Manager, Work-Based Learning

Job Title: Manager, Work-Based Learning

Department: State Operations & Programs

Reports to: State Director/Area Director/Director, Operations & Programs

# of direct reports: none

Salary range: $44,000 - $48,000

Position Overview: 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

• 2 years ' experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, or special education; or other related experience working with persons with disabilities-- OR--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.
• Sharing an office space with peers (if applicable).
• Travel locally/regionally/nationally.
• Manage a specific aspect of a local program or fundraising event or business.
• Assist with grant stewardship, writing and reporting (if needed).
• Plan, assist and/or implement awareness campaign(s) for Best Buddies Day and Month, and Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• Must be comfortable with frequent local travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• 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 services and communications in participant case records in a timely manner.
• Upon successful completion of the program, initiate transfer of responsibilities to Jobs Program staff -- Job Development Specialist or Employment Consultant as applicable. Provide introduction to participant, natural supports/guardian, support coordinators and employer.
• Attend training as needed to maintain required certifications per state regulating agency.
• Actively engages in all Best Buddies program-related team meetings (virtually and in-person) to support national collaboration on best practices and alignment to national program standards.

Marketing/Fund Development

• Work with supervisor(s) on fundraising events as directed.
• Provide information regarding potential donors/supporters to supervisor(s) as appropriate.
• Work with State Director and/or supervisor to increase awareness of Best Buddies through local marketing, public speaking and media initiatives.
• Contributes content and images for updates to state website and social media.
• Engages program participants in Best Buddies Day/Month activities.

Operations

• Complete required paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to case file documentation; monthly, quarterly, and annual paperwork; reports required by local funding agencies; and incident and grievance reports.
• Maintain an organized filing system for all relevant paperwork, including intake forms and authorizations, and uses databases (Salesforce - Transitions/ Pre-ETS or SetWorks - Project Search) effectively and appropriately to manage contacts; all data entry will be completed by established timelines.
• Collaborates with supervisor to ensure that all required billing and reporting is completed accurately and in a timely manner to maximize funding.
• Collaborates with supervisor to prepare for any audits or accreditations.
• Collaborates with other staff in the local state office to transfer caseloads after program completion and share agency/support coordinator information.