Vacancies / Careers

 

 

If you are interested in any of the jobs below, please email joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie with your CV.  If you do not have a CV we can send you an employment survey to complete.

 

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CASTLE LESLIE

Castle Leslie Estate are looking to recruit 1 adult with Down syndrome to join their team on the Estate on work experience.

Quote from Castle Leslie Estate: “Our promise to all our guests is; to be unique & memorable, to be passionate & friendly, and to provide high standards of customer care.”

 

Tasks:

• Interact with customers 
• Clean & tidy restaurant tables after breakfast and reset for afternoon tea and/or dinner
• Stock shelves with crockery and glassware, polish cutlery, clean service area
• Fold napkins, stock fridges, replenish breakfast items after breakfast service
• Greet customers entering and leaving the restaurant

 

Working days and hours are flexible, dependent on the ability and availability of successful candidates.

 

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Customer Service Assistant, Lidl – Coolock & Clonshaugh

Location: Lidl stores in Coolock & Clonshaugh (1 position per store)

Hours: Flexible

Salary: €13.85 per hour

Duties:

• Interact with customers
• Clean and tidy store
• Stock shelves
• Prepare and display bakery products

If you are interested, please email joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie with your CV by Friday 25th August at 5pm.  If you do not have a CV we can send you an employment survey to complete.

 

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Retail Assistant  

Where: Specsavers Carlow, Unit 4, Exchequer House, Potato Market, Carlow 

Example of Duties: 

1. Meet and Greet customers
2. Light office work and cleaning duties
3. Cleaning spectacles and frames and putting these back on the shelf
4. Working as part of a team

Days and Hours will all depend on the successful candidate​ 

If you are interested, please email joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie with your CV by Wednesday 30th August at 5pm.  If you do not have a CV we can send you an employment survey to complete. 

Head of Fundraising (National Office)

Are you a passionate and driven individual with experience in fundraising? Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families? Down Syndrome Ireland is seeking a dedicated Head of Fundraising to join our team and lead our fundraising efforts.

Down Syndrome Ireland is a national charity organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. We provide a range of essential services, support, and resources to ensure individuals with Down syndrome can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

The Head of Fundraising is responsible for developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to generate income and support the programs and services of Down Syndrome Ireland. The role working collaboratively with our 25 branches located across Ireland to generate ideas, initiatives and fundraising for our nationwide organisation so that we can continue to support our 3,000+ members.

 

Responsibilities:

As a Head of Fundraising, your primary responsibility will be to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies to generate income and support our vital programs and services. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organisation’s strategy, objectives and values.
• Donor Cultivation: Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with potential individuals, corporate donors, trusts, foundations, and other funding sources.
• Events and Campaigns: Plan, coordinate, and oversee fundraising events and campaigns, ensuring maximum participation and contributions.
• Grant Writing: Prepare compelling grant proposals, applications, and funding requests to secure funding from governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Donor Stewardship: Implement effective donor stewardship strategies to foster long-term relationships, including acknowledgment, recognition, and regular communication.
• Budget Management: Oversee and monitor fundraising budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
• Team Leadership: Manage and motivate a team of fundraising professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports and updates on fundraising activities, outcomes, and progress towards targets for the senior management team and board of directors.
• Governance: ensure all fundraising practices meet all governance and regulatory requirements, in line with best practice.

 

Requirements:

• Experience: Proven track record in fundraising, preferably in the non-profit sector, with a focus on individual giving, corporate & community partnerships, and events management.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies and initiatives that align with organisational goals.
• Relationship Building: Strong networking and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and inspire potential donors and stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Leadership: Experience in managing a team of fundraising professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Organizational Skills: Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Results-Driven: Proven ability to achieve fundraising targets and outcomes, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

 

Benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Flexible start/finish times
• Onsite parking
• Additional annual leave
• Sick pay

 

Salary:

€65,000 – €70,000 DOE

 

Location:

Down Syndrome Ireland National Office, Ballymount, Dublin 12

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, we want to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie

Closing date September 11th.

