Position Overview

The Project Lead – Supporting My Rights will support Down Syndrome Australia’s (DSA) work by developing accessible ways for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities to understand and exercise their rights within the NDIS system on topics including What good service looks like, Conflicts of Interest, Communicating effectively with service providers, and Giving feedback and making complaints.

These materials will be co-designed, presented and produced with people with Down syndrome.

Employment Status: 0.4 FTE for a fixed period concluding 31 March 2026 with possibility of extension. Pay rate $45 - $55/hour depending on experience.

Organisational Background

Down Syndrome Australia is the national peak organisation for people living with Down syndrome and their families. Our purpose is to influence social and policy change and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome.

Our vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential, and enjoy social and economic inclusion. People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all the work that we do. All our work is informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Down Syndrome Australia and its member State and Territory Down syndrome organisations work together to provide support for people with Down syndrome and to make Australian society inclusive for people with Down syndrome. We work in partnership to maximise the opportunities and support for people with Down syndrome and their families and support networks.

Position responsibilities

• Produce dynamic original video, podcast, easy read, online learning and webinar resources, in accessible formats, for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities to understand and exercise their rights.
• Plan the content of the resources including format, scripting, people to be involved, key messages, audience etc. in partnership with DSA staff, people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disability and other stakeholders
• Manage all aspects of production including the identification of suitable platforms and the engagement of delivery partners such as videographers etc.
• Manage the hosting and promotion of the resources to maximise engagement.
• Support the recruitment, payment, employment and team development of two casual staff with Down syndrome and intellectual disability.
• Establish a project Reference Group for the project, facilitate ongoing meetings of the group and work alongside the group to deliver the project.
• Perform evaluation to inform content development, content outcomes and complete project reporting
• Work closely with the NDIA on ongoing project reporting and evaluation.
• Assist with regular project reporting and acquittals for the project.  

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of the support needs of people with intellectual disability, and a proven ability to work effectively with people with an intellectual disability;
• Commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities within the community and an understanding of the social model of disability;
• Experience in working with, and producing accessible communications for people with intellectual disability, including easy read;
• A well-developed understanding of the requirements to produce and successfully deliver engaging educational content online in various formats to a range of audiences;
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage stakeholder relationships
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed organisational skills and experience in coordination of projects or similar initiatives.
• Experience working on a non-for-profit or similar environment

Work Environment

This position can be a work from home role from anywhere in Australia, or may be based in an office environment (if desired). The nature of this role and its responsibilities deems that occasionally some work will be required outside normal business hours. Some interstate travel will be required. The successful applicant will initially be employed for a probationary period of six months.

Acceptance of the position involves a willingness to work within the philosophies and policy directions of Down Syndrome Australia. The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks including professional referees, completion of a satisfactory police records check and working with children check.

Down Syndrome Australia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people, women, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people with a disability.