ACSA Recruitment Application Portal Guide 2024

About

The Agency for the Control of Substance Abuse in Nigeria is a key organization dedicated to managing and reducing drug misuse and harmful substance use nationwide. Its primary mission is to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and to provide support and rehabilitation services for those affected, aiming to enhance their health and well-being.

The agency works with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, to increase awareness and implement effective strategies. Its focus is on preventing substance abuse among young people and vulnerable groups, promoting a drug-free lifestyle, and offering treatment options to mitigate the impact of substance misuse.

In addition to prevention and treatment, the agency engages in research to better understand substance abuse trends. This research informs the development of targeted interventions and policies to address the root causes of drug abuse. Through building partnerships and advocating for supportive policies, the agency helps create a healthier and safer environment for all Nigerians.

Overall, the agency’s commitment to education, treatment, and policy development is vital for protecting communities and improving public health across Nigeria.

Position / Career Opportunity

Substance Abuse Counselor: A professional who provides counseling and support to individuals affected by substance abuse, helping them overcome addiction and develop coping strategies.

Community Outreach Coordinator: Responsible for organizing and implementing outreach programs to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention and treatment options within communities.

Program Manager: Oversees and manages various programs and initiatives related to substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Research Analyst: Conducts research and analyzes data related to substance abuse trends, treatment outcomes, and effectiveness of prevention programs.

Clinical Psychologist: Provides psychological assessment and therapy to individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders, focusing on mental health aspects of addiction.

Public Health Educator: Designs and delivers educational programs and workshops to inform the public about the risks of substance abuse and promote healthy behaviors.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Works directly with individuals recovering from substance abuse, providing therapeutic interventions, life skills training, and support in transitioning to a drug-free lifestyle.

Policy Analyst: Analyzes existing policies and develops recommendations for new policies related to substance abuse prevention, treatment, and regulatory frameworks.

Social Worker: Provides social and emotional support to individuals and families affected by substance abuse, connecting them with resources and services to improve their quality of life.

Medical Doctor (Addiction Specialist): A physician specializing in addiction medicine, providing medical assessment, treatment, and management of health issues related to substance abuse.

Requirement For All Post

Substance Abuse Counselor:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Certification or licensure as a Substance Abuse Counselor (e.g., NCAC I or II).
• Experience in providing counseling services to individuals with substance abuse disorders.
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices for addiction treatment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Community Outreach Coordinator:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Communications, Social Work, or related field.
• Proven experience in community outreach and organizing public awareness campaigns.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of substance abuse prevention strategies and community engagement.

Program Manager:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Several years of experience in program management, preferably in substance abuse or public health.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and implement program goals and evaluate outcomes.
• Knowledge of grant management and funding mechanisms.

Research Analyst:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Public Health, Psychology, or related field.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) and research methodologies.
• Experience in conducting research related to substance abuse or public health.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret data and present findings effectively.

Clinical Psychologist:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology.
• State licensure as a psychologist.
• Specialization or certification in addiction psychology preferred.
• Experience in providing therapy to individuals with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of psychological assessment tools and treatment modalities.

Public Health Educator:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or related field.
• Experience in designing and delivering health education programs, preferably in substance abuse prevention.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral change theories and health promotion strategies.
• Ability to develop culturally sensitive educational materials.

Rehabilitation Specialist:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Certification or licensure as an Addiction Counselor or Rehabilitation Specialist.
• Experience in providing rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from substance abuse.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented principles and evidence-based practices.
• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills.

Policy Analyst:

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, or related field.
• Experience in policy analysis and development, preferably in healthcare or substance abuse.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and legislative processes.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate policy recommendations effectively.

Social Worker:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work.
• State licensure as a Social Worker.
• Experience in providing social services to individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services.
• Strong advocacy and case management skills.

Medical Doctor (Addiction Specialist):

• Medical degree (MD or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• Board certification or specialization in Addiction Medicine.
• State licensure to practice medicine.
• Experience in diagnosing and treating patients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of pharmacological treatments and medical management of addiction.

Recruitment Programs

Public Awareness Campaigns: Outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about job opportunities and career paths within the organization, emphasizing the importance of addressing substance abuse issues.

Job Fairs and Recruitment Drives: Events held in various communities to promote available positions, provide information about job requirements, and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Training and Development Workshops: Workshops designed to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to roles in substance abuse prevention, treatment, counseling, and policy analysis.

Internship and Volunteer Programs: Opportunities for students and individuals interested in gaining practical experience in public health, social work, psychology, and related fields through internships or volunteer positions.

Collaborative Partnerships: Collaboration with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to promote career opportunities and recruit talent passionate about addressing substance abuse challenges.

