Job Description
Job Title: Early Years Specialist
Including: New Parent Liaison / Early Development/ Early Childhood Care and Education Support

Job Purpose:
To be the primary source of information for families who have a baby or young child with Down Syndrome. 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
Provide information and support for families with a prenatal diagnosis
Coordinate and deliver conferences for new parents on topics of interest
Maintain and expand the Parent-link support network
Maintain and update online resources
Develop a programme of contact/communications with new parents
Provide training, awareness and materials for medical professionals on informing families that their baby has Down syndrome
Early Development
Gather and disseminate information to parents and professionals regarding new research and best practice in Early Intervention
Develop and deliver online parent information and support sessions
Offer training and development for early years staff at branch level where needed
Early Childhood Care and Education
Drive evidence based practice, providing information and lobbying for better practices.
Provide email, phone, online or in-person advice to help resolve issues.
Provide information, support and online training for early years education professionals.
General
Gather information from parents and professionals regarding the needs of young children with Down syndrome to drive lobbying for improvements in state provision.
Support early years research projects
Liaise with fundraising team to identify possible projects

Skills and Attributes:
Essential:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A professional background (Degree or Masters Level) in a profession connected with supporting families who have a child with a disability.
Proven ability to design and deliver training to groups.
Desirable:
A keen understanding of the issues that affect new and expectant parents.
A good understanding of early intervention and early childhood care and education.
Experience in working with families who have a child with a disability. Experience with providing pre-natal and post-natal support for families. Knowledge of Down syndrome specific issues.
Closing date: 17th June 2022.

Please forward cover letter and CV to Mr Willie Lewins HR Manager
Email: willie@downsyndrome.ie
This role is subject to continuous funding
Emails received after the 17th June 2022 will not be considered.