Role Purpose - The person will be working with the Tallaght Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) to strengthen the implementation of its activities across the Task Force area (Tallaght & Whitechurch) to support the TDATF develop new programmes as well as support the role out of its existing programmes. 

Reporting The Development Worker will be part of the TDATF staff team within SDCP, reporting on a day-to-day basis to the Task Force Coordinator, who is a senior manager in SDCP. Their work plan will be informed by the Task Force Coordinator and strategic / annual priorities of TDATF. They will work collaboratively with TDATF and its subgroups as well as front-line community drugs services. 

Duties of the Role - The individual will work closely with the Task Force, mainstream funded projects across the TDATF area, and other services across the Four-Tier Model of drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services. The successful candidate will collaborate with statutory, community and voluntary agencies to co-ordinate and strengthen case management systems across the continuum of care within the TDATF region, as well as playing an important role in the community on behalf of the TDATF. The individual will engage with the relevant inter-agency networks within the TDATF area.

National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework

• Take a lead role in the implementation of the National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework (NDRF) at a local level and adapt to any amendments in policy that occur.
• Oversee the collaboration and strengthening of case management processes at a local level in line with national strategy.
• In collaboration with community stakeholders identify, plan, organise, and deliver training as needed across TDATF and in line with local and national strategic priorities
• Support the management of the gaps and blocks process locally, in partnership with the TDATF 
• Support the monitoring and review of case management processes, including reporting systems, across the area
• Participate on relevant networks as required

Development

• To work with key stakeholders to highlight and respond to the impacts of substance misuse locally.
• To integrate policy and research into the work of the TDATF across its sub-structures and projects while taking a lead role in the role out of the recommendations of local research.
• To facilitate multi-sector collaboration and inter-agency working at local and national level, identifying areas for development in line with the overall work plan for the area
• To collaborate and provide support to the TF and mainstream funded projects with inter-agency and co-production recovery initiatives.
• Improve capacity at local level to communicate and promote evidence informed strategies and exchange best practice
• Support TDATF enhance its community representation, service user input and support other subgroups as required by the TDATF.

TDATF Programmes

• Co-ordinate and/ or facilitate the delivery of training i.e. SAOR and similar programmes within TDATF Communities
• Support the TDATF in delivery of the various public information and publicity initiatives throughout the year
• Support the local work for the Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement (DRIVE) initiative 

Communication

• Support data collection across community addiction services, ensuring TDATF have the most up to date information available to them. 
• Develop and manage material for the TDATF website and social media platforms in collaboration with the TDATF, its subgroups and key stakeholders.

SDCP / Admin

• Prepare work plans, funding proposals and progress reports as required 
• Participate in TDATF staff team meetings 
• Partake in SDCP facilitated staff training and development events

Person Specification

Each candidate must possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the post.  If being processed for appointment, original documentation will be sought for all qualification requirements for the post.

Qualifications

Essential: 

• A relevant third level qualification (QQI level 7 award) in a relevant human science discipline; community development; health; social care profession or related discipline.

And

• Have not less than 3 years satisfactory experience working within substance misuse rehabilitation/social/community/homeless/family support services.

Knowledge, skills, and competencies

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the NDRF and the 4 Tier Model of drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the national policy guiding the work of Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces.
• Demonstrate an understanding of community development principles.
• IT Proficient in Microsoft Office package, Internet and CRMs i.e. Salesforce
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Research skills.
• Report writing skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently on his or her own intuitive as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the various models of intervention used in drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation service settings.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of family as well as the individual within a substance misuse rehabilitation service setting.
• Has experience of group facilitation, presentation and/or delivering training.
• Excellent organisational skills demonstrated through a clear ability to manage multiple tasks/initiatives.
• Time management skills.

Additional Employee Benefits

• Competitive employer pension provision after probation is passed (10% Employer Contribution, 5% employee contribution)
• Blended working policy can allow for up to 2 days working from home (Subject to probation and annual review)
• Access to Hospital Saturday Fund low-cost health plan
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)