Employment Consultant

at  Best Buddies Int Inc

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.
Job Title: Employment Consultant
Department: State Operations and Programs
Reports to: Jobs, Program Supervisor
Revised date: 02/25/2022
Position Overview: 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), supporting them to successfully obtain employment in their communities, improving their quality of life allowing them to gain greater levels of independence through work. The Employment Consultant offers support during the Job development/job seeking process, provides coaching during onboarding and any needed follow-along support with a focus on fostering an independent workspace.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum of two years of professional experience. Best Buddies program experience a plus.
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with IDD and addressing sensitive issues.
• Engaging and patient communicator able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships while supporting individuals to achieve results.
• Basic presentation and facilitation skills
• Basic understanding of social media and familiarity with Office 365.
• Strong written communication and project/time management skills, including attention to detail
• Strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be comfortable with frequent local travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities, and to support local BBI fundraising events.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance

PROGRAMS

• 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.
• Once placed, the Employment Consultants provides the individual with support during orientation, onboarding and throughout the early stages of training with the goal of fostering an independent work environment.
• Employment Consultant’s develop and maintain positive relationships with the individual, families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, advocates, and employers.
• Employment Consultant’s seek to 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 persuade 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.
• Guides 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 (VR) agencies to focus on identifying any/all available work incentives, including programs that extend Medicare/Medicaid coverage while the individual achieves a greater level of independence.
• Encourage a collaborative team approach to include the Employment Consultant, guardians, employers, VR counselors, etc., in supporting the individuals to successfully reach their vocational goals by understanding all services & supports available.
• 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.
• Employment Consultants provide open communication to individuals & their guardians, employer partners, supervisors, co-workers, etc., embedding strategies, brainstorming for ways to offer tools, and any support needed for the individual to be successful in attaining a higher level of independence.
• Provide individuals with travel training and/or assistance with public transportation.
• Understand and educate participants on safety guidelines in the workplace including emergency procedure quizzes to be reviewed on a quarterly schedule to ensure the welfare, health, and safety of all participants.
• Attends events to increase awareness about Best Buddies International and identify potential program participants
• Encourage jobs participants to attend Ambassador and state trainings