Early Intervention Specialist

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. 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 Parents

1. Providing non-directive information and support for families with a prenatal diagnosis through direct conversation and liaison with maternity hospitals and GPs.
2. Providing training and materials for medical professionals on informing families that their baby has Down syndrome.
3. Coordinating and delivering information webinars and conferences for new parents.
4. Developing, expanding, and training the Parentlink support network.
5. Creating and updating online resources.
6. Developing and maintaining an online new parents group.

Early Development

1. Gathering and disseminating information to parents and professionals regarding new research and best practice in Early Intervention.
2. Supporting new research in all aspects of early years care and intervention.
3. Overseeing quality and delivery of Early Development services at branch level.

General

1. Gathering information from parents and professionals regarding the needs of families of young children with Down syndrome to drive lobbying for improvements in state provision.
2. Liaison with the fundraising team to identify possible projects.
3. Liaison with the finance team to manage budgets for projects.

1. A qualification (Degree or Masters level) connected with early years support for families who have a child with a disability.
2. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
4. Experience in early childhood education or a related field is essential.
5. Knowledge of Down syndrome and early intervention strategies.
6. Ability to develop and deliver training programmes.
7. Full clean driver's licence with access to your own vehicle.
8. Proven ability to design and deliver training to groups.