About the role:

Joining a committed team, the Peer Support Officer, will work within the Support Services Team to develop and deliver our Regional Representative Peer Support program across Queensland, establish Peers support groups for people with Down syndrome and deliver workshops in conjunction with people with Down syndrome and their families on relevant topics that will increase capacity.

The Regional Representative Peer Support program is a volunteer program involving parents of children and adults with Down syndrome who want to support family members in their local community in a peer support capacity. The role includes connecting people with Down Syndrome Queensland, providing peer support, linking families into the community, coordinating local family social and fundraising events and increasing awareness of Down syndrome in their community. At times, the role may support broader advocacy efforts through communicating local themes/issues back to Down Syndrome Queensland.

This role is based in Stafford, Brisbane and is Fixed term for 2 years, 4-5 days a week.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development and refinement of existing processes for the Regional Representative Peer Support program to ensure that it can meet its goals successfully
• Development of online learning modules, training activities and resources for the Regional Representative Program as well as staff professional development in delivering training and supporting peer-led groups
• Deliver training for regional volunteers, to improve their capabilities as peer leaders & strengthen the quality of regional activities
• Establish processes for communication, reporting and data-capture by and for regional representative volunteers
• Facilitate the regional representatives to deliver Individual Capacity Building, awareness, social and fundraising activities in their regions to help build knowledge, skills, connections & competencies of people of all ages with DS and their families
• Develop and deliver workshop content for Capacity Building workshops in conjunction with the Support Services Team
• Support people with Down syndrome to be peer facilitators in workshops
• Establish peer support groups by and for people with Down syndrome
• Completing project reporting and evaluation as required
• Attend key DSQ events, where possible and within budgetary constraints

• Record and report all interactions in a clear, high quality and efficient manner and in line with required deadlines

• Participate in and contribute to quality improvement programs and activities to work towards maintaining the Quality Management System and Accreditation Standards
• Undertake any other duties as required

Skills and Experience

The successful applicant will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Disability or related field and/or significant work experience in a relevant field
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and experience of Peer support programs
• Knowledge and experience in designing and facilitating training to families and/or stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in, and contemporary understandings of, the disability sector in its current environment, including the transition to NDIS
• Knowledge of Down syndrome (desirable)
• Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated strong time management skills including being able to prioritise tasks
• Ability to work positively and communicate effectively within a team environment as well as autonomously to achieve service delivery excellence
• Demonstrated competence in computer applications, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel and Power-point, relevant to the role to ensure work is completed in a professional, accurate, and timely manner
• Valid Disability Services Yellow Card and National Police Check
• Current driver’s license and willingness to use private vehicle if required.
• Availability and willingness to work outside regular hours when required

Who we are:

Down Syndrome Queensland (DSQ) is a not for profit organisation providing a variety of services from experienced and professional staff. DSQ is committed to ensuring that people with Down syndrome, their families and the people who work with and care for them are informed, empowered and supported. We work with families across Queensland.

The Support Services Officer – Peer Support is an essential part of this commitment, facilitating and providing peer support services to people with Down syndrome and their families.

At DSQ we have three core values: Integrity, Passion and Inclusion. Our values express what we stand for and guide the way we do things. Our values are core to our business, and we align everything we do with them.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks including professional referees, completion of a satisfactory police records check and working with children check.

Down Syndrome Queensland is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people with a disability to apply for all positions.

A position description is attached.