DrugScope is proud to announce the launch of The Essentials, a new publishing series aimed at professionals working in the drug treatment sector. The first three titles cover key concepts for those embarking on a career as a drug and alcohol worker, a drug service manager or a drug service commissioner or for those already working in the field who feel their knowledge needs updating.
Since the late 1990s the drug treatment sector has undergone significant change. New investment has led to higher recruitment among frontline workers. The role and responsibilities of service managers have increased and commissioning has brought a new dimension to the provision and implementation of drug treatment services. Investment has brought with it an expectation of professionalism in service delivery as well as the ability to prove drug treatment is offering value for money. The Essentials are practical guides for the workforce in this changed and changing environment.
First in the series, The Essential Drug and Alcohol Worker (1) by Tim Morrison is a comprehensive and fully referenced handbook for frontline workers. With detailed, but highly accessible explanations of the treatment system, the care process and the essentials of professional practice, this book is designed for those considering a career in the field, new drug and alcohol workers and those looking to develop their professional skills further.
Written by Ian Robinson, The Essential Service Manager (2) is especially aimed at the newly appointed manager. It covers all aspects of the job from relationships with funders and partners through to finance, staff management and service user involvement. The title addresses the national context of drug treatment services, an overview of DANOS competencies for managers and service monitoring and reporting responsibilities. Concise and clear, this guide is easy to digest for those under pressure of time.
Paul Hantons The Essential Drug Service Commissioner (3) is an absolute must read for those new to a position often the subject of much misunderstanding and criticism from service providers. This practical guide explores the development of a strategic framework and both strategic and operational planning. It offers advice on purchasing, monitoring and reviewing services, and managing relationships with stakeholders. Useful appendices provide sample documents for the establishment of a successful Joint Commissioning Group.
Harry Shapiro at DrugScope hopes that the series will offer practical help to a workforce that has experienced and is still to undergo enormous change: Increasing demands on all levels of the drug treatment sector can be very daunting to both new recruits and old hands. The Essentials series is written by professionals with many years experience, who now work as trainers and consultants to the field. The books offer a practical insight into the changed face of drug treatment, in a simple, engaging and jargon-free style.
The books, published by DrugScope, are available from HIT (w: www.hit.org.uk t: 0844 412 0972), priced between 8.95 and 9.99.
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Notes for editors
- (1) The Essential Drug and Alcohol Worker by Tim Morrison, published by DrugScope, ISBN: 1904319475
- (2) The Essential Drug Service Manager by Ian Robinson, published by DrugScope, ISBN: 1904319467
- (3) The Essential Drug Service Commissioner by Paul Hanton, published by DrugScope, ISBN: 1904319459
Source: www.hit.org.uk
Posted: 10th January 2007
For more information please contact Ruth Goldsmith in the DrugScope Press Office on 020 7940 7517 (07736 895563 out of hours) or at press@drugscope.org.uk