Corporate Fundraiser 

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families inIreland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome, as equally valued, independent citizens.  

DSI is recruiting an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to work in its busy Fundraising Department, thereby helping to implement the Fundraising Plan and meet annual income targets. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work effectively as part of a small Fundraising Team as well as originate, take ownership and proactively drive relationships with corporate partners and individual major donors. Relevant experience in a similar fundraising environment and excellent business development and relationship management skills, along with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise a varied workload are essential attributes for this role.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• The Corporate Fundraiser will develop and implement a strategy to increase fundraising income from existing and new partnerships, grants and major donors
• Take ownership of Down Syndrome Ireland’s existing corporate partnerships, nurture and drive relationships to deliver on objectives and maximise fundraising income
• Take the lead on researching, targeting, recruiting and managing a pipeline of new corporate partnerships across a variety of sectors, through networking and leveraging new and existing contacts
• Cultivate and sustain high value long-term relationships with both corporate supporters and individual major donors
• Work closely with fundraising colleagues to maximise corporate involvement in DSI campaigns and events thereby engaging partnership teams and enhancing relationships
• Identify suitable grant funding opportunities and develop relationships with key stakeholders
• Prepare and submit high quality funding applications and effectively manage all reporting requirements
• Develop a major donor plan to identify, cultivate and recruit potential major donors
• Build long term sustainable relationships between individual donors and Down Syndrome Ireland so as to maximise their lifetime value
• Any other duties as designated by the Head of Fundraising and Retail

 

Person Specification / Required Skills and Knowledge:

 

• Minimum 4 years’ relevant experience in a corporate fundraising or business development environment is preferential
• A proven capability of securing and building corporate partnerships, grants and individual funder relationships
• Excellent networking, interpersonal and communication skills with experience managing all level relationships with corporate partners, sponsors and individual funders
• Highly developed business development and relationship building skills
• Experience in writing and presenting effective corporate funding proposals and grant applications, with compelling cases for support
• Good knowledge of fundraising best practice and the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and on own initiative
• Strong strategic, analytical, planning and budgeting skills with a focus on return on investment

• Demonstrable experience of structuring workload and conflicting demands of comfortably managing the multiple dimensions of this role   
• Energetic, creative and proactive approach, with a strong work ethic
• Highly organised and excellent attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Highly computer literate – proficient in Microsoft Office and using CRM Databases
• Working knowledge of Digital Fundraising tools and Social Media platforms
• Flexibility in working hours and duties – the role involves occasional out of hours work
• An understanding and empathy for the mission and work of Down Syndrome Ireland
• Knowledge of and interest in Ireland’s charity sector

Details:

• This is a permanent full-time role with a six month probation period
• Salary €50,000 – €55,00
• Role to commence June/July 2023
• Position is subject to reference checking and Garda Vetting

Location:

• This position will be based in Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Office, Unit 3 Park Way House, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin D12 HP70
• DSI employees currently work a hybrid model comprising 3 days in the National Office and two days remote working

 

Reporting to:  Head of Fundraising and Retail

To apply:            

Please forward a CV and Cover letter to Mark@downsyndrome.ie 

Down Syndrome Ireland is an equal opportunity employer

Scope of the role

Down Syndrome Ireland requires an Advocacy Manager to join their expanding team of professionals. 

In this newly created role, you will work closely with all key Down Syndrome Ireland stakeholders including members, CEO and the Senior Management Team to influence conversations and decisions about issues affecting people with Down syndrome.

As the Advocacy Manager you will design, develop and support the delivery of advocacy campaigns, looking at new and innovative ways to ensure the voices of people with Down syndrome are at the heart of decision-making.

The postholder reports to the CEO and works in close collaboration with the Senior Management to deliver across all campaigns and advocacy activity at Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families in Ireland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome, as equally valued, independent citizens.

