Youth Work Ireland Tipperary: Substance Misuse Liaison Outreach Worker (Part Time)
Job Title: Substance Misuse Liaison Outreach Worker
Location: Substance Misuse Service South Tipperary working with Tipperary University Hospital
Employed by: Board of Directors, Youth Work Ireland Tipperary
Reporting to: Staff Supervisor & Chief Executive Officer
Hours of Work: Part-time, 5 days over a two-week period (flexible scheduling)
Job Summary:
The Substance Misuse Liaison Outreach Worker will provide frontline support, intervention, and referral services to individuals experiencing substance misuse issues presenting at Tipperary University Hospital. Working closely with the Substance Misuse Service South Tipperary, the role involves outreach, assessment, and liaison to ensure clients access appropriate treatment and support pathways. The role is community-focused and aims to reduce harm, improve health outcomes, and facilitate timely engagement with specialist services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach and engagement with patients presenting with substance misuse issues within Tipperary University Hospital.
- Provide brief interventions, harm reduction advice, and support to individuals affected by substance misuse.
- Carry out initial assessments and risk screenings to identify client needs and appropriate service referrals.
- Liaise with hospital staff, healthcare professionals, and community services to ensure coordinated care and support.
- Facilitate timely referral and follow-up to specialist Substance Misuse Services and other relevant supports.
- Maintain accurate records of client interactions, interventions, and referrals in compliance with confidentiality and data protection policies.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case reviews to contribute to client care planning.
- Promote awareness and understanding of substance misuse issues within the hospital environment.
- Provide information and education on substance misuse and harm reduction to patients, families, and staff as appropriate.
- Work within the policies and procedures of Youth Work Ireland Tipperary and the Substance Misuse Service South Tipperary.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Experience in substance misuse outreach, liaison, or related support roles.
- Knowledge of substance misuse issues, harm reduction, and relevant treatment pathways.
- Ability to work sensitively and non-judgmentally with vulnerable individuals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding.
- Flexibility to work part-time over a two-week rota, including some on-call or variable hours as required.
- Commitment to Youth Work Ireland Tipperary’s values and youth-focused ethos.
Desirable:
- Qualifications or training in social work, addiction studies, youth work, counselling, or related fields.
- Familiarity with the healthcare environment, particularly hospital settings.
- Experience working with community-based substance misuse services.
Additional information.
Support and guidance will be given on an on-going basis from the CEO and Staff Supervisor. Individual supervision sessions will be provided by the Staff Supervisor on a monthly basis. Staff members also have access to external supervision. Training and personal progression is an important element of the role. The successful candidate will undergo Garda Vetting and must have a full driver’s licence. This role is subject to a probationary period.