WorkFit Liaison Officer

Down’s Syndrome Association
Job Description

Job Title

WorkFit Liaison Officer

Responsible to  Head of Employment Services

Hours

One Year Fixed Term Contract (16 hours per week)

Office Base

Home base covering Swindon and surrounding areas

The successful candidate will deliver WorkFit as a local support network (LSN)
within Swindon and surrounding areas. The LSN will bring together employers,
affiliated support group members, schools and colleges, supported employment
agencies and statutory third sector providers to share knowledge and experience.
They will provide a source of comprehensive localised support for people with
Down’s syndrome and employers.

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 the LSN in Swindon and surrounding

areas.

3)  Provide social media content to help both employers and people with Down’s
syndrome to access the relevant information and supports that are available.

4)  Engage with HR and line managers 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.

6)  Work with others to expand our network of employers in Swindon and

surrounding areas who are willing to develop work opportunities for people with
Down’s syndrome.

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

offer events in conjunction with Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group.

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

access work experience.

9)  Build networks throughout the learning disability community, specifically those

that address employment issues, and attend relevant network meetings.

10)

Provide progress reports to the Employment Development Manager.

Qualifications

Person Specification

1.  Graduate or relevant educational qualification would be desirable.

Experience

1.  A minimum of one year’s 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.

4.  Ability to plan and manage project based work and identify opportunities for

development.

5.  Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop links with and

within external organisations, co-ordinate meetings, negotiate, 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.  Confidence in ability to develop a range of accessible resources, including web-

based resources.

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

9.  Computer literacy:  Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

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 and willing to travel.

The post holder will be police checked to the enhanced level.