Information and Support Manager: Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW is looking for a passionate and dynamic person to join the Down Syndrome NSW team.

Position: Information and Support Manager - part time
This role involves the co-ordination and delivery of information and support to prospective and new parents, carers, DS NSW members, and the broader community regarding a variety of Down syndrome related topics and issues.

The successful applicant will work closely with families with a new diagnosis. It will involve the provision of timely and considered information and support to new and prospective parents and carers.

We are looking for someone with relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in disability, social welfare or equivalent, with a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of people with Down syndrome and their families. Ideally this person will have a lived experience of Down syndrome.

This is a part time position of up to 4 days per week and located in our offices in North Parramatta.

For more information and to obtain position description and selection criteria, please contact Catherine Pedler on (02) 9841 4444 or email catherine.pedler@dsansw.org.au

Employment opportunity at Down Syndrome NSW: Bookeeper and Data Base Manager

We are currently looking for a self-motivated, practical and skilled individual to be the bookkeeper for Down Syndrome NSW.

Permanent Part time, 30 hours per week, Monday to Thursday

Located at 410 Church Street, North Parramatta

Down Syndrome NSW (DS NSW) champions the right of people with Down syndrome to have the same access to society as everyone else. This means the right to health, education, work, family and being part of the community. 

We achieve this by supporting people with Down syndrome, their families and carers to be part of a strong and vibrant community that is informed, engaged and active.
DS NSW is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1980 by parents of children with Down syndrome.

The Role

The role will involve day to day bookkeeping functions, including use of our accounting system Xero as well as data processing in relation to online payments, registrations, merchandise and services purchases. General data maintenance will form the other part of the role via our client management system Raisers Edge.

• Full details and applications via Seek

Would you like to work with us?

... and make the world a better place for people with Down syndrome?
Down Syndrome NSW needs a passionate and energetic Information and Communications person to join our team.

Based at North Parramatta this 3 day a week position will help keep our Information and Support team up to date with the latest information, resources and research impacting people with Down syndrome. You will also work with the Executive Director developing and delivering social media, web content and external comms.

For a position description and selection criteria email admin@dsansw.org.au

Applications close Wednesday 22 June 2016

Project Co-ordinator – NDIA Disability Support Organisation Project

Down Syndrome NSW has a vacancy for a Project Co-Ordinator to lead a project building the capacity of people with intellectual disability to engage confidently with the National Disbaility Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

You will be working two days a week, with a small team based in North Parramatta, to establish and coordinate up to 20 peer support networks across the state.  Duties include recruiting and supporting local facilitators, developing resources and regular communication with other agencies in the programme. There may be some weekend work and occasional travel.

Down Syndrome NSW is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that champions the rights of people with Down syndrome to be fully included in all aspects of society.  We are a flexible, family-friendly workplace.

This position is classified under the Social Community Homecare and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Modern Award. The project runs until 30 December 2016.

For further information and an information package please contact Tracylee Arestides on (02) 9841 4444 or email admin@dsansw.org.au

Application close Wednesday 2 March, 2016.

Steven Payne, the Melbourne Cup and the importance of valued work

Media world wide has celebrated the role that Steven Payne played in his sister Michelle's winning ride in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday - they know a good story when they see one. 

These three local examples both take a great story for the mainstream media and make it work for people with Down syndrome as valued workers, wanting to have jobs and doing them well:

Ellie Laing prepared a well considered report for SBS World News (video and transcript here) on Wednesday night, again highlighting Stevie's role on race day, but leveraging it to relate his long work record and success in the industry, to present a perspective on what such success can mean for others with Down syndrome and their families.

Laing interviewed Down Syndrome NSW members Perry and Jane Gilsenan and their daughters Grace and Mollie, and Executive Director Tracylee Arestides, intercut with clips from Michelle Payne and Paddy Payne (Michelle and Stevie's father), precisely touching on the effectiveness of engaging personal interests and skills, personal value, and employability in establishing employment opportunities for both Stevie and Grace, and others with Down syndrome.

•  The SBS News bulletin can also be viewed on SBS On Demand here, with the story beginning 21 minutes in.

