We have an exciting opportunity available for an Early Years Specialist to join our Nationwide Team here in Down Syndrome Ireland.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.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 ParentsProviding 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 syndromeCoordinating and delivering information webinars and conferences for new parentsDeveloping, expanding and training Parentlink support networkCreating and updating online resourcesDeveloping and maintaining an online new parents group Early DevelopmentGathering 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 GeneralGathering 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 projectsLiaison with finance team to manage budgets for projectsRequirements:A qualification (Degree or Masters level) connected with early years support for families who have a child with a disabilityStrong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Experience in early childhood education or a related field is essentialKnowledge of Down syndrome and early intervention strategies.Ability to develop and deliver training programmesFull clean drivers licence with access to your own vehicleProven ability to design and deliver training to groupsLocation:This role is based in Ballymount Dublin 12 but will include regular travel to our branches located nationwide.Benefits:25 days annual leaveEmployee Assistance ProgrammeCompany Sick Pay SchemeHybrid working arrangementsFlexible start & finish times