Down’s Syndrome Association
Job Description

Job Title

WorkFit Officer (Central England)

Responsible to  Head of Employment Services

Hours

£30,000, Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Office/Home Based

Home based, ideally in Oxfordshire or
Buckinghamshire

We have an exciting opportunity within our WorkFit programme. This post
is for a one-year fixed term contract with an extension to the term
dependent on funding.

The successful candidate will develop employment opportunities for people
with Down’s syndrome in accordance with agreed business plans, and will
capitalise on the willingness of employers to lend their support to the
progression of individuals with Down’s syndrome within their workforce.

Main Responsibilities

Main tasks will include:

1)  Review and understand current employment policy and practices for

people with learning disabilities, in order to share them with employers
involved in this project.

2)  Project plan and manage the delivery of WorkFit in your designated
area. You will be supporting people who have Down’s syndrome and
employers using a mostly online delivery in the following areas:
Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire,
Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire.

3)  Develop resources to help both employers and people with Down’s
syndrome to access the relevant information and supports that are
available.

4)  Engage with HR departments, senior management teams and

colleagues at all levels of prospective employers to ensure that
individuals with Down’s syndrome will be adequately supported,
encouraged and managed within the workplace.

5)  Develop and maintain a database of local supportive employers,

arrange employer site visits and deliver employer training either in
person or online.

6)  Work with others to expand our network of employers who are willing
to develop work opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome.

7)  Engage with people with Down’s syndrome who are seeking work,

supporting them to fulfil their career ambitions.

8)  Engage with schools and colleges of FE where people with Down’s

syndrome access work experience.

9)  Build local support by engaging with affiliated Down’s syndrome

support groups.

10)  Build networks throughout the learning disability community,

specifically those that address employment issues, and participate in
relevant network meetings.

11)  Raise public awareness around the benefits of employing people

who have Down’s syndrome in a range of forums and settings including
online and in-person presentations and events.

12)

Provide progress reports to the Head of Employment Services based

on evaluations from candidates, families, employers, colleagues and
others in the network.

Person Specification

Qualifications

1.  Graduate or relevant educational qualification would be desirable.

Experience

1.  A minimum of two years’ experience working with people with learning

disabilities.

2.  An understanding of employment support for people with learning

disabilities and experience within the employment field.

Skills/Attributes

1.  Knowledge of national as well as local policies addressing employment

opportunities for people with learning disabilities in England and Wales.

2.  Commitment to equality of opportunity for people with Down's

syndrome and knowledge of employment and equality legislation.

3.  Excellent written and presentation skills including presenting at

conferences and events and delivering training sessions to a wide
audience in a range of formats.

4.  Ability to plan, organise and manage project work for your area and

identify and progress opportunities for development.

5.  Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop

relationships with external organisations, co-ordinate and facilitate
meetings, negotiate opportunities, deliver presentations and training,
motivate others and support colleagues.

6.  Good organisational skills with careful and methodical working

practices and close attention to detail, working to deadlines and within
budget.

7.  Willing to develop social media content and resources for stakeholders

as required.

8.  Ability to work both as a team member and on own initiative.

9.  Computer literacy:  Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, MS Teams/Zoom

and other online platforms as required.

10.The ability to respond with sensitivity and understanding when dealing

with people with Down’s syndrome, their parents and carers.

11.Valid UK drivers licence, use of a car and willing to travel. Very

occasional overnight stays.