Qualifications and Experience

• Substantive experience (5+ years) working in advocacy / public policy / campaigning, with recent experience (c. 3+ years) in a leadership role managing campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in creating and rolling out successful advocacy campaigns and senior stakeholder management.
• A strong understanding of the political landscape, the stages of legislative & policy development and campaigning tools.
• Third level qualification, with a postgraduate qualification in a relevant area an advantage.
• Previous experience of working in an area of disability would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, report writing and presentation.
• A confident self-starter with the ability to operate in a dynamic environment.
• A clear commitment to the values of the organisation.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leading and shaping the development of an exciting and growing advocacy programme.
• Work closely with our branches in gathering data to support campaigns.
• Evaluating complex policy issues independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Producing content and collateral, including talking points, narrative documents, and presentation materials for engagement with policymakers, civil society and politicians.
• Nurturing  positive working relationships with stakeholders and partners internally and externally.
• Developing strategic advocacy campaigns that bolster existing areas of work while leveraging new opportunities in an agile and innovative way.
• Identifying opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation, so that advocacy campaigns deliver shared value at a strategic level.
• Highlighting advocacy campaigns across the organisation, contributing to a deeper understanding and learning for all members and staff.
• Cross-organisational advocacy – working effectively with other advocacy groups on shared campaigns that are underpinned by the latest sector statistics.
• Tracking and monitoring project delivery against plan, using clear metrics and reporting tools.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest issues and developments affecting people with Down syndrome and establishing key contacts across DSI’s network of members and branches to ensure regular, two-way communication.
• Taking a lead role in representing DSI, and/or identifying personnel best placed to represent DSI, in contributing to networks, committees, alliances, and coalitions with external stakeholders in the pursuit of agreed strategic objectives.
• Remaining up to date on Oireachtas and Government business and keep the team fully briefed and informed on key political developments that affect people with Down syndrome.
• Ensuring DSI’s compliance with lobbying legislation.

 

Key working relationships

• National office, all departments
• Senior Management
• Branches
• Government Bodies

Hours of work and location: Fulltime, 40 hours per week, hybrid working, on site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and option remote working every Monday and Friday.

Renumeration: €50k-€55k

To apply: Please forward a CV and Cover letter to hr@downsyndrome.ie 

Down Syndrome Ireland is an equal opportunity employer

 

Job Title 

Senior Speech and Language Therapist

Scope of the role

Down Syndrome Ireland requires an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join their expanding team of professionals. Based in Galway City, the successful candidate will be the lead SLT responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of Voices for Down Syndrome Galway Speech & Language Therapy service for the Galway branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

This post involves joining an experienced team, working alongside SLT’s currently employed by National office as well as working in collaboration with the Dept of Speech & Language Therapy at the University of Galway and with public and private service providers.

A mixture of direct and indirect therapy will be required. The successful candidate will need to be confident working with all age groups. Linking in with pre-schools, schools, adult training centres and workplace will be essential. As well as clinical and operational performance supervision of other colleagues, and management of service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience Required:

· Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy

· Current CORU registration

· Current IASLT membership

· A minimum of three years’ experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist.

· Experience of assessment and therapy for children and adults with Down syndrome and/or people with autism spectrum disorder is preferable

· Dysphagia Qualification.

· Experience of Lámh and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

· Experience delivering training workshops to parents and teachers

· Experience supervising staff grade Speech & Language Therapists and/or Speech & Language Therapists in Training.

· Relevant experience providing speech and language therapy services in a person and family centred manner.

· Telehealth

· Hanen It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words

· DIR Floortime

· Supporting both mainstream and special schools

· Own transport and full clean driving licence.
Roles and Responsibilities
Duties & Responsibilities

· Co-ordinate and deliver the Speech & Language Therapy service of Voices for Down Syndrome Galway of the Galway branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

· Collaborate with service users, families, carers and other professionals in goal setting and intervention planning in an efficient and timely manner whilst ensuring a holistic approach.

· Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes for service users

· Deliver a range of therapeutic models appropriate to the client population.

· Generate and manage documentation in respect of assessments, diagnoses, intervention plans, and clinical notes

· Planning and organising (including the scheduling of) individual and group therapy for a caseload of people with Down syndrome.

· Being innovative in the use of resources to maintain and enhance service delivery standards.

· Monitoring, recording, and reporting individual and service delivery performance to the reporting committee.

· Responsibility for the line management and clinical supervision of the staff grade therapist, therapists in training and volunteers, as required.

· Working collaboratively and in partnership with families, schools and other service providers.

· Maintaining standards of service delivery in line with policy, CORU guidelines and relevant legislation.

· Ad-hoc duties as requested by Senior Management and Voices for Down Syndrome Galway Committee

 
Reporting arrangements

• Galway Branch Committee
• Down Syndrome Ireland Senior Management

 
Key working relationships

• Galway Branch
• National Office
• Parents
• Volunteers
• Teachers
• Committee Members

 

Hours of work and location

The post is full time, working four 5 days per week. Branch location, Down Syndrome Galway East Centre, Unit 7 Cois Chláir, Claregalway, Co. Galway, H91 A2F4 and will also be based at The University of Galway.

 
Benefits
Additional annual leave

Sick Pay

 Email your cover letter and CV in confidence to Carmel Hannon, Project Coordinator – info@voicesforgalway.org

 

Starting salary: €58,599

Job Title
Senior Speech and Language Therapist

Scope of the role
The Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland requires a Senior Speech and Language Therapist to join their expanding team of professionals.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of the Speech & Language Therapy service for the Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. 

This is a new vacancy in our growing Dublin branch.  A mixture of direct and indirect therapy will be required.  The successful candidate will need to be confident working with all age groups, from birth to adulthood. Linking in with pre-schools, schools and adult training centres will be essential. 

 
Qualifications and Experience

·        Minimum of 3 years’ full time experience

·        Speech & Language Therapist with experience in intellectual disability services 

·        Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy  

·        Current CORU registration

·        Current IASLT membership

·        Experience of assessment and therapy for children and adults with Down syndrome

·        Experience of Lámh and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

·        Experience delivering training workshops to parents and teachers

 
Roles and Responsibilities

·        Co-ordinate and deliver the Speech & Language Therapy service for the Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. 

·        Collaborate with service users, families, carers and other professionals in goal setting and intervention planning in an efficient and timely manner whilst ensuring a holistic approach. 

·        Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes for service users  

·        Deliver a range of therapeutic models appropriate to the client population. 

·        Generate and manage documentation in respect of assessments, diagnoses, intervention plans, and clinical notes 

·        Ad-hoc duties as requested by Senior Management and Branch Committee

 
Reporting arrangements
The Speech & Language Therapist will have working relationships with people inside and outside the Branch as well as National Office. It will demand working with the public, members, families, carers, staff and volunteers of the Branch.  Support and guidance will be received on an ongoing basis from the Chairperson and Committee Members.

Key working relationships

• Dublin Branch
• National Office
• Parents
• Teachers
• Committee Members

 

Hours of work and location
The post is full time, working 37.5 hours per week.  Location will be based on member needs and may vary week to week.

Remuneration:

€58,599 (starting)

Benefits

Additional annual leave

Email your cover letter and CV application in confidence to Pat Neville, Secretary, Down Syndrome Dublin, secretary@downsyndromedublin.ie.

Operations Manager – Kerry

 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead and oversee the seamless functioning of our dynamic Kerry Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. As the Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating and optimizing our key strategic operations which include our branch office, our 321 Charity Shop, Deenagh Lodge Tea Rooms and member supports services.

This role requires a versatile individual with excellent leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills to ensure the efficient execution of our activities.

