At a Glance
- Tasks: Build meaningful partnerships and support community fundraising for the Down’s Syndrome Association.
- Company: Join a passionate team at the Down’s Syndrome Association, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to inspire change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on the lives of people with Down’s syndrome through innovative employment initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported employment and excellent interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about building relationships that make a real difference? As our Partnerships Officer, you’ll help grow one of the DSA’s most exciting areas of fundraising. This role is centred on developing meaningful partnerships with businesses while also supporting community fundraising across the UK. You’ll have the opportunity to spot new opportunities, develop creative ideas and build long-term relationships that generate income, raise awareness and inspire support for our mission. If you enjoy meeting people, thinking creatively and seeing the direct impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsible to: Fundraising and Events Manager
Hours: 35 hours a week
Location: Three days from our Teddington Office and two days at home
We are hoping to recruit as soon as possible. Contact Georgina Lamond, Fundraising and Events Manager, to discuss the position and to apply with a CV and covering letter.
We have an exciting opportunity within our WorkFit programme. This post is for a one‑year fixed term contract with an extension to the term dependent on funding. The Down’s Syndrome Association is the only organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. The Down’s Syndrome Association aims to create the conditions that all people with Down’s syndrome need to live full and rewarding lives.
WorkFit is the DSA’s employment initiative, which bridges the gap between employers and candidates with Down’s syndrome. WorkFit aims to find the right role for the right candidate, with the right level of support for success. The project team develop a range of work opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome including paid work, voluntary work, work experience placements and supported internships.
The successful applicant will join an award‑winning supported employment team working with organisations from SMEs to some of the best known national and international brands to develop employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome. We are looking for an experienced supported employment practitioner to be based at home in West London or surrounding counties. You will be responsible for expanding our reach in your designated area by supporting people with Down’s syndrome to access the workplace.
As part of your role, you will:
- develop and enhance employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome
- develop and enhance relationships with new and existing employers and other professionals
- develop and enhance partnership links with existing support networks.
The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Employment Services. Candidates should have the following:
- Experience of supporting people with learning disabilities and a commitment to supporting them to fulfil their career ambitions.
- A good understanding of supported employment as well as experience within the employment sector.
- Excellent organisational skills with careful and methodical working practices and close attention to detail, working to deadlines and within budget.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop strong relationships with people who have Down’s syndrome and their families, employers and other external organisations in order to co-ordinate and facilitate meetings, negotiate opportunities, deliver presentations and training, motivate others and support colleagues.
- Ability to plan and manage project based work and progress opportunities for development.
Salary: £30,000 plus London weighting
Reporting to: Head of Employment Services
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to Alison Thwaite. If you need any help with this or have any questions, please contact Alison Thwaite.
Closing date: Sunday 2 August 2026.
Interview date: Monday 10 August 2026. Please note that first round interviews will take place online.
WorkFit Officer (London) employer: Downs Syndrome
The Down’s Syndrome Association is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises inclusivity and personal growth. With flexible hybrid working arrangements in Teddington, employees benefit from a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to a meaningful cause that empowers individuals with Down’s syndrome. The organisation fosters professional development through training and networking opportunities, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land WorkFit Officer (London)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Downs Syndrome.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Downs Syndrome.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Downs Syndrome.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Downs Syndrome. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace WorkFit Officer (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Downs Syndrome. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like WorkFit Officer (London), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downs Syndrome
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Downs Syndrome. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
