Job Description

Position Title: Community Connector

Location: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub, Cheshire (with travel as required)

Reports To: Employability and Life Skills Coordinator

Employment Type: Part Time, will include evenings and weekends

Salary: 26,000.00, FTE 35 hours p/w, this role is 28 hours p/w (pro-rata salary of 20,800)

About Us:

Down Syndrome Cheshire is a dynamic and dedicated charity focused on empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing vital support, resources, and advocacy. We work to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome can access services that promote independence, inclusion, and fulfilling lives. As part of our continued growth and commitment to creating positive change, we are now seeking a energetic, empathetic Community Connector to support the delivery of our growing services to our members.

The Community Connector will play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and delivering inclusive social events and activities that promote social connection for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The role will focus on delivering a diverse range of activities, including family walks, bingo, social gatherings, and wellness programmes such as DS Yoga, DS Dance, and DS Drama, as well as co-delivering life skills workshops. Additionally, the Community Connector will assist the Health and Social Care Advocate in coordinating and facilitating family visits.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement and Family Support

Programme Delivery: Lead the execution of a wide range of community events and support programmes, ensuring they align with DSC's mission and strategic goals. Act as a guide for members and families, connecting them to additional DSC services and resources. This includes the delivery and/or co-delivery of DSC activities across the week at various locations and times, such as:
o Dance sessions at three external community sites, currently located in Chester, Warrington and Winsford

o Football sessions in partnership with Egerton FC

o Drama workshops at Petty Pool

o Yoga sessions at The Hub o Thrive Club, our daytime adult provision operating seven days a week

o Evening Youth and Social Clubs, running Thursday to Sunday

o Parent Support Groups, delivered evenings and weekends with the Health and Social Care team

o Learning Labs, educational sessions every Saturday from 10am-2pm These sessions aim to enhance physical wellbeing, social engagement, independence, and community integration for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Family Support: Collaborate closely with the Health and Social Care Advocate to provide support in delivering parent education sessions alongside the Health and Social Care, Education Manager, and Employment and Life Skills Coordinator.

Staff and Volunteer Support

Team Leadership: Support the planning and delivery of Holiday and Residential Camps with the support of the Volunteer and Safeguarding Trustee, Events Coordinator, and CEO. Support volunteers across all DSC programs, cultivating a strong culture of community involvement and collaboration.

Media and Marketing

Public Representation: Represent DSC at community events, meetings, and conferences, advocating for the organisation's mission and raising awareness about Down syndrome. Work with the marketing team to create content that highlights DSC's successes, ongoing needs, and impact, encouraging further community participation and support. Administrative Responsibilities o Safeguarding and Compliance: Work closely with the DSC safeguarding team to ensure that all policies and procedures are up-to-date and effectively implemented across all activities. L Additional responsibilities as required.
Qualifications: Education and Experience:

Relevant qualification in community development, education, or youth work, or equivalent experience. Proven experience in delivering community-based programmes, social or educational activities, or wellbeing projects. Experience working with individuals with learning disabilities, preferably Down syndrome, or with families in a support or coordination role. A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential, due to travel between multiple locations). Experience in working evenings and weekends, and in flexible, member-led environments.
Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and external partners. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver a wide variety of activities (e.g., social events, wellness programmes, life skills workshops). Confident and energetic approach to community engagement, with a focus on inclusion and empowerment. Able to work both independently and collaboratively, across different teams and with volunteers. Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to implement policies effectively. Organised and proactive, with strong time management and administrative skills. Comfortable with public speaking, group facilitation, and representing the organisation at events. Creative and solution-focused, with a positive and resilient attitude.
Other Requirements:

A proactive, self-motivated individual with a strong sense of advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required. Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
At Down Syndrome Cheshire, you'll be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to creating lasting positive change for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. As a Community Connector, you will play a vital role in bringing people together, delivering inclusive activities, and building meaningful relationships that foster independence, wellbeing, and community belonging. If you're an empathetic, energetic individual who thrives on making genuine connections and supporting others, this is a unique opportunity to make a real difference every single day.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to finance@dscheshire.org.uk

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to 20,800.00 per year

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime
Application question(s):

Ability to work evenings and weekends
Experience:

Community Engagement: 3 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northwich CW9 7LU

Application deadline: 06/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025