Role Responsibilities: (Include, but not limited to)
Service based research to inform the development and delivery of an effective service to cocaine / crack users.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative, service-based research on an on-going basis to directly inform and support the development and delivery of an effective service which has evidence based and effective practice to the fore.
Monitoring of client needs and outcomes over time.
Dissemination of data and recommendations, as well as provision of the necessary training, support and consultancy to the project team, Coolmine and the other supporting agencies to develop and improve service provision.
The psychologist will take a lead role in coordinating the Clinical Quality and Safety Group and the project will be developed in alignment with the Clinical Quality and Safety Governance within existing drug and alcohol services.
Development and delivery of a Psychological Service
Clinical Remit
Develop, deliver and evaluate a psychological service which support the reduction of cocaine / crack use. This will include the provision of psychological assessment and intervention services which meet the psychological needs of clients in the context of cocaine / crack use.
Develop, deliver and evaluate a range of psychological supports and services to meet the needs of clients indirectly through the provision of psychological consultation, psychoeducation, training and other supports as appropriate to staff on the project team, Hub teams and staff in the broader drug and alcohol services.
Provide psychological supports to improve knowledge and understanding of the psychological / mental needs of cocaine users and how to effectively meet these needs.
Assist in the development and dissemination of psychoeducational or other resources to support clients’ and / or service providers across Cork and Kerry.
Assist in the development and delivery of trauma-focused interventions and a trauma focused intervention service for project Workers and other team members as appropriate.
Where appropriate and within the parameters of this limited resource, develop and deliver a range of population level / group level interventions.
Improve health outcomes for cocaine users from a health equality perspective by informing and influencing the delivery of a service which circumvents access and engagement barriers.
Collate and develop culturally sensitive and trauma sensitive resources for use by families, health services, or others and in conjunction with identified partners.
Actively development and provide services which are culturally sensitive and trauma sensitive.
Develop and maintain service policies as appropriate, record-keeping, notes and good file management.
Interagency Work
Working in close collaboration with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Social Inclusion services, community-based services and NGOs to help meet the needs of the client group.
Work with both community and statutory providers to initiate health and wellbeing programmes.
Further develop, update and evaluate the resource packs / website for frontline staff (including GPs). Explore the development of online resources.
Liaise with existing Cork Kerry Community Healthcare staff and Community / Voluntary sector staff with expertise in this area.
Link with identified Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Heads of Service as required.
To support the broader Social Inclusion teams, through the provision of clinical supervision to trainees and assistant psychologists when required.
Review, Evaluation and Sustainability
Ensure service-user and front-line staff feedback mechanisms.
Identify models of good practice in other areas and adapt for use in Cork and Kerry as required / as appropriate.
Ensure appropriate monitoring, evaluation and review of the work undertaken and programmes delivered.
Identify and develop collaborative partnerships and programmes in response to identified needs.
Self-Care:
The Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Social Inclusion Psychology Service recognises the traumatic nature of the experiences of some clients and the personal demands of the work. As such, there is a culture of care, support and compassion within the Psychology service, the broader Social Inclusion team and Drug and Alcohol services. The post-holder will be encouraged to place a strong personal emphasis on his/her own self-care and to actively nurture the existing culture of care and compassion for clients and between colleagues.

Person Specification
Education
a recognised University degree or diploma (NQAI Level 8 equivalent) obtained with first, or second class, honours in which psychology was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject.
and
a postgraduate professional psychological qualification recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland in Clinical Psychology, or Counselling Psychology or Educational Psychology as appropriate to the area of professional psychology in which the position is designated,
or
a postgraduate professional psychology qualification validated by the Department of Health and Children in Clinical Psychology, or Counselling Psychology or Educational Psychology as appropriate to the area of professional psychology in which the position is designated.
Experience
Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Knowledge & Skills
Strong research skills and an ability to use research to directly inform service development and clinical practice.
Experience of working in the area of addiction is desirable but not essential Prepare clients in moving to Residential Programmes, including medical card application, social welfare payments etc.
Demonstrable understanding of/experience in health and psychological needs of people struggling with addiction and the unique barriers faced in access to mainstream services.
Access to transport is essential.
Demonstrable experience of and capacity to work in partnership with other disciplines, services and other agencies, with client compassion and a commitment to good outcomes for clients to the fore.
Capacity to carryout service-based research and evaluations.
Ability to facilitate workshops and training and to support service and organisational development.
Demonstrate sufficient professional knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Demonstrate experience of applying evidence-based practice.
Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
Planning and Organising Resources
Demonstrate ability to plan, organise and deliver evidence-based services in an efficient, effective, and resourceful manner, within a model of client-centred care and value for money.
Demonstrate good ability to develop and deliver services which have maximum reach and make the best use of limited resources and is rooted in evidence-based practice.
Ability to plan, develop and deliver a service, with support from the Coolmine Team Leader and Principal Psychologist and to evaluate outcomes so as to continue to improve service delivery.
Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively prioritise workloads.
Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user-centred service.
Demonstrate initiative and innovation in identifying areas for service improvement.
Demonstrate knowledge of Health Service Planning and Delivery
Teams Skills / Project Management Skills
Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team or on one’s own initiative.
Demonstrate ability to empathise/treat others with dignity and respect, including clients, colleagues and other professionals.
Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.
Be able to assess and respond to need quickly, taking a pragmatic and solution-focused approach.

Project management skills
Analytical Skills
Demonstrate ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions especially with regard to service user care.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Display effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
Demonstrate ability to utilise supervision effectively.
Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development.
Demonstrate experience of developing and working in a variety of partnerships and networks.

Application Process:
Interested candidates who meet the Person Specification requirements should send their CV & cover letter with application reference code to Dylan Murphy, HR Administrator at dylan.murphy@coolminectc.ie
Please quote this application reference HR/CRK/SDL/PSCH/0823
The closing date for applications 18th of August 2023.