Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis
DSAGSL Mission Statement:
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL) serves, supports, and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, through every stage of life.
DSAGSL Core Values:
The DSAGSL holds the core values of integrity, equity, inclusion, excellence, and respect.
Position Summary
This is a full-time exempt position responsible for the direction and growth of family support programs at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL). This professional will work closely with DSAGSL executive director and program staff to advance our mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families, through every stage of life. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude these tasks from the position if the work is similar, related to or a logical assignment of the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Family Support:
- Develop and implement strategies to increase proactive outreach to all families across the region, including Illinois.
- Work with program staff to develop and maintain comprehensive resource packets and lists on all matters related to Down syndrome including physical and mental wellness, educational advocacy, behavior strategies, social opportunities, independent living, benefits navigation, and more.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with community partners and serves on committees as appropriate.
- In cooperation with the Family Support Coordinator, assist in managing and expanding the Sharing Our Strategies network to ensure that families and professionals have access to resources and answers related to Down syndrome issues.
- Personally make and answer calls and emails related to family support and provide necessary resources, guidance, benefits navigation, or referrals.
- Oversee and ensure the growth of service for affinity groups, including those families who have a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism, the African American Community Group, and the group for Spanish-speaking families.
- Help DSAGSL enhance and expand our services to communities of color, so that all families in the St. Louis region have equal access to support and services for their child.
- Help DSAGSL enhance and expand our services to families living in rural communities.
- Oversee several large family support events with the assistance of Family Support Coordinator including the New Family Brunch, Holiday Party, and New Mother’s Luncheon.
- Assist the Family Support Coordinator in growing and perfecting the New Family Support Mentorship Program.
Data Tracking and Reporting:
- Work with the DSAGSL Grant Administrator to develop streamlined processes and procedures for tracking family support interactions and data.
- Oversee the tracking of this data to ensure it is reported in a timely and efficient manner and that outcomes are achieved.
Workshops and Seminars:
- Work with program staff to develop an annual calendar of professional and caregiver workshops that inspire and educate those in the community who work or live with an individual with Down syndrome.
- Utilize technology to expand the reach of our educational programming.
Medical Outreach:
- In cooperation with the Family Support Coordinator, maintain and strengthen partnerships with hospitals, medical staff, mental health professionals, and students that serve individuals with Down syndrome from diagnosis through adulthood.
Position Qualifications:
- Degree in social work, public health or similar field desired.
- Highly technologically capable and able to be self-directed to learn new skills as necessary.
- Self-starter with ability to think strategically and work independently but also as an effective and positive member of a team.
- Ability to delegate and manage members of a team in an effective way that aligns with our organizational values and culture.
- Flexible and positive attitude with a commitment to DSAGSL mission and core values of excellence, integrity, equity, inclusion, and respect.
- Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize and simultaneously manage multiple, sometimes conflicting, tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly professional and dependable with the willingness to be a team player.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Erin Suelmann at erin@dsagsl.org.
