Train, develop and retain: Training for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce

The Capability Framework for the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Workforce

states, ‘Addressing the training and skills development needs of the whole workforce not only has a positive impact on service delivery, but also positively overlaps with recruitment and retention by creating a progressive, evidence-based and rewarding sector to work in.'

The capability framework identifies core capabilities for 15 core roles in the sector. 

'Implementing this capability framework will be an ongoing process, with the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery sector working towards standardised workforce roles.

The workforce is not expected to meet all capability requirements at entry level or early career stage but should be supported to work towards them through training and development opportunities, effective supervision arrangements and the provision of high-quality clinical leadership. This is especially true for PSWs who may be joining the workforce following unemployment and will, in many cases, be entering for the first time without having completed any specialist training.

The framework should be used by managers and service providers to inform: job descriptions, workforce development, commissioning and training/development plans.'

The Training Exchange has been developing an expertise in learning & development for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce and partner agencies since the 90’s.

We have continued to support the sector through delivering small scale, countywide, regional and national training programmes for managers, practitioners and volunteers in drug and alcohol services and partner agencies. This has included:

• Needs analyses
• Resource development
• Training delivery
• Community development
• Joint working facilitation
• Service design

Current work includes:

An ongoing programme of training for Barod (alcohol and drugs services) in South & West Wales, continuing professional development Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT) in West Wales, and training for working with complex needs for Neath Port Talbot Council (Community Support, Prevention & Early Intervention) and for Hywel Dda Health Board.

Substance misuse & Dual diagnosis training for Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

A Training for trainers programme in Facilitating reflective practice and Facilitating psychosocial group supervision for Waythrough.

Service providers should ensure that all frontline staff, regardless of role or seniority, have received training, including but not limited to the following:

• delivering trauma-informed care 
• signs and symptoms of problematic alcohol and drug use
• common mental health problems, 
• evidence-based pharmacological interventions 
• evidence-based psychosocial interventions 
• common physical health problems associated with drug and alcohol use,
• risk assessment and risk management
• evidence-based harm reduction 
• inclusive service delivery including cultural competence, working with people who have a learning disability and people who are neurodiverse
• recognising domestic violence
• relevant legislation
• safeguarding adults and children
• initiating and maintaining engagement
• maintaining boundaries

Contact us to discuss how we can support you to meet your learning requirements

View our courses to see how we can support core training needs.

References:

Capability Framework for the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Workforce

10 Year Strategic Plan for the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Workforce 2024-2034