Outreach and Development Worker

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

PWSA (UK) 125a London Road Derby DE1 2QQ

29 Nov 2006

Maggie Rowley

mrowley@pwsa-uk.demon.co.uk

01332 365676

http://www.pwsa.co.uk/main.php?catagory=25

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK)

Outreach and Development Worker - Northern Ireland

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK) is the only organisation in the UK which supports families who have a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), and the professionals who work with them. The PWSA (UK) is a registered charity, based in Derby, England, with a team of friendly and enthusiastic staff, some of whom work from home. A network of volunteer parents also operates in England, Wales and Scotland.

PWS is a complex, challenging syndrome, present from birth and requiring life-long management. Characteristics include:

• excessive appetite and low muscle tone, leading to morbid weight gain
• immature social and emotional development
• challenging behaviours such as outbursts and obsessiveness
• immature physical growth
• learning disabilities, ranging from very mild to severe

The PWSA (UK) is now increasing its service to Northern Ireland by employing an Outreach and Development Worker for the region.

Role:

• Setting up small local groups of parents and carers
• Arranging parenting skills days
• Raising awareness about PWS amongst health professionals and other agencies
• Locating new families who previously have had no contact with the Association
• Working towards setting up specialist residential accommodation in partnership with other agencies
• Promoting healthy living for people with PWS
• Seeking new fund-raising opportunities

The post is a fixed term contract of 2 years, 16 hours per week, £19,000 p.a. pro rata. It is home-based - we will provide whatever office equipment is required. Hours are flexible with some evening and weekend work. The applicant will be required to travel to our head-office in Derby at least 6 times a year (using flights to East Midlands airport) and also to travel throughout Northern Ireland to meet families etc. Your travel and accommodation expenses will be met by us on these occasions. An optional pension is available.

Applicants should have a good knowledge of the voluntary sector and statutory agencies in Northern Ireland, and have worked in the learning disabilities field, preferably with parents and carers. A knowledge of Prader-Willi Syndrome would be of benefit, but is not essential, as full training on this aspect of the work will be given.

For further details and an application pack, please contact: Maggie Rowley, PWSA (UK), 125a London Road, Derby DE1 2QQ Tel 01332 365676

email: mrowley@pwsa-uk.demon.co.uk

www.pwsa.co.uk

Closing date for applications: November 29th

Interview date and venue: Monday 4th December, Stormont Hotel, Belfast