Project Worker (Drug & Alcohol Worker), Midlands Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Title: Project Worker (Drug & Alcohol Worker), Midlands DATS Service

Reports to: Regional Manager, Midlands

Type of Contract: Contract of Indefinite Duration

Location: Longford/Westmeath

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Who We Are -

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national voluntary organisation who helps people who are Homeless and those caught in addiction. We provide frontline services, practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland.

Our Vision is one of an "inclusive society" where the integration and well-being of all is supported and everyone is treated with Dignity and Respect. Our Mission is to work as a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness. We provide accessible, high quality and effective services, which meet the complex needs in a non judgemental and compassionate way.

MQI Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services (DATS) - What is it?

MQI DATS delivers a community-based drug and alcohol prevention and treatment support service to those over 18 and their families. This service is provided across the four counties of the Midlands; Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.

Each county has a dedicated drug and alcohol worker that supports individuals experiencing problems due to drug and/ or alcohol misuse. Each drug and alcohol worker will provide a wide range of interventions delivered through evidence based best practice.

Role Responsibilities:

Service Delivery Responsibilities:

• Provide a mobile needle and syringe exchange program across the midland region.

• Offer rehabilitation and aftercare supports to service users exiting treatment programs or prison.

• Provide education, information, advocacy, and treatment support to service users and their families.

• Engage with local drug and alcohol users, linking them to relevant services.

• Assess service users' needs, matching them with appropriate evidence-based interventions and other relevant agencies.

• Develop and maintain individual integrated care plans for service users.

• Ensure service users are case-managed and tracked through the continuum of care.

• Formulate and implement referral pathways for transitioning service users.

• Provide therapies including brief interventions, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Support service users in detoxification programs.

• Collaborate with community, voluntary, and statutory services for comprehensive support.

• Deliver harm reduction interventions in various settings.

• Work with street drug users and local agencies to ensure safe disposal of drug-related waste.

• Support the work of the Midland Regional Drug Litter Committee.

• Provide psychosocial support for individuals transitioning from treatment services or prison.

• Establish and deliver structured therapeutic support, group sessions, and activity-based interventions.

• Deliver stabilisation programs to service users.

• Conduct regular reviews with service users and relevant agencies.

• Assist service users in regaining daily life skills and community reintegration.

• Partner with local resources and support networks to maximize benefits for individuals and families.

Reporting Responsibilities:

• Produce standard monthly and quarterly reports for the Regional Manager.

• Compile and report on complaints and compliments.

• Maintain updated statistics/data on the CRM system and provide reports as required.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each treatment episode on the HRB online system.

General Responsibilities:

• Oversee support and supervision for volunteers and placements in the Midlands service.

• Comply with verification visits by funding agencies.

• Participate in audits and evaluations.

• Ensure proper maintenance of all service paperwork, including client files, accident reports, complaints, and meeting minutes.

• Communicate effectively and maintain accountability to the Regional Manager.

• Stay informed about developments in the Midland region.

• Attend and participate in relevant committees.

• Continuously develop the role in conjunction with the Regional Manager to ensure effective service management.

• Adhere to MQI's policies and procedures, especially those relating to Health & Safety, HR, Confidentiality, Boundaries, and staff conduct.

• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Regional Manager.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• Relevant qualification (minimum Level 7 or equivalent) in social care, addiction, nursing, community, or youth work.

• Training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Relapse Prevention.

• 2 year's relevant work experience in addiction, community development, health and social care, education, or related fields.

• Experience in crisis support, key working, case management, and group facilitation.

• Understanding of the current National Drugs Strategy, Substance Misuse Strategy, National Drug Rehabilitation Framework, logic model reporting, QUADS, and/or Safer Better Healthcare (SBHC) Standards.

• Access to a full clean driver's license to drive company vehicle.

Desirable:

• Additional training in CRA/CRAFT.

What Merchants Quay Ireland Offers:

• Fulfilling and challenging environment

• Sick pay scheme

• Flexible working arrangements

• Minimum 23 days annual leave

• Option to join defined contribution pension scheme from commencement

• Death in Service (from commencement of employment)

• Line management supervision

• Learning and development

• Group VHI scheme

• Paid Family leave

• Education assistance (study and examination leave, scholarship foundation)

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Management reserves the right to amend or change this job description as required.