Community Drugs Education & Intervention Worker
JOB TITLE: Full-time Development Worker 35 hours per week
The successful candidate will be employed by South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP)
LOCATION: Block 3, County Hall, Belgard Square North,
REPORTING TO: TDATF Coordinator
SALARY: will be commensurate with experience
Contract: 12 months
South Dublin County Partnership is a local development organisation tackling poverty and social exclusion in South Dublin County www.sdcpartnership.ie
Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force is at the forefront of an integrated response to the impact of substance misuse on local communities, families, and individuals in the Tallaght and Whitechurch area. TDATF was one of 14 Local Drugs Task Forces set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to the issue of problematic drug use in communities. For more information see www.tallaghtdatf.ie
The Community Drugs Education & Intervention worker will play a pivotal role in supporting the TDATF in fulfilling its mission and key priorities as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2022 – 2016; and in line with the actions identified in the National Drugs Strategy (Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery 2017-2025).
The post-holder will support the work of the Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Force more broadly and implement initiatives and programmes which enhance and develop evidence-based drug/alcohol prevention & intervention strategies within the community for families, young people and specific risk groups, working in partnership with a range of services, agencies and education providers.
Post Objectives
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- To assist TDATF with implementing strategic priorities 2022 – 2026
- To support and develop the voice of TDATF Communities (community representatives, recovery communities, young people etc)
- To facilitate and develop interagency initiatives which respond to the needs of children and families at risk and respond to drug/alcohol related trends and emerging issues.
- To support the work of the various sub-structures of the Task Force including Treatment & Recovery, Prevention Education & Support, Family support.
- To provide support, information and education programmes as required, to agencies/services/schools/community, on drug & alcohol related harms and supports available.
- To assist with the development and implementation of evidence-based targeted and universal responses to drug/alcohol harm and risks
Job Description
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- To collaborate with key stakeholders to highlight and respond to the impacts of substance misuse.
- To highlight drugs and alcohol harms and work to develop more sustainable policy responses to substance misuse locally and nationally.
- To improve capacity at local level to communicate and promote evidence informed strategies and exchange best practice.
- To develop appropriate structures to support the participation of various sectors (Community, voluntary, statutory & political) in the work of the TDATF
- To support the TDATF to review emerging needs / and prioritise responses
- To integrate policy and research into the work of the TDATF its sub structures and projects.
- To perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post, while in office.
The successful candidate will have:
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- A relevant third level qualification in Community development, addiction studies, drugs education or a related discipline. (Minimum NQF level 7)
- At least 3 years’ experience in Community Drugs Work, Drugs Education, Community Development, or similar role.
- Excellent facilitation, presentation, and organisational skills.
- Experience of drafting clear reports and funding proposals.
- Be motivated, with the ability to work independently in a team setting
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- Ability to identify needs, develop initiatives, and support communities/groups to manage and progress them
- A good track record in building and nurturing key relationships and partnerships with a wide range of diverse individuals and groups.
- understanding and experience of outcome focused work, planning monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Understanding and knowledge of the current national and local policy context within which Drug and Alcohol Task Forces operate.
- Competent computer / administrative ability
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Lived experience very welcome
Desirable
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- Group facilitation and presentation skills.
- Ability to work on own initiative within a flexible, cooperative, and multi-disciplinary team structure.
- Full, clean driving licence; the role requires access to a car as post requires travel for work and the willingness to work occasional evenings as required.
Benefits of this position
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- Some flexibility and remote working available.
- Opportunity to join pension scheme after 6 months.
- Training opportunities as required.
- Opportunity to work with a progressive non-profit organisation, helping to improve TDATF communities (Tallaght & Whitechurch)
Application Process:
Applicants should pay particular attention to the essential and desirable criteria in the job description, your suitability and why you are the best candidate for this post in question.
Please send three copies of your up-to-date detailed CV (no more than two pages) and cover letter accompanied with completed confidential form marked TDATF Development Worker Job ref: 82/2023 to:
Administration & Operations Department,
South Dublin County Partnership,
Unit D1, Nangor Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12
OR alternatively email your application to jobs@sdcpartnership.ie – subject box to be marked
TDATF Development Worker Job ref: 82/2023
Closing date for receipt of applications: 5pm on Friday March 31st 2023
Note no late applications will be accepted.
South Dublin County Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Garda vetting maybe required for this position.
