Addiction Counsellor

Service: Health and Recovery Services
Location: Kerry Services
Duration: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 40 hours per week
Published: 12th of March 2024
Application Closing Date: 1st of May 2024

NOVAS is a not for profit organisation and Approved Housing Body. We work with single adults, couples and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. We provide a range of support services and accommodation. We have over 300 staff, and more than 30 services in Limerick, Dublin, Clare, Kerry, Cork and Tipperary including residential homeless services, social housing and community based services for tenancy sustainment, homelessness prevention, mental health and recovery.

The role of Addiction Counsellor is vital to our successful partnership with the HSE. This role will be based in HSE Counselling and Advisory Services Edward Court, Tralee. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering quality programmes to clients accessing services in Edward Court inclusive of NOVAS clients and tenants.

NOVAS is a Trauma Informed practice organisation and the principles of collaboration, diversity, respect and trust are embedded in our way of working together. Our services are provided through support of our partners in local government through the Local Authorities, HSE, and other donors and funders

The appropriate candidate will have:

• A qualification or post-graduate qualification at Level 8 in counselling, addiction counselling or psychotherapy recognised by one of the following, as appropriate:, the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) or one of the five sections within the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP)
  OR
• A qualification at Level 7 or higher on the QQI framework in a human science discipline (medical, psychological, social, educational) or hold a qualification at Level 7 or higher in a health and social care profession.
  AND
• Hold a qualification or post-graduate qualification in counselling, addiction counselling or psychotherapy recognised by one of the following, as appropriate: the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) or one of the five sections within the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).

Candidates must also have:

• Have full accredited membership with one of the following: IACP, ACI or one of the five sections within ICP. Pre-accredited hours must include a minimum of 100 hours of one-to-one counselling/addiction counselling/psychotherapy with clients under the supervision of an IACP/ACI/ ICP accredited supervisor.
  OR
• Be a full member of the Clinical or Counselling Psychology Division of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
   
• Strong administration skills for record keeping and report writing and computer literacy.
• Experience of working in addiction/mental health services would be a distinct advantage.
• Ability to provide services that foster and enhance the dignity, development and independence of the individual.
• Have an understanding of care and case management protocols including; care planning, needs assessment, risk management/assessment, incident management/prevention and key-working
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable people who are homeless, with focus on the specific needs of people with complex needs.
• Knowledge of and a commitment to equal opportunities.
• Full clean driver's licence and use of own car.

Garda Vetting will be sought for this role.

Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific requirements
Demonstrate depth and breadth of post-qualification experience of managing a caseload under supervision as relevant to the role.

We offer a competitive benefit package including 26 days annual leave pro rata, access to further education supports and contributory pension.

If you would like to work for, an application form and job description can be found on the careers section of our website www.novas.ie/careers-with-novas. If you require any further information or wish to submit a completed application form, please email recruitment@novas.ie