Senior Manager, Transitions Program

Senior Manager, Transitions Programs

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.

Position Overview:

The Senior Manager, Transitions Program (Sr MTP) works directly with state leadership steering expansion plans for their office's Pre-ETS program- identifying new funding opportunities, serving as the main point of contact for funding agencies, and building out long-term plans for growth and staffing.

The Sr MTP will lead increased community engagement in Pre-ETS programs; staff will steward community and corporate partners to increase volunteer engagement and opportunities for Work-Based Learning to further support student learning. Sr MTP will work closely with local and national staff to integrate national partnerships into local initiatives, when able. The Sr MTP may also directly teach and support adolescents/young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their independence through skill development and pre-vocational training.

The Sr MTP will oversee all related volunteer management - intake and processing of all Pre-ETS referral documentation as well as ongoing data management to reflect program impact. Staff 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:

• 5 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, or education from an accredited college or university plus 2 years professional experience;
  Best Buddies experience a plus
• 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.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.
• Employment is contingent upon accreditation by governing state agency.

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 with students' support team to provide services consistent with students' individualized needs as documented in the IEP.
• Coordinate and implement Best Buddies Transitions Program 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 Jobs Program staff to develop work-based learning experiences and opportunities for permanent job placements following completion of the program.
• 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.
• Communicate frequently during initial phase with employers/supervisors, including offering sensitivity training and advocating for participants' rights to equal treatment.
• Stays in regular communication with employers/supervisors to steward the relationship, develop natural supports, and maintain positive employer-employee relations.
• Upon successful completion of the Transitions Program, initiate transfer of caseload to Jobs Program staff – Manager - Job Development or Employment Consultant as applicable. Provide introduction to participant, natural supports/guardian, support coordinators and employer.
• Oversees volunteer engagement in Pre-ETS program, including recruitment, training and ongoing stewardship of relationship of all community or corporate volunteers
• Attend training as needed to maintain required certifications per state regulating agency.
• Actively…