Employment Consultant

Job Title: Employment Consultant

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Director, Jobs

Salary Range: $41,000-$41,000

Revised date: 3/14/25

The primary responsibility of the Employment Consultant is to function as a coach, mentor, and vocational support professional working one-to-one with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This includes supporting participants through the job seeking process, onboarding and ongoing training while managing essential documentation, compliance requirements, and employer relationships to foster successful and sustainable employment. The Employment Consultant empowers individuals to achieve meaningful employment by providing personalized guidance, skill development, and advocacy.

This position supports individuals with IDD as they navigate barriers, maximize their potential, and secure opportunities that enhance their independence and overall quality of life.

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of professional experience, Best Buddies program experience a plus
• Ability to engage comfortably with individuals with IDD, addressing sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, support, balance and steward multiple relationships while guiding individuals toward success
• Basic skills in public speaking, group facilitation, and delivering engaging presentations
• Familiarity with Office 365 and a basic understanding of social media platforms
• Strong writing ability, attention to detail and proficiency in project and time management
• Capable of working autonomously while also collaborating effectively in a dynamic fast-paced environment
• 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, therefore, occasional weekend work may be necessary to support events and other initiatives throughout the year
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation
• Employment is contingent upon state accreditation and the ability to obtain federal suitability clearance for the Ticket to Work Program

• Utilize a person-centered approach supporting individuals in job searching efforts in industries and opportunities that match their skills and interests, within their communities and based on transportation options available
• Upon job placement, the Employment Consultant provides the individual with support during orientation, onboarding and throughout the early stages of training with the goal of fostering an independent work environment and eventually fading support to quarterly contact
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the individual, guardian when applicable, families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, advocates, and employers
• Identify natural supports within the individual’s workplace to provide additional support and ensure the individual is embraced and fully included as a member of the team
• Compassionately encourage and educate individuals, parents and/or guardians of the opportunities and possibilities available to anyone seeking a career, as well as the benefit to programs such as Ticket to Work
• Guide participants, guardians and family members in navigating Social Security issues, offering referrals to local Work Incentives and Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and/or Community Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their state Vocational Rehabilitation
• Maintain regular communication with employers/supervisors advocating for the participants’ rights to equal treatment and fair wages, while encouraging self-advocacy and maintaining positive relationships with employment partners
• Maintain detailed and timely documentation of participant interactions, progress and outcomes in SETWorks for compliance and program tracking
• Perform regular caseload reviews w/supervisors ensuring relevance and alignment with participant goals and needs
• Provide individuals with travel training and/or assistance with public transportation including advocating with…