Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time
part-time•Galway•€46k - €67k
About this role
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"CG Omega", sans-serif;"><strong>Substance Misuse Counsellor</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"CG Omega", sans-serif;"><strong>Harm Reduction Services</strong></span></p><p>If you want to make a real impact on the lives of others join Galway Simon Community where we work towards eliminating homelessness through advocacy, education and campaigning in line with our values of compassion, community and collaboration.</p><p><strong>Contract Details:</strong> 2 Year Fixed Term Contract, Part-Time 30 hours per week.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>11 Sean Mulvoy Centre, Sean Mulvoy Road, Galway, with flexibility to travel in Galway City and County</p><p><strong>Salary:</strong> Drugs Counsellor Salary Scale 01/10/2024 €46,647 – €67,563 (pro rata)</p><p></p><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><ul><li><p>Sundays: Time and a Half</p></li><li><p>Public Holidays: Double Time</p></li><li><p>25 Days Annual Leave</p></li><li><p>Employee Pension Scheme</p></li><li><p>Employee Assistance Program</p></li><li><p>Education Assistance Scheme</p></li><li><p>Bike to Work Scheme</p></li><li><p>Death in Service (2x basic salary)</p></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Job Summary</strong></p><p>The Substance Misuse Counsellor will work as part of the Harm Reduction Service, with a specific focus on supporting clients engaged with Housing First services. The role involves providing a specialist therapeutic support service to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.</p><p>The post holder will act as a community-based resource, offering therapeutic interventions, assessments, harm reduction support, and care planning for people using drugs and alcohol, while working collaboratively with Housing First case workers, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies.</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">1. Clinical & Therapeutic Support</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf241" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Conduct comprehensive assessments, brief interventions, and ongoing therapeutic work relating to drug and alcohol use.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf241" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Provide a range of evidence-based therapeutic interventions (e.g. MI, CRA, psychosocial support).</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf241" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Offer one-to-one tailored support addressing: substance use, mental health, overdose prevention, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, and related high-risk behaviours.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf241" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Support clients preparing for or considering entry into residential addiction treatment services.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf241" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Facilitate group work and psychoeducational programmes as needed.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">2. Harm Reduction & Housing First Collaboration</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf242" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Work within a low-threshold, harm reduction framework grounded in non-judgemental practice.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf242" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Collaborate closely with Housing First teams to ensure integrated care planning and wraparound supports.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf242" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Provide outreach-based support where appropriate, engaging clients in their homes or community settings.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf242" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Assist clients in accessing local medical, therapeutic, welfare, educational, and employment services; advocate on their behalf where necessary.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">3. Interagency Work & Professional Practice</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf243" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Maintain strong working relationships with relevant agencies including healthcare, addiction services, social care providers, and community services.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf243" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Communicate effectively with Homeless Services teams across the region.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf243" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Participate in clinical supervision, case reviews, and multidisciplinary meetings.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">4. Administration & Compliance</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf244" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records and required statistics.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf244" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Prepare reports and documentation in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf244" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Operate within all Galway Simon Community and relevant professional policies, procedures, and guidelines.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf244" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Contribute to the development and review of service policies and procedures.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">5. Training & Professional Development</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf245" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Participate in mandatory and developmental training as required.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf245" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Identify areas for future training needs in line with role and service development.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">6. General Responsibilities</span></h3><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf246" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Represent Galway Simon Community at relevant meetings, seminars, and events.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf246" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to clients, staff, volunteers, and organisational operations.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf246" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Promote positive teamwork and communication across the service.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf246" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Work at alternative locations as required.</span></p><p class="scriptor-listitemlistlist-46a31619-a845-4628-a0ee-c030e14ecf246" style="margin-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt;"><span style="">·</span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Undertake additional duties as may reasonably be requested by management.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;">This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.</p><p><strong>Essential Requirements</strong></p><p><span><strong>Qualifications</strong></span></p><p><span>· Accredited Counsellor qualification.</span></p><p><span><strong>Experience</strong></span></p><p><span>· Minimum 5 years’ relevant post-qualification experience in substance misuse or a closely related field.</span></p><p><span>· Experience working with individuals affected by homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges.</span></p><p><span>· Experience using trauma-informed and strengths-based therapeutic approaches.</span></p><p><span>· Experience in interagency collaboration and community-based service delivery.</span></p><p><span><strong>Skills & Attributes</strong></span></p><p><span>· Strong interpersonal, communication, and group facilitation skills.</span></p><p><span>· Ability to manage challenging behaviour with empathy and professionalism.</span></p><p><span>· Knowledge of dual diagnosis, safeguarding, and harm reduction principles.</span></p><p><span>· Ability to work on own initiative in a dynamic, evolving environment.</span></p><p><span>· Strong IT and administrative skills.</span></p><p><span><strong>Driving Requirements</strong></span></p><p><span>· Valid full driver’s licence and access to own vehicle.</span></p><p><span>· Ability to obtain business-use insurance (organisation covers cost).</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Closing date 02/02/2026</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Galway Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.</strong></p>
What you'll do
- The Substance Misuse Counsellor will provide therapeutic support to individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges, focusing on harm reduction and collaboration with Housing First services. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, offering tailored support, and facilitating group work.
About Galway Simon Community
Galway Simon Community was set up in 1979 by a group of volunteers who refused to accept homelessness on the streets of Galway. With the support of the wider community, we have grown, developed, learned and adapted over the years to become a leading provider of homeless and homelessness prevention services in the region.
At Galway Simon Community, we support a person’s right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their own home. We are relentlessly committed to ¬finding answers to the questions faced by real people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. It is our belief that early intervention is the most effective means of reducing the trauma and cost associated with homelessness.
We work with a clear vision in mind: A community where everyone has a place to call home.
Registered Charity No. 20018962
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Galway Simon Community pay for a Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time?
Galway Simon Community offers a competitive compensation package for the Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time role. The salary range is EUR 47k - 68k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time do at Galway Simon Community?
As a Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time at Galway Simon Community, you will: the Substance Misuse Counsellor will provide therapeutic support to individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges, focusing on harm reduction and collaboration with Housing First services. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, offering tailored support, and facilitating group work..
Is the Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time position at Galway Simon Community remote?
The Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time position at Galway Simon Community is based in Galway, Connacht, Ireland. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time position at Galway Simon Community?
You can apply for the Substance Misuse Counsellor - 2 year Fixed-Term contract 30 hours part-time position at Galway Simon Communitydirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.