Manager, Dev Transitions Program

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Chicago, Chicago, IL, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $46,000.00 To $48,000.00 Annually

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, Job Development & Transitions Program

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Director, Jobs

Salary Range: $46,000-$48,000

The MJDTP’s primary responsibility is to identify and develop competitive, inclusive jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), while also supporting individuals through pre-employment services. The MJDTP builds and maintains relationships with job participants to identify and align job opportunities that match their skills, experience, and location preferences. The MJDTP works closely with businesses to identify employment opportunities, train staff on workplace inclusion and generate awareness of Best Buddies’ mission.

Once a potential match is identified, the MJDTP focuses on aligning job seekers with compatible employers supporting the application process, interviewing, onboarding and training until it is appropriate to transition follow-along coaching responsibilities to an Employment Consultant. The MJDTP will also plan and execute Transitions/ Pre-Employment Transition Services directly with students (1:1, small or large groups) in classroom or community-based settings to help adolescents/young adults develop social, vocational, and workplace competency skills.

• Bachelor’s Degree or 4 years' experience, preferably a minimum of 1 year of job coaching, counseling, teaching; or other related experience working with persons with disabilities.
• Prior experience as an Employment Consultant with a proven record of job placement, retention, employer communications and relationships highly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt, build, and manage multiple relationships effectively, guiding individuals toward success and achieving results.
• Demonstrated presentation, facilitation, project, and time management skills with excellent written communication, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively.
• Ability to engage comfortably with individuals with IDD, addressing sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the local area and use a personal cell phone for work-related communication.
• Fundraising events are a core part of the organization’s success and require full staff participation and therefore, occasional weekend work may be necessary to support events and other initiatives throughout the year.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or reliable transportation.
• Employment is contingent on state accreditation and the ability to obtain and maintain federal suitability clearance for the Ticket to Work Program.

• Manage a caseload of both employed participants and job seekers providing job development support (resumes, interviews, applications, and skills assessments) while ensuring all services, documentation, and communications are accurately recorded in the database.
• Support Program Supervisor with intake process for new participants including screening referrals, conducting vocational assessments, and professional references.
• De…