Training Mentor Contractor (Tipperary Branch)

We now have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, driven and skilled contractor to join us on a temporary basis as a Training Mentor.

The Contractor would work alongside our team at Down Syndrome Tipperary.  This individual will play a central role in facilitating the training programme funded through Tipperary ETB funded by REACH.

The contract is for 12 hours per week from July until December at Down Syndrome Tipperary Meitheal 21 Thurles.

The Contractor will be required to:-

1. Provide training & support to adults with Down syndrome so that they can progress to other training opportunities
2. Work with families, partners and the team in Down Syndrome Tipperary and DS Ireland so that the capacity and confidence of participants is enhanced in order to facilitate their future training opportunities and involvement in the community

Responsibilities for the Contractor would include

1. Supporting young adults with Down Syndrome to access suitable training opportunities
   • work with participants individually to develop training plans
   • work with small groups of young adults to deliver pre-development programmes and basic training and education programmes
   • work with the entire group of young adults to deliver pre-development programmes and basic training and education programmes
   • liaise with local training partners to identify opportunities to progress in training
   • liaise with parents and other members of DS Tipperary staff to identify needs and solutions to barriers facing our young people
   • identify additional social and communications programmes that might support participants in accessing training and education.

2. Working professionally and collaboratively with the established training team in National Office.
   • work professionally and collaboratively with the local training team in DS Tipperary

3. Assist with the completion of necessary paperwork incl. evaluations, reports & documentation.
4. Develop and maintain robust record keeping procedures in line with relevant data protection and confidentiality requirements.
5. Conduct any other duties in line with the main objectives & that may arise.
6. Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
7. Strong collaborative working skills and an ability to work on own initiative.
8. Excellent administration, organisation & ICT Skills
9. Possess a full clean driving license and have access to a car
10. Possess a standard leaving certificate and a relevant third level/further education qualification
11. Experience and understanding of the issues facing adults with intellectual disability in accessing training
12. An acute understanding of the ethos of Down Syndrome Ireland and a passionate belief in the abilities of people with Down syndrome.
13. A wider awareness of the importance of working towards a choice-based independent life for individuals with Down syndrome

Essential Requirements for the Contractor:

1. The ability to motivate and assist adults with Down syndrome in the classroom and training place
2. The ability to act as advocate for adults with Down syndrome and to foster relationships with partners and educators.
3. Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
4. Strong collaborative working skills and an ability to work on own initiative.
5. Excellent administration, organisation & ICT Skills
6. Possess a full clean driving licence and have access to a car.
7. Possess a standard leaving certificate and a relevant third level/further education qualification.

Prior experience working with adults with Down syndrome, an understanding of the learning profile and needs of adults with Down syndrome, and the ability to differentiate learning material to match these needs.

Desirable Requirements for the Contractor

1. Teaching qualification/Supported employment qualification and/or intellectual disability support/advocacy related qualification
2. Experience and understanding of the issues facing adults with Down syndrome within the classroom, and in accessing training, employment, and community involvement
3. An acute understanding of the ethos of Down Syndrome Ireland and a passionate belief in the abilities of people with Down syndrome.

An ability to work with families, problem solve, research and communicate and advocate for adults with Down syndrome

Terms of Engagement

1. A Contract for services will be required
2. A copy of Contractor’s Tax Certificate
3. A copy of the Contractors Professional Insurance
4. Garda vetted by DSI with no disclosures that could impact the contractor’s ability to undertaken this role
5. Testimonies from previous clients would be appreciated

Closing date: 28th June.  Please send your proposals to Cora Farrell at Tippcommittee@downsyndrome.ie by the closing date.