Self-Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer

About the role

The Self‑Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer will lead the development and coordination of self‑advocacy groups for adults with Down syndrome and deliver inclusive community programmes across Ireland. Reporting to the Head of Adult Education, the role combines advocacy, capacity‑building and outreach to ensure the voices of people with Down syndrome shape DSI’s strategy and national policy.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate regional and national self‑advocacy groups and advisory councils, plan and facilitate meetings, produce Easy‑Read minutes and follow up on actions.
• Design and deliver workshops, mentoring and training that build leadership, decision‑making and peer‑support skills for adults with Down syndrome.
• Integrate self‑advocate input into DSI’s core work, support consultations, prepare presentations and track implementation of recommendations.
• Partner with Advocacy and Communications teams to place self‑advocates at the centre of campaigns, policy consultations and media activities.
• Develop, monitor and evaluate self‑advocacy projects, including objectives, timelines, risk assessments and accessible impact reports.
• Lead community and education initiatives that promote inclusion, participation and independence, and facilitate Easy‑Read focus groups.

Required profile

• Experience working in disability, community development or advocacy settings.
• Strong understanding of self‑advocacy principles and inclusive communication methods.
• Excellent organisational and facilitation skills, with ability to travel nationwide.
• Proficiency in producing Easy‑Read materials and accessible documentation.

Required skills

• Facilitation of group meetings and workshops.
• Production of Easy‑Read content.
• Project planning and risk assessment.
• Stakeholder collaboration and partnership building.

What we offer

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract with the possibility of extension.
• Competitive salary range €40,000‑€45,500 per year, pro‑rata.
• Full‑time role based at DSI’s National Office with regular travel to branches.
• Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with time‑off in lieu.
• Potential for job‑share arrangement.