Screen shots from the SBS report

Sydney journalist Peter Fitzsimons entered the arena with a light touch in his sports column for today's Fairfax press, in part crediting Steven Payne's role in the 2015 Melbourne Cup with allowing Prince of Penzance to challenge Phar Lap as the best ever Cup story:

• Prince Of Penzance or Phar Lap: Who has the best Melbourne Cup story? The Age, 4th November 2015

Stevie Payne is not special because he has Down Syndrome, but because he's a really good strapper

Andi Yu, 7 News, 4th November 2015
That's what Down Syndrome NSW loved about the coverage of the brother of winning Melbourne Cup jockey Michelle Payne.

"What happened yesterday was so exciting and it's so nice to see a person with Down Syndrome being presented as a regular guy who's good at his job," the organisation's executive director Tracylee Arestides told AAP ...

Would you like to work with us?

Down Syndrome NSW currently has two positions for energetic and committed individuals who are passionate about the rights of people with Down syndrome.

Events and Communications
Do you have experience organising events and with implementing communications strategy? We have a three day a week position at the office in Northmead with our Community Engagement and Fundraising team. You will be working with our Members on a variety of events as well as using your comms skills to let people know about Down syndrome and what we are doing.

Peer Connector
Down Syndrome NSW is currently looking for a peer connector to help establish and run a local social group in the Hornsby/Ryde area, for adults with Down syndrome and intellectual disability.

The goal of the group will be to build the social networks, independence and skills of group members – while having fun at the same time. There will also be a focus on helping group members to prepare for the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in their local area. Prior knowledge about the NDIS is desirable, but not essential. The position is approximately 10 hours per month and will include some weekend work.

For further information about these positions email admin@dsansw.org.au and put the position name in the subject line.

Interested in working in support planning?

SP21, the support planning arm of Down Syndrome NSW, is currently seeking expressions of interest from people who what to learn about support planning for people with disability, with a view to training and possible contract work. 

Email supportplanning@dsansw.org.au for more information.

Applications close this week for positions at Down Syndrome NSW

Reminder: applications for Community Connector positions currently advertised at Down Syndrome NSW close this Friday,  31st July 2015

Positions Vacant - Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW is currently looking for passionate, energetic and committed individuals to fill casual Community Connector positions in its National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Disability Support Organisation (DSO) Capacity Building Project.
The NDIS DSO Capacity Building Project team will be setting up local chapters of the Up! Club group, across various locations around New South Wales.

The goal of each local Up! Club group will be to build the social networks and capacity of people with Down syndrome or another intellectual disability, and their families to:

• Exercise choice and control
• Effectively engage with the NDIS
• Effectively engage with mainstream programs, services and activities
• Increase opportunities for independence, self-management and community inclusion.

1. Community Connector – Western Sydney and Blue MountainsThis position involves establishing and coordinating two chapters of the Up! Club social group for adults with Down syndrome or another intellectual disability in the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region.

The successful applicant will be based in the Western Sydney / Blue Mountains region, with strong networks in the local community.

The position is approximately 20 hours (2-3 days) per month – mainly weekends.

2. Community Connector – Far North Coast This position involves establishing and coordinating two chapters of the Up! Club social group for adults with Down syndrome or another intellectual disability on the Far North Coast of NSW.

The successful applicant will be based on the Far North Coast, with strong networks in the local community.

The position is approximately 10 hours (1-2 days) per month – mainly weekends.

3. Community Connector – Mid North Coast This position involves establishing and coordinating two chapters of the Up! Club social group for adults with Down syndrome or another intellectual disability on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The successful applicant will be based on the Mid North Coast, with strong networks in the local community.

The position is approximately 10 hours (1-2 days) per month – mainly weekends.

For more information:
If you would like an information package please email admin@dsansw.org.au – specifying the position that you would like information about in the email subject line.

Applications close Friday 24 July 2015.

Positions vacant at Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW has two positions vacant in the Information, Training and Support Team:

1. Adult Life-stage Worker:  We are looking for a person to work with families of adult individuals with Down syndrome through information and advocacy. 