Online Recruitment Platforms: Utilization of digital platforms to advertise job openings, engage with potential candidates, and streamline the application process for efficiency and accessibility.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Programs aimed at promoting diversity within the workforce, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants, and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Impactful Work: Employees have the opportunity to make a significant impact on society by helping individuals and communities affected by substance abuse. This sense of purpose can be highly rewarding.

Career Development: The field provides avenues for continuous learning and professional growth. Employees often have access to training programs, workshops, and certifications that enhance their skills and knowledge.

Job Stability: Positions in substance abuse prevention and treatment are typically in demand, offering job stability and long-term career prospects.

Competitive Compensation: Salaries in this field are competitive, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities involved in supporting individuals through recovery and promoting public health.

Comprehensive Benefits: Many organizations offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development allowances.

Rewarding Relationships: Working closely with clients and communities fosters meaningful relationships and the satisfaction of seeing positive changes in individuals’ lives.

Contributing to Public Health: Employees contribute directly to public health initiatives, helping to reduce substance abuse rates and improve overall community well-being.

Advancement Opportunities: There are opportunities for advancement into supervisory or leadership roles within organizations dedicated to substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Flexible Work Options: Some positions may offer flexible work arrangements or remote work opportunities, providing a better work-life balance.

Supportive Work Environment: Organizations often foster a supportive work environment where teamwork, collaboration, and compassion are valued, creating a positive workplace culture.

How To Apply

Research Job Openings: Begin by researching job openings in this field through job boards, company websites, professional networks, and government agency websites.

Review Job Requirements: Carefully review the job descriptions and requirements for each position to ensure your qualifications match the needs of the role.

Prepare Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, education, certifications, and skills related to substance abuse prevention, counseling, social work, public health, or other relevant fields.

Write a Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position, outlines your qualifications, and demonstrates your passion for working in substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Gather Supporting Documents: Collect any required supporting documents, such as copies of certifications, transcripts, or letters of recommendation.

Submit Your Application: Follow the application instructions provided in the job posting. This typically involves submitting your resume, cover letter, and any supporting documents through the organization’s online application portal or via email.

Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider following up with the hiring manager or recruiter to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare thoroughly by researching the organization, practicing common interview questions related to substance abuse prevention, and preparing examples of your relevant experience and skills.

Attend Interviews: Attend interviews with a professional demeanor, showcasing your passion for the field, knowledge of substance abuse issues, and alignment with the organization’s mission and values.

Acceptance and Negotiation: If offered the position, carefully review the terms of the offer, negotiate salary and benefits if applicable, and formally accept the job offer in writing.

Selection Procedure

Initial Screening:

• Resume Screening: Human resources or hiring managers review submitted resumes to shortlist candidates whose qualifications closely match the job requirements.
• Cover Letter Evaluation: The cover letter is assessed to gauge candidates’ interest in the position, understanding of substance abuse issues, and alignment with the organization’s mission.

Interview Process:

• Phone or Initial Interview: Candidates may be contacted for an initial phone interview to discuss their background, skills, and interest in the position. This interview helps further narrow down the candidate pool.
• In-Person or Virtual Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for in-person or virtual interviews. These interviews typically involve meeting with a panel of interviewers, which may include hiring managers, team members, and stakeholders.
• Interview Format: Interviews assess candidates’ knowledge of substance abuse prevention and treatment, experience in related fields (counseling, social work, public health), problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.
• Behavioral Questions: Candidates are asked behavioral questions to understand how they have handled specific situations in the past, particularly relevant to substance abuse counseling, program management, or policy analysis.

Assessment and Tests:

• Skills Assessment: Depending on the role, candidates may be required to complete skills assessments, such as case studies, role-playing exercises, or written tests to evaluate their knowledge and practical application of substance abuse prevention methods.
• Psychometric Tests: Some organizations may conduct psychometric tests to assess candidates’ personality traits, cognitive abilities, and suitability for the role.

Reference Checks:

• Reference Verification: Organizations may contact provided references to verify candidates’ work experience, skills, and professional conduct. This step helps validate information provided during the application process.

Background Checks:

• Criminal Background Checks: Depending on the nature of the position and organization policies, candidates may undergo criminal background checks to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable populations.

Final Decision and Offer:

• Decision Making: Based on interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team makes a final decision on the most suitable candidate for the position.
• Job Offer: The selected candidate receives a formal job offer, outlining terms of employment, including salary, benefits, start date, and any conditions of employment.

Onboarding and Orientation:

• Onboarding Process: Once the offer is accepted, the new hire undergoes an onboarding process to familiarize themselves with organizational policies, procedures, and expectations. This may include training on specific protocols related to substance abuse prevention and treatment.