Self-Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer

The Organisation Down 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 volunteer operational branches nationwide, DSI delivers information, education, therapy, employability and advocacy services, alongside fundraising and community engagement activities that are vital to our mission. Job Title:  Self-Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer Reports to:  Head of Adult Education, Self-Advocacy and Community Engagement  Location:  National Office with frequent nationwide travel to branch Contract :12 months fixed-term, subject to funding Salary:  €40k - €45,500k pro-rota and depending on experience  Hours:  Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends for member meetings and events, with time off in lieu. This role may also be on a job share basis, 2 to 3 days per week each.  Overview of Role  This role is two-fold. The self-advocacy aspect of this role involves the development and coordination of self-advocacy groups within Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), empowering adults with Down syndrome to voice their priorities, contributing to DSI strategy and national policy on topics such as rights, independent living, employment, education, housing and inclusion. The community engagement aspect of this role involves supporting the coordination, and delivery of inclusive, person-centred programmes and initiatives for people with Down syndrome. It involves empowering individuals, strengthening community connections, and promoting access to social, community and education opportunities across Ireland.  Key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:  Person specification  Essential  Level 8 qualification in a relevant field such as social work, community development, education or disability studies  Proven experience working alongside people with intellectual disabilities in advocacy, facilitation, community development or education roles  Excellent communication skills  Experience supporting self-advocates Demonstrated group facilitation skills for inclusive, accessible meetings and activities  Strong organisational abilities to manage a full-time workload, prioritise tasks and deliver projects on time  Strong administration skills with competent in IT tools (MS Office/365, video platforms) for hybrid work, reporting and virtual facilitation  Desirable  Level 9 qualification in a relevant field such as social work, community development, education or disability studies  Experience with advisory councils, policy consultations or stakeholder engagement in the disability sector  Experience developing Easy Read materials  Knowledge of Irish disability policy, entitlements and independent living supports.  Other requirements  Full clean driving licence and own transport for nationwide travel (travel expenses reimbursed per DSI policy)  Garda vetting clearance required (standard for DSI roles working with vulnerable groups)  Willingness to adhere to DSI’s data protection, safeguarding and equality policies niches, hybrid working in line with DSI policy  CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE