undertake comprehensive assessments, formulate risk management plans, and deliver evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.
You will work closely with families, carers, statutory services, and third-sector organisations to ensure veterans receive holistic, person-centred care and support throughout their recovery journey.
We are an expanding and exciting specialist service within Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, working regional ly in the south east and nationally as part of the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on substance misuse and addictive behaviour interventions across Op Courage.
Complete comprehensive mental health, substance misuse, risk, and social care assessments.
Develop and review person-centred care and recovery plans.
Deliver specialist psychosocial interventions, including individual and group work.
Provide consultation, advice, and training to multidisciplinary colleagues.
Assess and manage clinical risk, including safeguarding concerns.
Work collaboratively with partner agencies to coordinate care and support.
Support service development, quality improvement, audit, and clinical governance activities.
Provide supervision, mentorship, and support to junior staff and students.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records and outcome measures.
Person Specification
We are looking for an enthusiastic clinician who:
Is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (NMC).
Has significant experience working with individuals experiencing substance misuse and co-occurring mental health difficulties.
Demonstrates strong assessment, formulation, and risk management skills.
Has experience delivering evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
Is confident working autonomously while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Is passionate about improving outcomes for veterans and military communities.
Evidence of supervising staff.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK Professional Registration.
Employer Details
This post will be based in Sussex, however there will be an expectation to travel across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
