IPS Service Coordinator

Job Title: Irish Prison Services (IPS) Addiction Services Coordinator

Three role are available across the following locations:

Location 1- Midlands, Portlaoise, Castlerea & Loughann prisons

Location 2 - Wheatfield, Cloverhill & Shelton Abbey prisons

Location 3 - Mountjoy, Training Unit, Dochas & Arbour Hill prisons

Role Purpose: Responsible for the efficient operation of the MQI addiction service in the IPS

Reports to:  Addiction Services Manager, IPS

Direct Reports: IPS Addiction Counsellors & Project Workers

Contract Type: Contract of Indefinite Duration

Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours per week

 Principle Objective: To effectively manage on behalf of the Addiction Services Manager all resources pertaining to the Team. In doing so to uphold the values and ethos of Merchants Quay Ireland

Team Purpose, 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 Irish Prison Services – What is it?

MQI’s prison-based addiction counselling service 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. We advocate treating drug problems as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue, providing effective treatment to the drug user.

MQI is looking for a dedicated and experienced Coordinator to oversee and deliver addiction services within the Irish Prison Service. This dual-role position requires a strong leader who can manage a team delivering addiction supports and interventions while actively engaging with a caseload of up to 15 clients. You'll play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based service.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Addiction Services Manager for individual support, regular supervision, and performance appraisal.

  
  

• Team Leadership: Directly manage and mentor a team of counsellors, Project Workers and Recovery Educators, focusing on performance, development, and adherence to HR policies. Foster an environment where staff are trained and equipped to deliver high levels of productivity.
  
  

• Caseload Management: Provide individual and group supports, conduct comprehensive assessments, engage in crisis or brief interventions, and develop holistic care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Ensure timely referrals and proper case closures and efficient handovers.
  
  

• Operational Management: Drive service delivery in line with IPS contractual obligations and quality standards. Implement and monitor systems for client data, maintain accurate computerised records, and comply with all operational policies, including health and safety. Compile weekly and monthly reports as required detailing addiction service activity and identifying blocks to service provision.
  
  

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a key point of contact for client work, represent MQI at IPS meetings, and build strong relationships with prison management and other external agencies to ensure continuity of care.
  
  

• Training and Development: Support the delivery of inductions and ongoing training for staff team members.
  
  

• Policy & Protocol Development: Contribute to and implement new initiatives, policies, and protocols to enhance service provision and ensure seamless transitions for clients.
  
  

• To assist with any other duties which the Addiction Services Manager or Deputy Head of Operations might reasonably request.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Degree in counselling/psychotherapy, addiction, health, or social care.

• Currently accredited with ACI or IACP.

• Supervisory experience, with a demonstrable track record in operational management, including monitoring service levels and proactive problem-solving.

• Exceptional leadership skills, communication (written and verbal), and organisational skills.

• Ability to manage conflicting priorities.

• Provide constructive feedback.

• Must treat service users with dignity and respect, understand the complexities faced by those affected by substance misuse and the criminal justice system

• Proficient use of IT systems (MS Office).

• Willing to travel across MQI/IPS locations.

• Full driving license and access to a vehicle required.

Desirable:

• Experience in addiction counselling, ideally within a prison or criminal justice setting, is highly valued.

• Outcome-focused, empathetic, and committed to the development and wellbeing of your team.

What does MQI Offer as an employer?

• Paid Family Leave, where applicable (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and Compassionate Leave)

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave, Scholarship Foundation)

• Minimum 26 days Annual Leave

• Death In Service (from commencement of employment)

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

• Group VHI scheme

• Competitive Salaries

• Bike to Work

The deadline for applications is 8th October 2026.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this role. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform based on requirements either now or in the future.

Merchant’s Quay Ireland is an equal opportunities employer