Lead, Employment Consultant

Best Buddies International•Miramar, FL

5d•$45,000 - $48,000

About The Position

The Lead, Employment Consultant is a coach, mentor, and vocational support professional who works one-to-one with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The role supports participants through job seeking, onboarding, and ongoing training while managing documentation, compliance requirements, and employer relationships to promote successful, sustainable employment. It provides personalized guidance, skill development, and advocacy to help individuals navigate barriers, maximize their potential, and secure meaningful employment that supports independence and quality of life. The role also steers expansion plans for the office’s Jobs program by identifying funding opportunities, serving as the primary contact for funding agencies and, where applicable, national employer partners, and developing long-term growth and staffing plans. The Lead manages an employed participant caseload, builds community and employer relationships, contributes to marketing and fund development, maintains program records and billing documentation, and serves as a resource and mentor to new Employment Consultants.

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, including the 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 upon state accreditation and the ability to obtain federal suitability clearance for the Ticket to Work Program.
Full staff participation in fundraising events is required; occasional weekend work may be necessary.

Nice To Haves

Best Buddies program experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Use a person-centered approach to support individuals with job searches aligned with their skills, interests, communities, and available transportation.
Support participants during orientation, onboarding, and early job training, with the goal of fostering independence and eventually reducing support to quarterly contact.
Build and maintain relationships with participants, guardians, families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, advocates, and employers.
Identify natural workplace supports that promote participants’ inclusion and success as members of their teams.
Educate and encourage individuals and their families about career opportunities and programs such as Ticket to Work.
Help participants, guardians, and families navigate Social Security issues and refer them to local WIPA or CWIC resources available through state Vocational Rehabilitation.
Communicate regularly with employers and supervisors, advocate for participants’ equal treatment and fair wages, and encourage self-advocacy while maintaining positive employment relationships.
Maintain timely, detailed records of participant interactions, progress, and outcomes in SETWorks; conduct caseload reviews with supervisors.
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 can build social connections and expand their networks.
Potentially serve as Partnership Lead for National Employer Partners, as directed by leadership; participate in National Jobs team initiatives and present 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 positions with current employer partners and establish relationships with prospective community employers.
Contribute images for social media, participate in employer recognition activities and annual initiatives, and represent Best Buddies at local networking events.
Connect development staff with potential funding opportunities, including potential Walk team candidates and Champion of the Year prospects.
Manage a caseload of successfully employed participants, documenting and tracking billable services and meeting SETWorks compliance requirements.
Complete required paperwork, including Individualized Written Program Plans, annual paperwork, safety exercises, and reports for local funding agencies.
Work with the Jobs Program Supervisor to ensure billing documentation is accurate and submitted on time for funding reimbursement.
Attend staff meetings and contribute to discussion of referrals, updates, training, and team coordination.
Complete annual compliance training through the in-house LMS and participate in National Jobs team calls and professional development opportunities.
Serve as a resource and mentor to new Employment Consultants.
Support fundraising events and other organizational initiatives, including occasional weekend work.