Addiction Counsellor - Irish Prison Service (IPS) (Full Time)
Dublin, Ireland
Description
Job Title: Addiction Counsellor, Irish Prison Service (IPS)
Responsible to: Deputy Head of IPS & Regions
Responsible For: The direct delivery of counselling services (one-to-one and group work) for persons with drug and/or alcohol problems in prison.
Reports to: The Team Leader, MQI Addiction Counselling Service.
Objective: To effectively deliver counselling and other services of the IPS Service Level Agreement, and in doing so to uphold the philosophy and working ethos of MQI.
Key Responsibilities
1. The direct delivery of counselling services for persons with drug and/or alcohol problems in prison, including one-to-one and group work.
2. Operate within professional and ethical guidelines as outlined by the Irish Prison Service and relevant professional accreditation bodies.
Client Work
1. Comprehensively assess people referred within the prison service.
2. Facilitate one-on-one counselling and group work.
3. Deliver specific substance use interventions using various models (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Community Reinforcement Approach, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, relapse prevention & overdose prevention).
4. Attend clinical team meetings as required.
5. Develop comprehensive care plans in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team and ensure regular review of individual treatment plans and goals.
6. Keep records and observe appropriate professional standards.
7. Ensure individual confidentiality in the context of multidisciplinary teamwork.
8. Provide information/statistics regarding counselling details (e.g., case notes, goals, duration, discharge, and referral summaries).
9. Emphasize brief interventions and an agreed care plan in conjunction with other services in the prison multi-disciplinary team.
10. Refer to other agencies where appropriate.
11. Provide information and advice supporting health promotion and risk reduction associated with substance use and dependency.
12. Complete formal case closure following counselling completion or if the individual has left counselling before completion.
13. Observe IPS and MQI health and safety policies and guidelines.
14. Notify the line manager of any reasonable grounds for concern regarding child abuse per current legislation and MQI’s Child Protection Policy.
Service Delivery
1. Participate in new initiatives aligned with the development of services in the Irish Prison Service and the relevant Health Authority.
2. Engage in multidisciplinary prison-based training as required.
3. Cooperate with relevant approved research on behalf of the Irish Prison Service.
4. Attend meetings with the IPS and local prison management as necessary.
5. Familiarize and abide by the operational policies and security protocols of the Irish Prison Service.
Administrative
1. Comply with the Team Leader's requirements regarding paperwork and data filing relevant to the Service.
2. Work with the Team Leader in operating the relevant client database system.
Training
1. Attend all training sessions, workshops, and courses as advised by the Team Leader.
2. Engage with the supervisor regarding personal/professional needs.
3. Engage in Continued Professional Development (CPD).
General
1. Maintain a good relationship with prison-based multi-disciplinary teams and external agencies.
2. Assist with any other duties as reasonably requested by the Team Leader.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have:
1. Two years of experience in a paid full-time capacity, or equivalent part-time, in an addiction service or similar setting.
2. Accredited counsellor with ACI, IACP, or equivalent body.
3. A relevant third-level qualification in addiction studies or social care.
4. An excellent understanding of issues relating to substance use, the criminal justice system, homelessness, dual-diagnosis, and progression pathways towards community-based support services.
5. Capacity to develop constructive relationships with clients & team.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
8. Experience in developing and delivering workshops and seminars.
9. Experience and skills in the referral process and assessment of clients with addiction and associated needs.
10. Experience and skills in developing Care Plans.
11. Approval by the IPS Security Clearance process.
Salary: Starting at €38,739 depending on relevant experience (part-time hours are pro-rata).
Contract: Permanent Contract (6-month probationary period).
Location: Current vacancies in two prison locations: Mountjoy Prison (5 days per week, 39-hour contract) and Wheatfield Prison (4 days per week, 30-hour contract).
Benefits MQI Offers
* Sick Pay Scheme (after probationary period).
* Minimum 23 days of annual leave.
* Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (after 6 months, plus Death in Service benefit).
* Learning and development program.
* Paid family leave (maternity, paternity, parental, adoptive, force majeure, compassionate leave).
* Educational assistance (study and examination leave).
* Health & Wellness Programme.
Additional Information
* Management reserves the right to amend or change this job description as required.
* This position is subject to Garda Vetting Clearance, IPS Security Clearance, and background checks.
* Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Merchants Quay Ireland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value and respect all individuals and believe in the strength that diversity brings to our team.
Application Process
If you are interested in this role, please apply by 10th of January 2025.
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