Development Worker

Following recommendations of the National Drugs Strategy in 2003, ten Regional Drug Task Forces were established in Ireland. Their purpose was to facilitate a more effective, area-based response to drug misuse in communities experiencing the highest levels of substance use. A key element of this approach was ensuring the active involvement of those most directly affected in the development of local drug strategies. In late 2013, in line with the recommendations of the Steering Group Report on the National Substance Misuse Strategy, alcohol was formally incorporated into the remit of all Regional Drug Task Forces.

In September 2025, both the Cork Local and Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces collectively agreed to initiate a comprehensive review of the potential benefits and challenges associated with amalgamating the two task forces into a single, unified entity.

To facilitate this process, a dedicated sub-group was established with the responsibility of thoroughly examining the feasibility, operational implications, and strategic advantages of such a merger. Following an in-depth analysis and extensive consultations, the sub-group presented their findings and formally recommended the formation of a single, consolidated task force. Subsequently, both the Cork Local and Southern Regional Task Forces engaged in detailed discussions and deliberations on the proposal. After careful consideration of all relevant factors, both task forces reached a consensus and agreed to proceed with the amalgamation, recognising the potential for enhanced coordination, resource optimisation, and a more cohesive approach to addressing drug and alcohol-related issues across the region.

The C&KDAFT Committee and its sub-structures bring together members, representing the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, public representatives, and key interest groups to develop and co-ordinate a collective and integrated response to drug and alcohol problems in the Southwest region which covers the catchment area of Cork City, Cork County and Kerry.

The work of the C&KDAFT is led by 2 independent Co-Chairpersons.  The C&KDATF staff team is comprised of a Co-ordinator who in conjunction with the Chairpersons plays a pivotalrole in assisting the C&KDATF in developing and implementing its drug and alcohol strategy.  It is also comprised of a 2 Development Workers and a Clerical Worker position.

This partnership work is carried out under key actions as detailed in the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery – A health-led response to drug & alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.  Through funding secured from the HSE Drug and Alcohol Services.

Terms of Reference of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

• To coordinate the implementation of the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy in the context of the needs of the region/local area.


• To implement the actions of the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy where Task Forces have been assigned a role.


• To promote the implementation of evidence-based local/regional drug and alcohol strategies and to exchange best practice.


• To support and strengthen community-based responses to drug and alcohol misuse


• To maintain an up-to-date overview on the nature and extent of drug and alcohol misuse in the area/region.


• To identify and report on emerging issues and advocate for the development of policies or actions needed to address them.


• To monitor, evaluate and assess the impact of the funded projects and their continued relevance to the local/regional drug and alcohol task force strategy and to recommend changes in the funding allocations as deemed necessary.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the C&KDATF Co-ordinator,
1st Floor, Kinvara House, Dublin Hill, Cork. T23FDK2

Key Working Relationships

The worker will be required to engage with members of C&KDATF Committee/Sub Committee structures, funded services, drug & alcohol forums/networks, regional/national working groups and other relevant community, voluntary and statutory sectors as required.

Purpose of the Post 

The Development Worker will play a pivotal role in supporting the C&KDATF fulfilling the aims and objectives as outlined in its Strategic Plan and in line with the actions identified in the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery – A health-led response to drug & alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. Copy of which is available on-line on the Department of Health website http://health.gov.ie/

Assist the C&KDATF in the development and implementation of its policies, initiatives and strategies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Project Support:

• ·Work closely with the Task Force Staff to ensure that funded services are fully supported as they implement Task Force initiatives.


• Assist funded services to establish and report on targets, performance indicators and other relevant evaluation mechanisms which comply with procedures set out by the DPU and HSE.


• Provide support and assistance to funded services as required during their funding phase.


• Assist in identifying training supports for C&KDATF funded projects and Drug & Alcohol services across the region.


• Assist new or emerging groups that can contribute to the work of the Task Force.


• Assist in the co-ordination and convening of C&KDATF meetings and the subcommittee structures in operation.


• Assist in the development and supports of community-based services and facilitate                            interagency working.


• Support C&KDATF appointed members to maintain links with the Task Force, its various                      subcommittee structure and their nominating organisations.


• Represent the C&KDATF on relevant committee/subcommittee structures as required and as directed by the C&KDATF Co-ordinator.

