Employment Support Specialist

Down Syndrome Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Down Syndrome Ireland Dublin Branch seeks a dynamic Employment Support Specialist to help adults with Down syndrome access, secure and sustain meaningful work placements and paid employment. You will build strong employer relationships and promote inclusive employment across Dublin, reporting to the Dublin Employment Lead within the Employment Team.

You will connect members with pre-employment support, CV preparation, job applications and work-readiness training, while developing networks of

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised qualification in Disability, Social Care, Health Care, Mental Health Care or related discipline.
• Proven experience supporting people with disabilities in community, employment or other relevant settings.
• Experience supporting adults with Down syndrome and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to motivate and support individuals to access, secure and sustain employment in the open labour market.
• Experience advocating for people with disabilities and promoting inclusion, independence and individual rights.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with employers and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively as part of a team while also working independently and using initiative.
• Commitment to person-centred practice and to upholding the dignity, rights and aspirations of people with Down syndrome.
• Demonstrate practical skills in supporting people with disabilities to participate meaningfully in employment and the wider community.
• Be willing to undergo the Garda Vetting process and associated procedures.
• Hold a full, clean driving licence and have access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Supporting members to identify and access suitable work experience, training, and paid employment opportunities.
• Developing an individual profile and portfolio for each member based on their interests, strengths, abilities, experience, communication style and support needs.
• Building positive relationships with members and supporting their individual employment goals and aspirations.
• Providing pre-employment support, including CV preparation, job applications, interview preparation and work-readiness training.
• Identifying and developing a network of suitable employers across Dublin.
• Matching members with appropriate employment opportunities, taking account of both member and employer needs.
• Conducting workplace assessments, task analysis and safeguarding assessments prior to placements.
• Developing easy-read information, visual supports, task guides and workplace adaptations to support members in their roles.
• Attending workplace inductions and training with members where appropriate.
• Providing tailored, on-the-job support when members commence employment, using a phased and reducing level of support as independence develops.
• Working with employers and members to review progress, address challenges and identify appropriate workplace supports or adjustments.
• Supporting progression from successful work placements into paid employment and assisting with discussions around employment terms where appropriate.
• Supporting employers with practical advice and guidance to promote successful and sustainable employment outcomes.
• Liaising with families, employers, education providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting the promotion and visibility of the employment programme through appropriate communications and social media, including LinkedIn, in line with DSI policies.
• Maintaining accurate records and databases relating to members, employers, placements and employment outcomes in accordance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
• Completing relevant reports, evaluations and programme documentation.
• Contributing to the ongoing evaluation and development of the employment programme and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes for members.
• Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policies, programmes and best practice relating to disability employment and inclusion.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Disability/Social Care/Health Care qualification

Job description

Down Syndrome Ireland, Dublin Branch is seeking a dynamic, motivated and passionate Employment Support Specialist to join our team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting adults with Down syndrome to access, secure and sustain meaningful work placements and paid employment, while building strong relationships with employers and promoting inclusive employment opportunities across Dublin. You will work as part of Down Syndrome Ireland's Employment Team, alongside the Dublin Branch Committee and wider DSI team, to create and sustain meaningful employment opportunities for our members.

Reporting & Working Relationships

The Employment Support Specialist will report to the DSI Dublin Employment Support Lead and will work collaboratively with the National Employment Team, Dublin Branch Committee, DSI colleagues, members, families, carers, employers and other relevant stakeholders.

About The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of adults with Down syndrome. You will support our members to develop their skills, pursue their employment aspirations and experience the benefits of being valued, included and contributing members of the workforce and wider community.

Contract Type: Part-time, 3 days per week

Experience & Qualifications

• Hold a recognised qualification in Disability, Social Care, Health Care, Mental Health Care or a related discipline.
• Have proven experience supporting people with disabilities in community, employment or other relevant settings.
• Demonstrate experience supporting adults with Down syndrome and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Have the ability to motivate and support individuals to access, secure and sustain employment in the open labour market.
• Have experience advocating for people with disabilities and promoting inclusion, independence and individual rights.
• Demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with employers and other stakeholders.
• Have excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as part of a team while also working independently and using initiative.
• Be committed to person-centred practice and to upholding the dignity, rights and aspirations of people with Down syndrome.
• Demonstrate practical skills in supporting people with disabilities to participate meaningfully in employment and the wider community.
• Be willing to undergo the Garda Vetting process and associated procedures.
• Hold a full, clean driving licence and have access to a car.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Supporting members to identify and access suitable work experience, training, and paid employment opportunities.
• Developing an individual profile and portfolio for each member based on their interests, strengths, abilities, experience, communication style and support needs.
• Building positive relationships with members and supporting their individual employment goals and aspirations.
• Providing pre-employment support, including CV preparation, job applications, interview preparation and work-readiness training.
• Identifying and developing a network of suitable employers across Dublin.
• Matching members with appropriate employment opportunities, taking account of both member and employer needs.
• Conducting workplace assessments, task analysis and safeguarding assessments prior to placements.
• Developing easy-read information, visual supports, task guides and workplace adaptations to support members in their roles.
• Attending workplace inductions and training with members where appropriate.
• Providing tailored, on-the-job support when members commence employment, using a phased and reducing level of support as independence develops.
• Working with employers and members to review progress, address challenges and identify appropriate workplace supports or adjustments.
• Supporting progression from successful work placements into paid employment and assisting with discussions around employment terms where appropriate.
• Supporting employers with practical advice and guidance to promote successful and sustainable employment outcomes.
• Liaising with families, employers, education providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting the promotion and visibility of the employment programme through appropriate communications and social media, including LinkedIn, in line with DSI policies.
• Maintaining accurate records and databases relating to members, employers, placements and employment outcomes in accordance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
• Completing relevant reports, evaluations and programme documentation.
• Contributing to the ongoing evaluation and development of the employment programme and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes for members.
• Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policies, programmes and best practice relating to disability employment and inclusion.