WorkFit Officer (West London and Western Home Counties)

Salary: £27,000

Hours: 35hrs per week

Location: Home based

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 Down’s Syndrome Association is the only organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. The Down’s Syndrome Association aims to create the conditions that all people with Down’s syndrome need to live full and rewarding lives.

WorkFit is the DSA’s employment initiative, which bridges the gap between employers and candidates with Down’s syndrome. WorkFit aims to find the right role for the right candidate, with the right level of support for success.  The project team develop a range of work opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome including paid work, voluntary work, work experience placements and supported internships.

The successful applicant will join an award-winning supported employment team working with organisations from SME’s to some of the best known national and international brands to develop employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome.

We are looking for an experienced supported employment practitioner to be based at home in West London or surrounding counties of  on the North West. You will be responsible for expanding our reach in your designated area by supporting people with Down’s syndrome to access the work place. As part of your role, you will;

• Develop and enhance employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome
• Develop and enhance relationships with new and existing employers and other professionals
• Develop and enhance partnership links with existing support networks

The successful candidate will report directly to the Employment Development Manager. Candidates should have:

• Experience of supporting people with learning disabilities and a commitment to supporting them to fulfil their career ambitions.
• A good understanding of supported employment as well as experience within the employment sector
• Excellent organisational skills with careful and methodical working practices and close attention to detail, working to deadlines and within budget.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop strong relationships with people who have Down’s syndrome and their families, employers and other external organisations in order to co-ordinate and facilitate meetings, negotiate opportunities, deliver presentations and training, motivate others and support colleagues.
• Ability to plan and manage project based work and progress opportunities for development.

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be made to the Employment Development Manager, Alison Thwaite on 07973 612720 or email alison.thwaite@downs-syndrome.org.uk

To download the full job description, visit the Down’s Syndrome Association website https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to Alison Thwaite If you need any help with this or have any questions, please contact Alison Thwaite.

Closing date:  Friday, 25^th November, 2022

Interview date: Tuesday 13^th December, 2022

Please note that interviews will take place online.