Manager, Work-Based Learning

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.

Job Title: Manager, Work-Based Learning

Department:  State Operations & Programs

Reports to:  State Director/Area Director/Director, Operations & Programs

Position Overview:  The Manager, Work-Based Learning will oversee the coordination of internships and all other Work-Based Learning opportunities for students engaging in Pre-ETS, Project Search, and other transition programs in each state.  Responsibilities include: teaching, counseling, assisting and supporting adolescents/young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their independence through skill development and pre-vocational training; Utilize a person-centered approach to provide support and case management services for adolescents/young adults, engaging effectively with their families, employers, and other community providers;  securing and stewarding community-based Work-Based Learning (WBL) sites which meet student individual interests; supporting students’ orientation/onboarding to all WBL placements; assessment of student progress toward WBL goals; evaluation and reflection post-WBL placement with students, support teams, and WBL supervisors.  The Manager, Work-Based Learning will perform responsibilities professionally, in collaboration with other team members in accordance with Best Buddies core values, policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines.

Job Requirements

• 2 years ' experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, or special education; or other related experience working with persons with disabilities-- OR--Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, education, human resources, business administration, or economics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience as described above.
• Preferably 1 year experience as an employment consultant or manager – transitions program and a proven strong record communications and relationship-- OR--1 year experience in special education or vocational training.
• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, project and time management skills.
• Strong written communicator who pays close attention to detail; demonstrates a strong initiative, drive for results and self-assessment skills as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with IDD, meeting new people and addressing sensitive issues.
• Employment is contingent upon accreditation by governing state agency.

• Sharing an office space with peers (if applicable). 
• Travel locally/regionally/nationally.
• Manage a specific aspect of a local program or fundraising event or business.
• Assist with grant stewardship, writing and reporting (if needed).

• Plan, assist and/or implement awareness campaign(s) for Best Buddies Day and Month, and Disability Employment Awareness Month. 
• Must be comfortable with frequent local travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• Develop positive relationships with families, support coordinators, referral sources, and other community stakeholders. Screen referrals and perform intakes for adolescents/young adults.
• Coordinate and implement  curriculum through classroom-based instruction, small group, and one-to-one support as appropriate. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to, job exploration counseling, self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and post-secondary educational counseling.
• Coordinate with students’ support team to provide services consistent with students’ individualized needs as documented in the IEP, IWPP, or ISP
• Secure and steward community-based Work-Based Learning (WBL) sites which meet student individual interests
• Assess employer’s needs through Job Analysis and work with them to identify internship positions that are valuable to their enterprise and in alignment with program needs; this could include creating a job description and finalizing with employer.
• Support students’ orientation/onboarding to all WBL placements
• Provide job coaching during the work-based learning experience phase, including training participants on-the-job, visiting participants' job sites regularly, and providing on the job supports as necessary for each individual’s success. Coordinate with other Best Buddies staff and/or WBL supervisors/ mentors as needed to ensure full support of program participants.
• Meet with students throughout duration of WBL to assess progress toward WBL goals
• Evaluation and reflection post-WBL placement with students, support teams, and WBL supervisors Assume full responsibility for a caseload of participants, including documenting all services and communications in participant case records in a timely manner.
• Upon successful completion of the program, initiate transfer of responsibilities to Jobs Program staff -- Job Development Specialist or Employment Consultant as applicable. Provide introduction to participant, natural supports/guardian, support coordinators and employer.
• Attend training as needed to maintain required certifications per state regulating agency.
• Actively engages in all Best Buddies program-related team meetings (virtually and in-person) to support national collaboration on best practices and alignment to national program standards.

Marketing/Fund Development

• Work with supervisor(s) on fundraising events as directed.
• Provide information regarding potential donors/supporters to supervisor(s) as appropriate.
• Work with State Director and/or supervisor to increase awareness of Best Buddies through local marketing, public speaking and media initiatives.
• Contributes content and images for updates to state website and social media.
• Engages program participants in Best Buddies Day/Month activities.

Operations

• Complete required paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to case file documentation; monthly, quarterly, and annual paperwork; reports required by local funding agencies; and incident and grievance reports.
• Maintain an organized filing system for all relevant paperwork, including intake forms and authorizations, and uses databases (Salesforce - Transitions/ Pre-ETS or SetWorks - Project Search) effectively and appropriately to manage contacts; all data entry will be completed by established timelines.
• Collaborates with supervisor to ensure that all required billing and reporting is completed accurately and in a timely manner to maximize funding.
• Collaborates with supervisor to prepare for any audits or accreditations. 
• Collaborates with other staff in the local state office to transfer caseloads after program completion and share agency/support coordinator information.

Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission. Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.