OUR NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
NVQ Health and Social Care, level 3 (with DANOS optional units)
Above is the nationally recognised qualification for the Substance Misuse sector. The NVQ in Health and Social Care should include some optional units from the Drugs and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS).
Other national equivalents to the above:
- NVQ Level 3 Community Justice - Drug and Alcohol Pathway (this may be more suitable for workers in criminal justice settings)
- FDAP (Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals) Accreditation route
- Open University Competency Award
These are competency-based qualifications, which are achieved "on-the-job" - this means they can only be undertaken once you have secured a relevant position.
Although largely work-based, you may also be required to attend college depending upon your level of experience and prior knowledge.
How much does the NVQ course cost?
It can range between £300 and £600 - depending on the college you enrol with. It's always best to 'shop around' and do a bit of research before you sign up to a course.
Also, you must emphasise the DANOS optional units, as these are the units that will give you the specific level of competence for the Drugs and Alcohol field. Some colleges will not offer the DANOS units, so it's important that you check this with the college before you enrol!
What about funding for NVQs?
Remember to ask your college/training provider about the following funding streams:
- Train2Gain
- European Social Fund
- Level 3 pilots
These schemes usually only benefit individuals from smaller organisations who have no prior qualifications whether relevant to the sector or not - but there is no harm in asking!
If you want to train and are worried about funding, the Learning Skills Council (LSC) has more information about individual funding and what may be available for you
I already have an NVQ L3 in Health and Social Care!
If you already have the above qualification, you will be deemed to have the competencies necessary to work with adults in a care setting. However, to tailor this for the substance misuse field, you can undertake a short course to bring you up to date:
I have a professional qualification
If your professional qualification involved competency-based assessment in a relevant field (e.g. nursing, social work) then it is likely you will be deemed to have the necessary core competencies. However, to tailor this experience to the substance misuse field, you can undertake a short course to bring you up to date - see development awards above.
Development Award
The Development award is based on DANOS and other relevant occupational standards which will allow you to "mix and match" the units according to your needs.
I am completely new to the sector!
There are also other level 3 equivalent qualifications, but these are theoretical rather than competency based and provide underpinning knowledge. These qualifications will be useful if you are new to the sector and need the foundations on which you can build more knowledge.
Read on to discover more!
Progression Award
This is a theory-based course that is useful for those who are new to the sector and require some foundation knowledge. This can support the achievement of the NVQ and is great for volunteers who want a professional and recognised qualification.
Basic Substance Misuse Awareness courses
Some basic knowledge is desirable, so if you can do a basic awareness course then that would help you when you apply for jobs.
To download a list of some training providers that offer basic training and other short courses click here
NOCN (National Open College Network) Award in Tackling Substance Misuse
This course helps to develop work-related competencies in line with the DANOS standards.
Check with your local college, they may provide this award.
I already have qualifications, but not an NVQ or any of the ones you have listed.
If you already have qualifications, such as A-Levels, a degree or a professional qualification, this could help you in applying for jobs in substance misuse. All we ask of you is to have some sort of experience, and this may be direct, indirect, or voluntary. Life or personal experience may be relevant in some circumstances.
I want to work with young people
If you want to work with young people within our sector, you need to make sure that you have an approved qualification allowing you to do so.
The Children's Workforce Development Council has a Qualifications Hotline: 0113 390 7743 - they will be able to give you advice as to which course you need to take.
You need to ensure that you are competent to work in the Substance Misuse field. Read the information above to find out what you need to do next.
What about funding for anything other than NVQ?
Some organisations will be willing to train you to a competent level so at the end of your training you will have a recognised qualification, allowing you to develop and progress within the substance misuse field.
Look out for trainee schemes in your local newspaper and keep referring to the web sites on our jobs page to see if any of the organisations are recruiting for jobs / volunteering schemes / trainee schemes. Or check with your local Drug Action Team.
As with any career, you have to keep communicating with organisations to make sure that you are up to date with the opportunities that are available.
Also, see: http://inourhands.lsc.gov.uk/individuals_funding.html
What institutions offer the courses listed above?
Always check with the colleges in your local area to see if they offer any of the courses listed.
You can search institutions and courses using the web sites below:
Also, check with your local Drug Action Team for more information