 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the charitable objectives of DSI are respected at all times.
• Manage and take responsibility for the day to day operations, people management and activities of DSI Kerry.
• Maintain financial oversight of services and activities.
• Run fundraising, PR and marketing campaigns.
• Liaise with sponsors and corporate donors
• Monitor effectiveness of functions, services and activities.
• Ensure DSI Kerry is compliant with policies and procedures of DSI and other relevant governance requirements.
• Maintain records and report on same.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.
• With guidance from DSI National office and our Kerry Branch Committee, implement strategic plans aligned with our different operations to meet our organizational mission and goals
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, teamwork and continuous improvement
• Supervise and provide guidance and support to all Kerry Branch employees, ensuring smooth and efficient day to day operations
• Regularly assess processes, implement organizational policies and procedures and provide feedback on branch and team performance
• Support the recruitment, retention and training of all branch employees
• With support from HR, conduct performance reviews and address any training or developmental needs to maintain a high performing team
• Champion a member-centric approach across all operations, striving to provide an exceptional experience and support via all of our services
• Liaise with our Speech & Language Therapist Contractor to maintain positive relationships that benefit our members
• Support the Employment Programmes internally via our Charity shop and Deenagh Lodge as well as externally with local employers
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local businesses, suppliers and member employers
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and regulatory standards in all business operations
• Develop plans and protocols to address unexpected operational challenges or emergencies
• Provide regular feedback, information and reports to the branch committee and national office
• Conduct any other duties in line with the main objective set out above.

 

Experience required:

• Proven track record in managing and developing services.
• Proven ability in people management, strategic planning, project management and event coordination.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• Strong Team working skills and an ability to work on own initiative.
• Excellent administration, organisation & ICT Skills.
• Possess a full clean driving license and have access to a car.
• Possess a relevant qualification of at least degree level or 5 + years relevant experience .
• Understanding of the rights and needs of people with additional needs and their families.
• A knowledge of the charity/not-for-profit sector is desirable

 

Hours & Location:

37.5 hours/week, normally Monday to Friday, subject to business needs.

Position is based in DSK, Tralee office. You will also have responsibility for Deenagh Lodge Café in Killarney, Charity Shop in Tralee, education programme in MTU Tralee and other services throughout the county.

Salary:

€50,000 – €60,000 DOE

 

To apply, email your CV and cover letter to Lauren Keating, People Transformation Specialist at Laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie

 

Job Title

Speech and Language Therapist

Scope of the role

Down Syndrome Ireland requires an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join their expanding team of professionals. Based in Allenwood, Kildare, the successful candidate will be the lead SLT responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of Speech & Language Therapy service for the Kildare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

A mixture of direct and indirect therapy will be required. The successful candidate will need to be confident working with all age groups. Linking in with pre-schools, schools, adult training centres and workplace will be essential. As well as clinical and operational performance supervision of other colleagues, and management of service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy
• Current CORU registration
• Current IASLT membership
• A minimum of three years’ experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist.
• Experience of assessment and therapy for children and adults with Down syndrome and/or people with autism spectrum disorder is preferable
• Dysphagia Qualification.
• Experience of Lámh and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Experience delivering training workshops to parents and teachers
• Experience supervising staff grade Speech & Language Therapists and/or Speech & Language Therapists in Training.
• Relevant experience providing speech and language therapy services in a person and family centred manner.
• Telehealth
• Hanen It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words
• DIR Floortime
• Supporting both mainstream and special schools
• Own transport and full clean driving licence.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and deliver the Speech & Language Therapy service of the Kildare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.
• Collaborate with service users, families, carers and other professionals in goal setting and intervention planning in an efficient and timely manner whilst ensuring a holistic approach.
• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes for service users
• Deliver a range of therapeutic models appropriate to the client population.
• Generate and manage documentation in respect of assessments, diagnoses, intervention plans, and clinical notes
• Planning and organising (including the scheduling of) individual and group therapy for a caseload of people with Down syndrome.
• Being innovative in the use of resources to maintain and enhance service delivery standards.
• Monitoring, recording, and reporting individual and service delivery performance to the reporting committee.
• Responsibility for the line management and clinical supervision of the staff grade therapist, therapists in training and volunteers, as required.
• Working collaboratively and in partnership with families, schools and other service providers.
• Maintaining standards of service delivery in line with policy, CORU guidelines and relevant legislation.
• Ad-hoc duties as requested by Senior Management and Voices for Down Syndrome Kildare Committee

