About Down Syndrome IrelandDown Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national organisation providing support, services and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. With a National Office and 25 branches nationwide, DSI delivers education, therapy, employability and advocacy services, alongside fundraising and community engagement activities that are vital to our mission.Down Syndrome Ireland is looking for an Employment Officer to join our National Member Support Team. The candidate will join our Employment Team, to support in the expansion of our National Employment Programme in the West & North West, sourcing and securing job placements for members nationwide by developing and maintaining relationships with employment partners and providing direct support and training to those seeking work. The candidate will identify barriers to inclusion across the lifespan and help break down these barriers by providing information, training and support. The candidate will also assist in the facilitation of our "Work Readiness Programme", which provides training for adults with Down syndrome, across industries and equips them with skills specific to employment. The role will include increasing participation and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in employment and the community.Job Description And Person SpecificationJob Title:Employment OfficerJob Type:Fixed contract, 1-year full-time, with a view to permanent/longer termLocation:Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Athlone. DSI offers flexible working, with some remote working, travel & attendance at our National Office, Ballymount, Dublin.Salary:€39,000-€42,745 depending on experienceTravel will be essential. Mileage will be remunerated at DSI standard rate.Reporting to:Head of Inclusive Employment & Impact Partnerships at Down Syndrome Ireland's National OfficeRoles and Responsibilities:Maintaining relationships with current employment partners by offering ongoing support and engagement.Developing relationships with new employers nationwide by initiating contact, helping to identify suitable roles, delivering training, and offering ongoing support once employment has commenced.Managing the recruitment and placement of members in employment by designing job postings, completing introductory profiles, providing pre-employment and interview training, and monitoring job progression.Managing regional Employment Days by working with local DSI branches and local business groups.Facilitating training within our Work Readiness Programme.Ensuring accurate maintenance of records and DSI's membership database. Engaging with DSI's communications team to actively promote the work of DSI and the achievements of adults with Down syndrome and with DSI's fundraising team to secure funding for future programmes.Working professionally and collaboratively with the established Employment Team nationwideWork professionally, effectively, and sensitively with key stakeholders to ensure that all participants are safe, feel safe and are listened to with any concerns.Keep up to date on policies and programmes of relevance to the employment of adults with Down syndrome.Assist with the completion of necessary paperwork including evaluations, reports & documentation. Develop and maintain robust record keeping procedures in line with relevant data protection and confidentiality requirements.Commit to ongoing professional development.Ad-hoc duties as requested by Senior ManagementRole Requirements:Education to degree or Masters level in a relevant discipline such as Social Work, Education or Speech and LanguageExperience working with people with an intellectual disabilityAbility to work with people with Down syndrome, families, day services, other stakeholdersResearch, evaluation and report-writing skillsExcellent spoken and written communication skillsIT (information technology) skills with competency in Microsoft Office 365Strong administration skills with a high level of attention to detailAbility to work as part of a teamAn acute understanding of the ethos of Down Syndrome Ireland and a passionate belief in the abilities of people with Down syndromeFull clean Driving Licence with access to your own vehicleDesirable Skills and Attributes:Experience working in community-based settingsExperience working in the area of inclusive employment for people with disabilitiesExperience in the development of Easy Read resourcesDown Syndrome Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.