Substance Use Officer

The Substance Use Officer will support delivery of the Commission’s work on alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, drugs and emerging substances of concern, contributing to a coordinated programme of prevention, early intervention, harm reduction and community-based support.

Substance use is a key driver of ill health, inequality and social harm across the Bailiwick. Addressing this requires evidence-informed, community-based and system-wide approaches. Working with the Substance Use Lead, the post holder will play a central role in designing, delivering and evaluating a range of evidence-informed initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, education projects and community-based interventions, across workplaces, education settings, the private sector, community groups and health and care services, helping to reduce harm, address inequalities and create healthier environments.

Job Title: Substance Use Officer.

Reports to: Substance Use Lead.

Liaises with: The post holder will work closely with:

The Health Improvement Commission’s Substance Use Lead
Health Improvement Commission teams including Social Prescribing and Communications
Public Health and Health Intelligence
Delivery partners including community services, statutory services, education settings, community organisations and charities, workplaces, primary and secondary care, and Bailiwick Law Enforcement.
Workplaces, community clubs and groups, event organisers and sport venues
Multi-agency forums and community stakeholders

Hours: Up to 30 hours per week, subject to negotiation.

Salary range: £36,000 - £40,000 (pro rata), depending on experience

Job Purpose: To support delivery of the Commission’s Substance Use workstream through the development and implementation of community-based, evidence-informed initiatives across a range of substance use areas.
The role will focus on practical delivery, including campaigns, community engagement, partnership working and supporting access to services. The post holder will work independently and as part of a small team, creatively and with a range of settings to reduce harm, change behaviours and improve outcomes, with a strong emphasis on addressing inequalities and reaching populations at greatest risk. The Substance Use Officer will contribute to the design and delivery of interventions informed by behaviour change principles and local insight, including engaging communities in co-production and ensuring lived experience informs activity. They will also support monitoring and evaluation to inform continuous improvement.

Closing Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026
Contact: Applications (to include a covering letter and CV) should be emailed to Lucy Cave ([email protected]) Telephone 01481 210423.

Full JD: About the Health Improvement Commission | Health Improvement Commission

1.
To support the development, delivery and evaluation of evidence-informed substance use initiatives across Guernsey and Alderney, including projects relating to alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, drugs and emerging substances of concern.
2.
To deliver prevention, early intervention and harm reduction initiatives using behaviour change principles and across a range of settings including education, workplaces, private sector and community organisations, health and care services.
3.
To help create and promote environments, policies and practices that reduce substance-related harm and support healthier behaviours.
4.
To work with education settings to support delivery of substance use education and other school-based initiatives, in liaison with relevant partners
5.
To engage with local communities and use community insight to understand local needs, barriers and motivators relating to substance use behaviours, ensuring activities are responsive to local priorities.
6.
To identify, review and apply local, national and international evidence, research and best practice to inform the design and delivery of interventions and activities.
7.
To support the design and delivery of public awareness campaigns, events and promotional activities on substance use topics, working closely with the Communications Officer and partner organisations.
8.
To develop and disseminate clear, accurate and evidence-based information through a range of channels, including presentations, websites, social media and community engagement activities.
9.
To contribute to workforce development by supporting the delivery of training, resources and briefings for professionals, volunteers and partner organisations.
10.
To use and promote evidence-based, trauma-informed and stigma-reducing approaches across substance use-related activities and settings.
11.
To collect, analyse and use local data, evidence and community insight to inform the targeting, monitoring and continuous improvement of projects and interventions.
12.
To manage project budgets and identify opportunities for external funding, sponsorship and in-kind support in accordance with Commission procedures.
13.
To undertake relevant training and professional development; work in accordance with Commission Policies, Procedures and Standards; and comply with the principles contained within the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2017 concerning confidentiality, information governance and data protection.

For details please see the full JD via this link:

About the Health Improvement Commission | Health Improvement Commission