 

Reporting arrangements

Kildare Branch Committee

Down Syndrome Ireland Senior Management

Key working relationships

Kildare Branch

National Office

Parents

Volunteers

Teachers

Committee Members

 

Working hours and location

The post can be full or part time.

Down Syndrome Kildare Branch, Allenwood

 

Remuneration

Starting Salary: €58,599

Benefits

Additional annual leave

Sick pay

 

To apply, please email your CV to Lauren, People Transformation Specialist at laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie.

 Early Years Support Specialist

Focusing on Pre-natal support, New Parent Liaison and Early Childhood Development.

Down Syndrome Ireland are looking for a specialist to continue our work on pre-natal support, new parent liaison and early child & family support as part of our national Member Support Team. This is a full time, permanent position.

 

What can you do for us? You can use your enthusiasm, experience and expertise to advise and support families who have, or are expecting, a baby with Down syndrome. You can look at the bigger picture, at systems, programmes, research and practice, and use this knowledge to make Ireland a better place for babies with Down syndrome and their families.

 

What can we do for you? We can help you to make a difference. You will be part of a small but dedicated national team focused on working with people who have Down syndrome and their families, identifying barriers across the lifespan and helping to break them down by providing information, training and support. You will be able to actively challenge barriers and drive change at local and national level.

 

 

 

Job Description

Job Title: Early Years Support Specialist

Including: Pre-natal advice, New Parent Liaison, Family support around Early Development & Early Childhood Care.

Responsibilities :

To be the primary source of information for families who have (or are expecting) a baby or young child with Down syndrome. To link with maternity hospitals to ensure that clear information and support is available for pre and post-natal care. To help develop national programmes and to work with local branches on ensuring that appropriate high quality support is given to parents.

Duties to include:

Supporting New and Expectant Parents

• Providing non-directive information and support for families with a prenatal diagnosis through direct conversation and liaison with maternity hospitals and GPs.
• Providing training and materials for medical professionals on informing families that their baby has Down syndrome
• Coordinating and delivering information webinars and conferences for new parents
• Developing, expanding and training Parentlink support network
• Creating and updating online resources
• Developing and maintaining an online new parents group

 

Early Development

• Gathering and disseminating information to parents and professionals regarding new research and best practice in Early Intervention.
• Supporting new research in all aspects of early years care and intervention.
• Overseeing quality and delivery of Early Development services at branch level

 

General

• Gathering information from parents and professionals regarding the needs of families of young children with Down syndrome to drive lobbying for improvements in state provision.
• Liaison with fundraising team to identify possible projects
• Liaison with finance team to manage budgets for projects

 

Skills and Attributes:

Essential:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A professional background (Degree or Masters level) in a profession connected with early support for families who have a child with a disability.
• A keen understanding of the issues that affect new and expectant parents, ideally through a counselling, therapy, or psychology background.
• Proven ability to design and deliver training to groups.
• Qualification in Speech & Language Therapy with 5+ years’ experience

 

Desirable:

• Experience in working with families who have a child a disability.
• A good understanding of early Child development.
• Experience with providing pre-natal and post-natal support for families.
• Knowledge of Down syndrome specific issues.

 

Practical details:

The job is largely based at our National office in Ballymount Road Walkinstown Dublin 12, with a requirement to travel around Ireland to deliver support where needed.  Some evening and weekend work will be required to meet the needs of families. Down Syndrome Ireland currently operate hybrid working model.

To apply, please email your CV to Laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie