The role:
The Engagement and Homelessness team is dedicated to reducing the harms that drugs, including alcohol, can have and are constantly finding ways to improve access to treatment services. Brought together through a commitment to harm reduction principles and relentless optimism, the EH team is proactive and assertive in its approach.
The role is to work tirelessly to lower the barriers that people across Bristol may face in accessing suitable drug and alcohol treatment. EH team members operate an open access drop-in 6 days a week, needle and syringe provision across the city in a range of settings, provide naloxone and blood borne virus testing, support a variety of partner organisations and are regularly involved in research projects.
They use evidence-based approaches and provide innovative services to engage with people across the city, identifying unmet need and working to meet it.
Key Responsibilities:
- To deliver direct access services for drug and alcohol users at a wide range of locations across Bristol, alongside volunteers and trainees.
- To provide a welcoming approach to engage and facilitate service users into treatment and other supportive activities.
- To provide evidence-based and solution-focussed brief interventions as well as crisis management if required.
- To promote treatment and facilitate access to assessments for Bristol Horizons, liaising with other agencies as needed.
- To establish and maintain contact with, and develop and deliver services to, priority groups who might benefit from treatment within Bristol Horizons through regular assertive outreach and inreach work.
- To assist in the development and delivery of a range of harm reduction interventions for people with problematic drugs & alcohol use.
- To notice and respond quickly to new and emerging trends in drug and alcohol use, helping to develop services to meet specific needs and provide early interventions.
- Delivery of harm reduction services for people who inject drugs (PWID) including image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED). This includes the Needle Syringe Programme (NSP) and naloxone distribution from fixed and mobile premises, through pharmacies and via assertive outreach.
- To provide advice, information and support to PWID in relation to risks related to injecting, drug and alcohol use, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and sexual practice.
- To offer and encourage access to blood borne virus (BBV) testing by means of Dry Blood Spot tests, Hepatitis B vaccination and treatment for BBV infection where appropriate.
- In collaboration with nursing staff, develop and disseminate information and advice about health and social wellbeing.
- As a member of the EH team, you will support the delivery of all services provided across the team. This will include referrals, assessments, brief interventions and group facilitated delivery if required.
What we are looking for:
- Strong engagement skills, demonstrating flexibility, persistence and imagination in engaging service users.
- Confidence in setting boundaries and working with people experiencing emotional dysregulation.
- Ability to liaise effectively with other organisations, including GPs and other health professionals.
- A profound belief in an individual’s capacity for change and an ability to motivate others to change.
- A commitment to reducing harm caused by substance use to individuals, families and communities.
What we offer:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays with an additional day per year of service up to 5 years
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
- Thorough line management and reflective practice programme
- Extensive and ongoing training
- Cycle to work scheme
About BDP:
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) has been supporting the people of Bristol around their drug and alcohol for the past 40 years. We are committed to providing accessible and appropriate support for anyone who needs it and to reduce the harms caused by drugs and/or alcohol. Workers at BDP come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but all share a drive to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with.
Our Horizons Service:
Horizons is a brand new partnership that is delivering services to support people affected by drug and alcohol use in Bristol. We have partnered with Turning Point (who are lead provider) and seven other local and national providers: The Nelson Trust, Hawkspring, One 25, Southmead Development Trust, Southmead Project, Wellspring Settlement, and Release. As a partnership we draw on the expertise of all of the organisations involved to create a service that best meets the unique needs of the people we support.
Pay: From £26,691.04 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
