Lead, Employment Consultant

Best Buddies International•Town of Niskayuna, NY

13d•$45,000 - $48,000

About The Position

The Lead, Employment Consultant works one-to-one with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as a coach, mentor, and vocational support professional. The role supports participants through job searching, onboarding, and ongoing training while managing documentation, compliance requirements, and employer relationships to foster successful, sustainable employment. The consultant provides personalized guidance, skill development, and advocacy to help participants overcome barriers, realize their potential, and achieve greater independence and quality of life. The role also helps expand the office’s Jobs program by identifying funding opportunities, serving as a point of contact for funding agencies and applicable national employer partners, and developing long-term growth and staffing plans. The position serves participants throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, including Troy, and requires frequent local travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of professional experience, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Ability to engage comfortably with individuals with IDD and address sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support and steward multiple relationships while guiding individuals toward success.
Basic public-speaking and group-facilitation skills and ability to deliver engaging presentations.
Familiarity with Office 365 and a basic understanding of social media platforms.
Strong writing ability, attention to detail, and project- and time-management proficiency.
Ability to work autonomously and collaborate 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.
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation.
Employment is contingent on state accreditation and the ability to obtain federal suitability clearance for the Ticket to Work Program.
Occasional weekend work may be necessary to support fundraising events and other initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Best Buddies program experience.

Responsibilities

Use a person-centered approach to support participants in job searches aligned with their skills, interests, communities, and available transportation.
Support participants through job orientation, onboarding, and early training, with the goal of promoting independence and gradually reducing support to quarterly contact.
Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, guardians, families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, advocates, and employers.
Identify natural supports in participants’ workplaces to promote inclusion and provide additional support.
Educate and encourage participants and their families or guardians about career opportunities and programs such as Ticket to Work.
Help participants and families navigate Social Security issues and refer them to local WIPA or CWIC resources available through state Vocational Rehabilitation.
Communicate with employers and supervisors, advocate for participants’ equal treatment and fair wages, and encourage self-advocacy.
Maintain timely, detailed records of participant interactions, progress, and outcomes in SETWorks.
Conduct regular caseload reviews with supervisors to ensure services align with participant goals and needs.
Provide travel training or public transportation assistance and advocate with funding agencies for additional transportation services.
Educate participants on workplace safety guidelines and emergency procedures.
Encourage participants to explore other Best Buddies programs that support social connections and networking.
Potentially serve as Partnership Lead for National Employer Partners, as assigned by leadership.
Participate in National Jobs team initiatives and present program information to other mission pillars as needed; support school-based staff with job-readiness and self-advocacy training.
Collaborate with the Jobs team and Jobs Supervisor to identify new positions with existing partners and build relationships with prospective employers.
Contribute images for social media, participate in employer recognition activities and annual initiatives, and represent the organization at local networking events.
Connect development staff with potential funding opportunities, including prospective Walk team candidates and Champion of the Year prospects.
Manage a caseload of employed participants, including documentation, billable-service tracking, and compliance requirements in SETWorks.
Complete required paperwork and reports, including IWPPs, annual paperwork, safety exercises, and local funding agency reports.
Work with the Jobs Program Supervisor to ensure accurate billing documentation and timely submission for reimbursement.
Attend staff meetings and contribute to discussions about referrals, updates, training, and team coordination.
Complete annual compliance training on ethics, safety, and program policies.
Participate in National Jobs team conference calls and professional development opportunities, including workshops and leadership events.
Serve as a resource and mentor to new Employment Consultants.
Help steer Jobs program expansion by identifying funding opportunities, serving as a contact for funding agencies and applicable national employer partners, and developing long-term growth and staffing plans.