Job Title: Addiction Counsellor, Irish Prison Service (IPS)
Reports to: Addiction Services Manager via Team Leader
Responsible for: The direct delivery of counselling services (one-to-one and groupwork) for persons with drug and or alcohol problems in prison
Objective: To effectively deliver counselling and other services of the IPS Service Level Agreement, and in doing so to uphold the philosophy and working ethos of MQI
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’s prison-based addiction counselling service currency employs 20 full-time staff across eleven of Ireland’s prisons. Our teams endeavour to offer support at all stages of a client’s journey. Alongside counselling, a particular focus is on accessing the appropriate pre-entry and post-release options for people in prison who are in addiction and recovery.
We work closely with treatment services, probation services and members of the legal profession. As ever, we advocate treating drug problems as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue, thereby avoiding costly incarceration costs to the taxpayer, while providing effective treatment to the drug user.
Key Responsibilities
The direct delivery of counselling services for persons with drug and /or alcohol problems in prison. This includes one-to-one and group work.
To operate within professional and ethical guidelines as outlined by the Irish Prison Service and relevant professional accreditation bodies.
Client Work
Deliver specific substance use interventions using a variety of models i.e. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, relapse prevention overdose prevention, as well as crisis interventions, the aim of which is to promote self-efficacy and motivation to change and to reduce harm caused by substance misuse/offending behaviours.
Attend clinical team meetings when required.
Develop comprehensive care plans in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team and ensure regular review of individual treatment plans and goals identified.
Ensure individual confidentiality in the context of multidisciplinary teamwork and the limitations of confidentiality as detailed within MQI’s Confidentiality Policy.
Provide information/statistics regarding the details of counselling i.e. high-quality case notes, goals, duration, discharge and referral summaries etc.
Refer to other agencies where appropriate. This can be within the prison and the community and is dependent on shared care plans and integrated care pathways.
Provide information and advice supporting health promotion and the reduction of risks associated with substance use and dependency.
Observe IPS and MQI health and safety policies and guidelines.
To notify your line manager as soon as possible where there are reasonable grounds for a child protection concern per current legislation, MQI’s Child Protection Policy and any requirements that may be set down under Irish Prison Service child protection procedure.
Service Delivery
Participate in new initiatives, in line with the development of the services in the Irish Prison Service and the relevant Health Authority.
Engage in multidisciplinary prison-based training as required.
Co-operate with relevant approved research, by or on behalf of the Irish Prison Service.
Attend meetings with the IPS and local prison management, as necessary, to review the service.
Be familiar with and abide by the operational policies and security protocols of the Irish Prison Service and be aware of fire and other safety precautions as outlined in the Health and Safety Statement.
Administrative
To comply with the Team Leaders requirements in relation to all appropriate administration and recording of data relevant to the Service, in particular intervention records, client files and monitoring requirements.
Training
To attend all training sessions, workshops, and courses as advised by the Team Leader.
To actively engage with your supervisor regarding your own personal/ professional needs in the context of being an effective counsellor in the Prison Counselling Service.
Engage in Continued Professional Development (CPD)
General
Person Specification
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Two years experience, or equivalent part-time, in an addiction service or similar setting.
Accredited counsellor with ACI, IACP or equivalent body.
A relevant third level qualification in addiction studies or social care.
An excellent understanding of issues relating to substance use, engagement with the criminal justice system, homelessness, dual-diagnosis and progression pathways towards community-based support services, housing, and training.
Ability to develop professional relationships with clients, IPS colleagues and external agencies.
Proficient IT skills.
Experience in developing and delivering workshops.
Experience and skills in developing Care Plans.
Salary: Starting at €41,614 depending on experience
Additional: Supervision Allowance of €65 per month based on full-time hours.
Contract: Permanent following 6 months probation period.
Location: Cork Prison
If you are interested in applying for this position, please click the link to apply by the 17th July 2026