2. New Parents Liason Worker:  We are looking for a person to work with families of young children with Down syndrome through information and advocacy. 

These are part time positions (14 hrs pw) based in Northmead, Sydney.

For further information and an information package please contact Judy Davidson on (02) 9841 4401 or email judy.davidson@dsansw.org.au

Applications close Monday 9/2/15

Note: the closing date for applications has been extended to 16/2/15

Two positions vacant at DS NSW

Down Syndrome NSW has two positions vacant in the Information, Training and Support Team:

1. Adult Life-stage Worker 

We are looking for a person to work with families of adult individuals with Down syndrome through information and advocacy. 

2. New Parents Liaison Worker 

We are looking for a person to work with families of young children with Down syndrome through information and advocacy. 

Both positions are part-time, based in Northmead, Sydney. We are a flexible, family-friendly workplace.

For further information on either position, and an information package, please contact
Judy Davidson on (02) 9841 4401 or email judy.davidson@dsansw.org.au

Application close Wednesday 10th December 2014.

Position Vacant at Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW: Administration Position
We currently have an Administration position open for 3 days / 18 hours per week (Mon – Wed). This is a casual position with the view to becoming permanent part time.

Essential required skills include: Excellent Microsoft Office skills, knowledge of MYOB, excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Preferred skills: understanding of advocacy for people with disability.

More details available here
If you would like further information about this position, please email Scott Bridges at scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au

Jobs and Disability: Insight, SBS TV One, Tuesday

On SBS One's Insight, on Tuesday 19th August at 8.30 pm, 'Jobs and Disability' ...

... This week Insight looks at whether more people with disabilities should be working - and whats standing in the way. 

The discussion comes as the Federal Government reviews the disability pension.

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews says the current system gives pension recipients no incentive to work. 

"There are a lot of people who are disabled who have capacity, who have ability, and with the right sort of approach we could actually encourage them to be in the workforce," Andrews said. 

So what are the hurdles? Practicalities? Attitudes of employers? Or the attitudes of the job seekers themselves?

• Insight is repeated on Wednesdays at 1.00 pm.

2014 - 2015 Federal Budget, delivered 13th May 2014: effects on people with disability and carers, responses

Budget 2014-15: Disability and Carers - portfolio statement, includes details of changes and implementation dates.

BUDGET 2014: A mixed bag for disability “We need a jobs guarantee, not a welfare guarantee” Media release from People with Disability Australia, in response to the Federal Budget, 13th May 2014 People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has welcomed the Budget announcement that the Federal Government intends to roll out the NDIS on time and in full. However, PWDA expressed concerns that thousands under the age of 35 on the Disability Support Pension (DSP) will be medically reassessed and may be moved onto Newstart or Youth Allowance, along with changes to indexation to the DSP that will erode the safety net over time. Many people with disability face discrimination in employment, and PWDA also calls for the Government to fill a dedicated Disability Discrimination Commissioner position from July 2014. The Government has announced that people on DSP under 35 years of age will be reassessed by an independent doctor except for people who are "severe and manifest." People who are found eligible will have to undertake a program of activities to build their work capacity. The pathway for people who are not eligible is unclear but may involve those people going onto Newstart or even the much lower Youth Allowance. A group of older people with disability over 50 could be supported through wage subsidies of $10,000 which increase over time. PWDA President Craig Wallace said, “We want to see more people in jobs, not on welfare. PWDA believes that any young people reassessed and found ineligible should be offered a job, apprenticeship or training opportunity rather than pushed onto Newstart or Youth Allowance. Young people need a restart to embark on a life of opportunity and the Government should provide wage subsidies to them as a first priority. "We also think a jobs plan should include changes to Disability Employment Services and believe the focus should be on allowing people to purchase economic participation outcomes. “Reassessing people without jobs to go to, will mean they are tossed onto Newstart or Youth Allowance and into greater poverty. People with disability are more likely to be out of paid employment than other people of working age, with a labour force participation rate of 54% versus 83%. 45% of people with disability are also near or below the poverty line,” said Mr Wallace. “If young people with disability can’t get employment now, what hope will they have if they wind up homeless and unable to afford rent, medication, transport, clothes or GP visits? “Despite the talk of easy welfare, the reality is that life on the DSP is far from easy. For example, our figures show a person on the DSP living in Sydney’s inner west moving from DSP onto Newstart would leave them destitute - $200 a week short of cash." (Attachment A – A Reality Check - Jobs, Newstart and DSP). People on Newstart live on $255 p.w or $36 per day, while people on DSP live on $421 p.w or $60 per day - so this will mean a loss of $166 per week. Even worse some people may wind up on Youth Allowance which is even less - $214 a week or $30 a day. “If we couldn’t get people into work at the height of the boom with a skills shortage, what hope do we have now without a coordinated plan? The Treasurer says everyone has a part in turning things around, so we call on Government to form a compact with big business to create opportunities and lift people with disability out of poverty. Let’s create 500 jobs each from top 40 companies within the ASX 100, with Government stumping up to provide the rest to make a dint in the long term decline in public sector jobs for people with disability. “Beyond participation, PWDA believes that we will always need to retain generosity and a safety net for those most vulnerable including through DSP. We are concerned that the incomes of those most vulnerable people will be eroded by the new indexation arrangements linked to CPI from 2017 rather than average male wages. “We congratulate Government on its decision to leave the rollout timetable and funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme untouched, including addressing an error in the application of the efficiency dividend. The Productivity Commission said the NDIS would generate a 1% boost to the GDP through greater workforce participation by people with disability and carers. It is the right and decent thing to do. "Implementing the NDIS and creating opportunity through jobs will require a concerted attack on discrimination and the barriers which people with disability face every day. For that reason, PWDA notes the decision to reduce appointments to the Australian Human Rights Commission and calls on Government to ensure that a dedicated Disability Discrimination Commissioner is appointed when vacancies occur in July 2014," said Mr Wallace. Increased poverty for disability community shouldn’t be required to balance the budget - Carers Australia response to the budget, 13th May 2014 Budget divides the nation, young and old, rich and poor - Australian Council of Social Services' response to the budget, 13th May 2014

Budget fails students with disability - Children with Disability Australia, 13th May 2014
The 2014 Budget has failed students with disability in Australia.

Students with disability have been left out of the federal Budget, despite a clear commitment to increase funding for students with disability as part of the National Education Reform in the 2015 school year.

Stephanie Gotlib, Executive Officer of Children with Disability Australia (CDA) said: “A typical school experience for students with disability involves limited choice of school, discrimination, bullying, limited or no funding for support and resources, inadequately trained staff and having to contend with a culture of low expectations,”

“These failings have become entrenched in the education system and the urgency of delivering system wide solutions is now acute. It is crucial that we have adequate funding to implement the necessary reform.”

Stephanie Gotlib said: “Tonight’s Budget will have long-term implications. Without access to a quality education many young people with disability will be on a fast track to the Disability Support Pension.”

ABC Ramp Up funding cut - ABC budget response, 13th May 2014

... In addition to the funding cuts, the ABC will also have to manage the cessation of funding for the online disability website, ABC Ramp Up at the end of this financial year ...

Positions available at Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW is seeking

• a Database/Admin Assistant - see the advertisement here
• a Community Events Co-ordinator - see the advertisement here

For more information about either position, please contact Scott Bridges at scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au

Position vacant: Executive Director, DS NSW

Applications are invited for the newly created position of Executive Director at Down Syndrome NSW. This is a part time position.

For further information and job description click here.

Applications close on 15 November 2013

Contact: Scott Bridges via email only: scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au

Position Vacant at Down Syndrome NSW: UP Club! Coordinator (re-advertised)

Up! Club is a social inclusion project of Down Syndrome NSW that provides a forum for people with Down syndrome from teenagers to adults to participate in inclusive social and recreational activities. This has previously occurred through peer support and a calendar of events with the participation of volunteers and siblings.

