Manager, Dev Transitions Program in Chicago, Illinois

Manager, Job Development & Transitions Program

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 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.

Job Requirements:

• 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.

Job Duties include - but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with individuals, families, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, advocates, and employers.
• Meet quota for number and retention of job placements
• Proactively engage local employers through cold calling, meetings, networking events, and presentations to promote the Best Buddies Jobs program.
• Manage existing employer relationships and follow through on established leads
• Assess employer's needs through Job Analysis to identify positions that are valuable to their enterprise and in alignment with participant's skills, goals, and support needs; this could include creating a job description and finalizing with employer
• Present workplace inclusion training to large audiences
• Increase mission awareness through identifying public speaking opportunities, lunch and learns, and tabling events
• Work with supervisor to increase participation in local fundraising events
• 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…