Support for Community and Voluntary Representatives:

• Support community representatives to fulfil their mandate as representatives of the broader community.


• Support the development and continuation of effective networking and exchange of good practice between funded services and other interest groups.


• Support voluntary representatives to fulfil their mandate as representatives of voluntary groups in the region.


• Support the Voluntary Cluster Group in the region and link back and/or develop links with the National Voluntary Drug Treatment Network.


• Support representation of ‘communities of interest’ on the C&KDATF.


• Support the work and development of Local Drug & Alcohol Networks/Forums in the region.


• Support the roll out of community mobilisation initiatives in the region.

Policy Development:

• Assist the C&KDATF in the development and implementation of its policies, initiatives and strategies.


• Support the Co-ordinator to ensure effective communication in relation to Task Force policies and actions and other social inclusion programmes.
  
  

Service User Participation

• Support the development & co-ordination of the Southwest Service User Participation Group.


• Support the development of a Community Fora and link with existing Community Fora/Networks.

Training & Education

• Develop and co-ordinate the C&KDATF training calendar on an ongoing basis.


• Deliver a range of targeted Drug and Alcohol Education Programmes and training to the community, voluntary and statutory sectors in line with best practice across the region in partnership with relevant sectors.


• Support the development, roll out and delivery of programmes/schemes aimed at supporting the recovery of drug users into employment.


• Support the development and roll out of the National Rehabilitation Framework and Integrated Care Pathways in line with the National Drug Rehabilitation Framework in the region.


• Participate in relevant training and train the trainer programmes as required.

 Other

• To keep abreast of new patterns of drug use and related harms.


• To represent the Task Force on internal & external committees as directed.


• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Task Force.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.

Must have a level 7 (or higher) qualification in Community Development, Health, Education or Social/Human Sciences.

AND

Minimum of 3 years relevant full time paid employment working in Community Development, Health & Social care, Education or related fields.

AND

Working knowledge of statutory, community and voluntary organisation work practices.

AND

Have experience in delivering drug and/or alcohol or other related training programmes in line with best practice.

AND

Have knowledge of drug and alcohol related issues and their effects/influence on communities as well as individuals.

AND

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of

suitability, for the proper discharge of the office.

2. Health

A candidate 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.

3. Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

• Have excellent presentation skills.


• Have excellent computer literacy e.g., word, excel, PowerPoint, email etc.

Other requirements specific to the post

• Access to transport.  The post will involve frequent travel to meetings etc across the Southwest region.


• Some evening and weekend work may be part of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

• Have knowledge of the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery – A health-led response to drug & alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.


• Have an understanding of interagency working.


• Have an understanding of Service User Involvement.


• Have good report writing capability.


• Have excellent facilitation skills.


• Have an understanding of the community mobilisation approach.


• Have ability to analyse reports and disseminate information accurately to all stakeholders.


• Have an in-depth knowledge of a large range of drugs and alcohol services across the region.


• Have knowledge of Health/Social Services. 


• Have knowledge of the operational procedures of Statutory Agencies and their role in addressing the drugs and alcohol issue.


• Have experience in group facilitation.

Planning and Managing Resources

Demonstrate:

• Have good organisational, resource and time management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities as well as the ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality
  


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Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the service user and a strong commitment to providing a quality service.


• Embraces and promotes the change agenda; demonstrates flexibility and initiative including the ability to adapt to and implement change.


• Supports team through service improvement / change processes.

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrate:

• Have good decision making, problem solving and analytical skills necessary for spotting and implementing change.


• Demonstrate initiative in the resolution of issues arising / problem solving and proactively develop new proposals and recommend solutions.


• Makes decisions and solves problems in a timely manner before they accumulate.

Team working

Demonstrate:

• Have an ability of working independently on his/ her own initiative and display flexibility to work within a multi-sectoral team. 


• Works as part of the team to establish a shared sense of purpose and unity.

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and network with all vels within and outside the organisation.

Garda Vetting will apply

Under 18s work may be required

Flexibility will be required in working hours (needs based)

Application Process:

Please upload a letter of application (clearly stating the job you are applying for) and CV via the portal. 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Friday 13th February

NEWKD is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify.