The Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) in Glasgow offers a unique harm reduction approach in Scotland in response to the increased mortality and morbidity associated with injecting drug use as recommended by “Taking Away the Chaos” (NHS GG&C 2016).

The Glasgow SDCF will provide hygienic environments where illicit drugs (purchased off the premises) can be consumed under clinical supervision with the onsite availability of sterile injecting equipment, advice on injecting technique, overdose assistance, on-site health & social service. 

It is anticipated that benefits will include engagement with people who use drugs in vicinity, reduce drug-related health harms, reduce infectious disease transmission, increase access to treatment, care, and support services, reduce stigma and supporting vulnerable people to engage with appropriate services.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a unique new service, the first of its kind in Scotland, and indeed the UK.  The Safer Drug Consumption Facility will provide a welcoming, clean, and compassionate service to people who are injecting drugs.  The service will run over 7 days, between 9am and 9am, 365 days per year.  We will have a multi-disciplinary team to provide support as required to those using the facility.  We will provide a range of health and psychosocial interventions, as well as linking with services in the third sector.  This Facility will be person centred and care will be determined by people’s immediate needs.

This service will be made up of different job roles.  The following provides an overview of each role:

• Administration Staff – manage the reception area and admin tasks as required by the Service
• Clinical Psychologist – provide psychological support therapy to the staff that work in the facility, develop training, coping skills and group/peer support
• Harm Reduction Workers – Support people using the service within the after-care part of the service, outreach and interface with partnership agencies where required. Apply for a Harm Reduction Worker post (3 posts)
• Healthcare Support Worker – support the clinical team with appropriate tasks within the Service. Apply for a Healthcare Support Worker post
• Nurses (Band 6 and Band 5) – clinical role in supporting safe IV drug use within a clinical setting, provide harm reduction support and build a rapport with people using the Service. Apply for a Band 5 Nurse post / Apply for a Band 6 Nurse post
• Nurse Team Leader – manage and support the staff that deliver clinical services to people using the Service - this post is now closed
• Operations Manager – operational responsibility of the service, ensure the smooth running of the day to day tasks required within the facility - this post is now closed
• Qualified Social Workers – will support people using the service in the after-care part of the facility and build positive relationships and encourage take-up of further support.  Family/Friend mediation/connection will also be a significant part of the role Apply for a Social Worker post (3 posts)
• Social Work Team Leader – manage and support the social care staff, also support the development and joint workings of a multidisciplinary team Apply for Team Leader post

We've also produced a Frequently Asked Questions documents which will provide more information on working in the SDCF.

Individuals working in the service will deliver trauma informed care and will be responsive to the individual needs of people using the service.  Evidence of the ability to effectively communicate and deliver person centred, innovative practice is essential. Candidates should have a caring and flexible approach, understanding that service users will direct their own care planning. Having an understanding of, and an ability to address, stigma for individuals and the service user group will be key to the role. Experience of working with people using drugs and alcohol would be advantageous.