WorkFit Officer (North East, Yorks & Humber)

Down’s Syndrome Association
Job Description

Job Title

WorkFit Officer (North East, Yorks & Humber)

Responsible to  Head of Employment Services

Hours

£30,000, Full-time, 35 hours per week. The post is
initially for one year with an anticipated extension to a
permanent role dependant on funding

Office Base

Home based

The successful candidate will develop employment opportunities for people
who have 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 who have Down’s syndrome within their workforce.
This project will be delivered in the North East of England, Yorkshire &
Humber and Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Main Responsibilities

Main tasks will include:

1)  Project plan and deliver the WorkFit programme in the area.

2)  Engage with people who have Down’s syndrome who are seeking work

and provide support at all stages of the process.

3)  Engage with HR and line managers of prospective and existing employers

to ensure that individuals with Down’s syndrome will be adequately
supported, encouraged and managed within the workplace.

4)  Develop and maintain a database of local supportive employers, arrange

employer site visits and deliver employer training.

5)  Review and understand current employment policy and practices for

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

6)  Develop web-based and non-web based resources to help both employers
and people with Down’s syndrome to access the relevant information and
supports that are available.

7)  Work with others to expand our network of employers who are open to
developing employment opportunities for people who have Down’s
syndrome.

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

syndrome access work experience.

9)  Build local support networks with affiliated Down’s syndrome support

groups.

10)  Build networks throughout the learning disability community,

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

11)  Raise public awareness around the issue of employment for people

who have Down’s syndrome in the region through regional employment
forums.

12)

Provide progress reports to management and an evaluation from

employer, employees and local groups.

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.  The ability to support and work with people who have Down’s syndrome,

their parents and carers based on knowledge and experience.

2.  Excellent written and presentation skills. Confident in delivering training

sessions to a wide audience.

3.  Good organisational skills with careful and methodical working practices
and close attention to detail, working to deadlines and within budget.

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.  Confidence in ability to develop a range of accessible resources, including

web-based resources.

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

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

opportunities for people with learning disabilities in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland.

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

and knowledge of employment and equality legislation.

10.Computer literacy:  Microsoft Office Suite.

11.Valid UK drivers’ licence, willing to travel to occasional face to face

meetings and happy with a very occasional overnight stay.

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