Down’s Syndrome Association Job Description

Job Title

WorkFit Officer (South West)

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 South West, covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Bristol.

Main Responsibilities

Main tasks will include:

Project plan and deliver the WorkFit programme in the area.
Engage with people who have Down’s syndrome who are seeking work and provide support at all stages of the process.
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.
Develop and maintain a database of local supportive employers, arrange employer site visits and deliver employer training.
Review and understand current employment policy and practices for people with learning disabilities, in order to share them with stakeholders involved in this project.
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.
Work with others to expand our network of employers who are open to developing employment opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome.
Engage with schools and colleges of FE where people who have Down’s syndrome access work experience.
Build local support networks with affiliated Down’s syndrome support groups.
Build networks throughout the learning disability community, specifically those that address employment issues, and attend relevant network meetings.
Raise public awareness around the issue of employment for people who have Down’s syndrome in the region through regional employment forums.
Provide progress reports to management and an evaluation from employer, employees and local groups.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Graduate or relevant educational qualification would be desirable.

Experience

A minimum of two years’ experience working with people with learning disabilities.
An understanding of employment support for people with learning disabilities and experience within the employment field.

Skills/Attributes

The ability to support and work with people who have Down’s syndrome, their parents and carers based on knowledge and experience.
Excellent written and presentation skills. Confident in delivering training sessions to a wide audience.
Good organisational skills with careful and methodical working practices and close attention to detail, working to deadlines and within budget.
Ability to plan and manage project-based work and identify opportunities for development.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop links with and within external organisations, co-ordinate meetings, negotiate, motivate others and support colleagues.
Confidence in ability to develop a range of accessible resources, including webbased resources.
Ability to work both as a team member and on own initiative.
Knowledge of national as well as local policies addressing employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Commitment to equality of opportunity for people with Down's syndrome and knowledge of employment and equality legislation.
Computer literacy: Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Easy Read production software
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.

DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

1 role available