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Classification: Non-Exempt
Hours: Part-time, 20-25 hours
Reports to: Executive Director
Our Organization
Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) was Founded in 1991 and is an accredited and award-winning nonprofit organization. It has grown from serving a few families to over 1,200 individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout 10 counties.
The DSACF offers hope, encouragement, and acceptance through advocacy, education and awareness as we guide individuals with Down syndrome through life’s transitions. Together, we create a Central Florida community composed of and dedicated to individuals with Down syndrome – and those who love them – so that each may realize their potential. For more information, visit www.dsacf.org.
Position
The Early Years Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, implementation, supervision, evaluation, and communication of programs and new initiatives for new and expectant parents and young children (age 0- 5), in accordance with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
The needs of new and expectant families who have a child with Down syndrome are complex and diverse. The Early Years Coordinator is the main support service provider for all of our new and expectant families. Oftentimes, the person in this role is the first representative from the DSACF whom parents come into contact with. It is vital that the applicant have strong communication skills and must have the ability to empathetically connect with and walk alongside these new parents wherever they may be emotionally and practically as they begin to raise their baby or young child with Down syndrome. The needs of new families may include, but not limited to: new family outreach, hospital outreach, baby/toddler support groups, new parent support groups and mentoring relationships, linking families to other community supports, networking with other parents, scholarships, education/seminars on topics relevant to young children. The person in this role must be comfortable balancing the demands of providing education and support to individuals with Down syndrome, families and care providers, program management, researching and providing pertinent research, training from outside vendors, and working with external organizations who may be able to support the population’s needs. This position will be responsible for providing a blend of in-house programming, coordinating external programming from third-party providers, light case management/family support, and dissemination of pertinent research, resources and information that will benefit the community. When applicable this position may also need to plan and implement special events, such as training/webinar, seminars, parties or get-togethers. The candidate must have a deep and thorough understanding of the specific needs new families with Down syndrome face and must be comfortable working to serve the whole family unit.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Programming
Planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of new educational and social programming for new/expectant parents and children ages 0-5.
Responsible for securing content and/or speakers on a myriad of topics pertinent to new parents and children aged 0-5. Event management and logistics when applicable: meeting space, venue, speakers, food, enrollments, volunteers, etc.
Respond within 24 hours when we get inquiries from new families and attempt to arrange a face-to-face meeting with them in a location convenient for them. These meetings should focus on empathy, education about Down syndrome, what the DSACF offers to help support families, and other practical tips as a family begins its journey of raising a child with Down syndrome
Put together New Family Welcome Baskets and deliver to new families
Ensures all new families are added to DSACF CRM, Bloomerang, and that all new families have filled out a profile and been added to the appropriate social media accounts. On-going attendance and record keeping of new family visits and interactions happens within Bloomerang
If appropriate, invites new parents to join existing groups, MOMS/DADS/Grandparents/Siblings groups, social media pages, and/or joins pertinent age groups on Facebook
Research and forward referrals, resources, best practices, community opportunities and other creative ideas related to the challenges our families might face with having a baby or young child with Down syndrome
Develop a system to stay in contact with families at the 3-month, 6-month and yearly marks until the age of 5. This could be a combination of face-to-face visits, social/special events, phone calls, texts and emails
Plan and implement a minimum of (1) New Family Celebrations per year (max 2 per year), including new parent mentors, guest speakers and other guests
Plan and implement other social events to allow new families to meet and mingle with other new families throughout the year. This can be a combination of play groups, MOMS/DADS groups, outings, get togethers, etc.
Responsible for the on-going management of all third party vendors, including ensuring each vendor has an active contract, all required paperwork on file, background checks, and on-going communication regarding scheduling, billing, attendance, etc.
Creates an annual programs budget, with the assistance of the Executive Director, and ensures program expenses are tracked and stay within budget
Developing program goals and objectives
Compiling and reporting program outputs and outcomes to the Executive Director
Analyzing program trends, identifying issues, and recommending solutions to the Executive Director
Volunteers
Recruiting, training and supervising program volunteers
Recognizing volunteers through thank you cards, spotlights on the web site or in newsletters, appreciation events, etc.
Communication
Maintain and update the DSACF web site to include all current programmatic opportunities via calendar and drop-down menu functions
Sends out frequent reminders and communications to market and advertise upcoming programmatic opportunities and events
Works in conjunction with Marketing & Communications Coordinator to ensure that programs are properly highlighted on social media platforms
Creating and maintaining an electronic Knowledge Center including information about financial, recreational, rehabilitative, educational, and supportive resources for children with Down syndrome and their families
Work in conjunction with Marketing & Communications Coordinator to publishing a monthly newsletter that includes upcoming program information, feature stories, donor recognition, and resources
Miscellaneous
Assists and supports DSACF’s major events, including the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Down to Party Gala, Tee Up for 21 Golf Tournament, World Down Syndrome Day, holiday events and other special events as assigned
Event support may include, but is not limited to, tracking,
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Characteristics Required
Applicant must have a comfort working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family systems (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.)
Degree in social work, health, education, nonprofit management, or related field. Direct experience working with individuals/families with Down syndrome may be used in lieu of education if applicable.
Minimum two years of experience creating, running, and evaluating programs
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Effective oral and written communication skills
Computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft Office, social media and donor database systems; ability to learn different online systems like EZ Text, Eventbrite, etc.)
Project management skills, often running several programs simultaneously
Ability to work flexible hours
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