Employment Consultant

Job Overview

The Lead, Employment Consultant at Best Buddies International functions 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.

Job Duties

• 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 Lead, Employment Consultant will provide 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, their 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), 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 w/participant goals and needs;
• Provide individuals with travel training and/or assistance with public transportation, including advocating with funding agencies to identify additional transportation services available;
• Understand and educate participants on safety guidelines in the workplace including emergency procedure quizzes to ensure the welfare, health, and safety of all;
• Encourage participants to explore other Best Buddies programs that can help them build valuable social connections and expand their network;
• Potential to serve as Partnership Lead for National Employer Partners as deemed appropriate by leadership;
• Participate in various initiatives with the National Jobs team to highlight the Jobs Program;
• Support school-based staff with job readiness and self-advocacy training.

Marketing and Fund Development

• Demonstrate the Best Buddies mission in action by contributing images for social media platforms, participating employer recognition activities and various annual initiatives;
• Represent the organization at local networking events, expanding the network of potential participants, employer partners and community collaborations;
• Facilitate connections between development staff and potential funding opportunities, including identifying Walk team candidates and Champion of the Year prospects;

Operations

• Assume full responsibility for a caseload of successfully employed job participants, including the documenting, tracking of billable services, and compliance requirements within SETWorks secure database;
• Complete required paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to Individualized Written Program Plan (IWPP), annual paperwork, safety exercises, and all reports required for local funding agencies;
• Collaborate with Jobs Program supervisor to ensure that all required billing documentation is completed accurately and ensure timely submission for funding reimbursement;
• Attend regular staff meetings to discuss referrals, updates and in-house training, contributing to team coordination and knowledge sharing;
• Serve as a resource/mentor to new Employment Consultants.