Manager Learning

Manager, Work-Based Learning

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 include:

• 2 years' experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, or special education; or a 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.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• 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…