UP Club! fun day, April 2013

We are seeking a facilitator for Up! Club who enjoys working with a variety of people with intellectual disability, is innovative, not afraid to embrace inclusion, thrives on diversity and has the experience and enthusiasm to develop and deliver engaging programs in conjunction with Up! Club members and members and staff of Down Syndrome NSW.

Down Syndrome NSW is an association of people whose primary aim is to support and promote the interest of all people with Down syndrome in NSW, and their families and carers. This part time position reports directly to the General Manager and is supported by a Board of management sub-committee. Some night-time and weekend hours will be required, depending on the program you help develop.

To receive an information package, including a detailed job description, please contact Judy Davidson on (02) 9841 4401 or email judy.davidson@dsansw.org.au

Applications close 5 pm 12th July 2013

Take two: duo's friendship blossoms in the kitchen

Very nice Take Two column in the Illawarra Mercury this weekend, accompanied by Orlando Chiodo's excellent photo ...

Take two: duo's friendship blossoms in the kitchen - Jason Hellyer and Rachel Young
William Verity, Illawarra Mercury, 30th June 2013
Usually when I have work experience people in here, most of them don’t want to be chefs. They are just doing it for a course in school. With Rachel, it was different. (Jason) ... I like coming here – it’s my job, I’m proud of it and I feel like I belong here. I like having a job because I like getting paid. I am going to save my money to buy a Ferrari – either red or yellow, I don’t mind. (Rachel)

... read the whole column, and see the photo here.

Position Vacant: Up! Club Coordinator (Down Syndrome NSW)

Up! Club is a social inclusion project of Down Syndrome NSW that provides a forum for people with Down syndrome from teenagers to adults to participate in inclusive social and recreational activities. This has previously occurred through peer support and a calendar of events with the participation of volunteers and siblings.

Up! Club Fun and Fitness Day, April 2013

We are seeking a facilitator for Up! Club who enjoys working with a variety of people with intellectual disability, is innovative, not afraid to embrace inclusion, thrives on diversity and has the experience and enthusiasm to develop and deliver engaging programs in conjunction with Up! Club members, and members and staff of Down Syndrome NSW.

Down Syndrome NSW is an association of people whose primary aim is to support and promote the interest of all people with Down syndrome in NSW, and their families and carers. The position is a part time one and is offered on a contract basis. The coordinator will report directly to the General Manager and be supported by a Board of Management sub-committee. Some night-time and weekend hours will be required, depending on the program you help develop.

• To receive an information package, including a detailed job description, please contact Scott Bridges on (02) 9841 4414 or email scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au

Applications close 5 pm 10th May 2013

Positions vacant at Down Syndrome NSW

• JOURNAL MANAGING EDITOR and INFORMATION COORDINATOR

Down Syndrome NSW and Down Syndrome Victoria are currently advertising two vacant positions:


The Journal Managing Editor is responsible for managing VOICE, the member journal of Down Syndrome NSW and Down Syndrome Victoria.


The Information Coordinator, will be responsible for developing, consolidating and administering the combined Down Syndrome NSW/Down Syndrome Victoria knowledge and information database, publications and resources.


To inquire further or obtain position information kits for the above please contact Steve Clarke, Chief Execuitve Officer on (02) 9841 4408 or 042 4044 930 or executiveofficer@dsansw.org.au .
Applications addressing the selection criteria to executiveofficer@dsansw.org.au 

• LIBRARY COORDINATOR,  14 hours per week

Down Syndrome NSW is seeking a Library Coordinator to work within its Family Support Team based at our Harris Park office. 

The Library Coordinator will organise, maintain and expand the library and resource collection, and manage the lending collection and database and facilitate borrowings by members.

The Library Coordinator will advise parents, members and staff regarding available resources and information sources; access, assess and disseminate information from journals, articles and websites as required.

The Library Coordinator will not necessarily be a formally trained librarian but will have very good understanding of Down syndrome and issues facing parents and families; good computer, internet and research skills; and is very likely to be a parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Inquiries and applications to   Judy Davidson, Manager – Family Support,   02 9841 4401, support@dsansw.org.au or Steve Clarke, CEO, 02 9841 4408 or steve@dsansw.org.au