We are seeking an experienced and inspirational with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in addiction treatment. The ideal candidate will be a Consultant Psychiatrist in Addictions, GP with a Special Interest in Substance Misuse, or Specialist Addiction Doctor Flexibility will be given to exceptional candidates with demonstrable experience and a passion for this field.

They will oversee the medical and psychiatric care within our Southend-on-Sea Community Addiction Service.

You will play a key role in shaping and delivering safe, effective, and recovery-focused clinical services, supporting service users at various stages of their treatment journey. This is an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team committed to innovation, collaboration, and person-centred care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Provide strategic clinical leadership and assume overall responsibility for medical care across the service.
• Lead regular multi-disciplinary case review meetings, ensuring high-quality and consistent clinical decision-making.
• Attend daily morning briefings to address incidents, safeguarding, and clinical risks.
• Support and guide staff in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and treatment planning of service users.

Governance & Service Development

• Contribute to local and national clinical governance structures including audits, peer reviews, and Clinical Governance meetings.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of services in collaboration with the national Clinical Director and operational management.
• Develop and maintain clinical policies and practices in line with NICE and UK guidelines.

Supervision, Training & Mentorship

• Provide clinical supervision and mentoring to doctors, nurses, recovery workers and other clinical staff.
• Lead in-house clinical training sessions to support skill development across the team.
• Support the supervision and development of junior doctors, including trainees if applicable.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key clinical liaison with local GPs, mental health teams, social care, commissioners, and other external partners.
• Represent Forward Trust in strategic local meetings and help develop integrated care pathways across Essex.

Essential Criteria

• Full GMC Registration with a License to Practise
• Registered on the GP or Specialist Register
• MRC Psych or equivalent international qualification
• Completion of RCGP Certificates in Drug Misuse (Parts 1 and 2)
• Minimum 7 years’ experience working in substance misuse/addiction treatment
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and safeguarding procedures
• Experience in working within multidisciplinary teams and supporting team development
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act
• Experience working in criminal justice settings or with dual-diagnosis clients
• Additional qualifications in CBT, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care
• Experience delivering remote/digital health interventions

What We Offer

• A meaningful and impactful leadership role within a values-driven organisation
• Regular structured clinical supervision and peer support
• Access to CPD opportunities and support for revalidation
• Flexible working arrangements considered
• Competitive salary and generous benefits package
• Opportunity to contribute to national clinical strategy and innovation

Our Values

At Forward Trust, everything we do is underpinned by our core values:

• Empowering – Supporting people to believe in themselves and achieve their goals
• Collaborative – Working together to achieve the best outcomes
• Expert – Using evidence-based approaches to deliver consistently high standards
• Courageous – Speaking up, challenging stigma, and embracing positive change
• Innovative – Adapting and improving to meet the needs of those we serve

Apply Today

If you’re passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based care and want to lead a dedicated team helping people move beyond addiction and offending, we’d love to hear from you.