Lead Manager, Work-Based Learning

Best Buddies Int. Inc•New York, NY

1d•$49,000 - $53,000

About The Position

The Lead Manager, Work-Based Learning oversees coordination of internships and other Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students in Pre-ETS, Project SEARCH, and other transition programs. The role provides skill development and pre-vocational training, case management, student onboarding and support, progress assessment, and post-placement evaluations. It secures community-based WBL sites aligned with student interests, coaches Transitions Staff, oversees referrals, and tracks statewide program impact. The position also leads marketing and recruitment to increase awareness of Transitions initiatives and carries out duties in accordance with Best Buddies’ values, policies, and applicable regulatory guidelines. The role develops relationships with families, schools, communities, government agencies, employers, and other partners; delivers curriculum and job coaching; maintains participant records and program documentation; supports reporting, billing, audits, and accreditation; and contributes to fundraising and awareness campaigns. The position may supervise junior-level WBL staff as needed and coaches other state-based Transitions Staff.

Requirements

At least three years of experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, special education, or other related work with people with disabilities; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and at least one year of such experience.
Adaptability and ability to quickly develop and balance multiple relationships and achieve results through a variety of people.
Strong presentation, facilitation, project-management, and time-management skills.
Strong written communication and attention to detail, initiative, drive for results, self-assessment skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Comfort engaging with people with IDD, meeting new people, and addressing sensitive issues.
Employment is contingent upon accreditation by the governing state agency.
Ability to share office space with peers, if applicable.
Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally, including frequent local travel.
Ability to use a personal cell phone and work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.
Ability to recruit community members to serve on committees.
Ability to act as staff lead for a program or fundraising event when assigned and manage a specific aspect of a local program, fundraising event, or business.
Ability to assist with grant stewardship, writing, and reporting as needed.
Ability to plan, assist with, or implement awareness campaigns for Best Buddies Day and Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Nice To Haves

Best Buddies experience.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with parents, communities, schools, government agencies, and other organizations to explain Best Buddies Transitions, identify potential participants, and develop community partnerships.
Coordinate and deliver curriculum through classroom instruction, small groups, and one-to-one support, as appropriate.
Support student orientation and onboarding to WBL placements, provide job coaching during placements, and conduct post-placement evaluations and reflection with students, support teams, and site supervisors.
Manage a caseload of participants and document services and communications in participant case records promptly.
Coordinate with student support teams to provide services consistent with individualized needs documented in an IEP, IWPP, or ISP.
Secure and maintain community-based WBL sites that match student interests; assess employer needs through job analysis and identify internship positions and job descriptions aligned with employer and program needs.
Assist the supervisor in implementing WBL initiatives in accordance with Best Buddies standards, including coaching or managing field staff, coordinating caseloads with other staff, tracking benchmarks, and maintaining reporting methods.
Attend training to maintain certifications required by state agencies and participate in program-related team meetings.
Support fundraising events as directed.
Lead marketing and recruitment efforts through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, special events, media initiatives, and content for monthly social media initiatives.
Engage program participants in Best Buddies Day and Month activities.
Complete case-file documentation, periodic paperwork, funding-agency reports, and incident and grievance reports accurately and on time.
Maintain organized files and use Salesforce and other databases to manage contacts and complete data entry by established deadlines.
Monitor statewide program impact and work with the supervisor to complete billing and reporting accurately and promptly.
Work with the supervisor to prepare for audits and accreditations.
Coordinate with local state-office staff to transfer caseloads after program completion and share agency and support-coordinator information.
When needed, supervise junior-level WBL staff, supporting their development, oversight, performance feedback, goal achievement, and adherence to best practices and guidelines.
Approve reports, conduct staff evaluations, and provide guidance and motivation to WBL staff.
Coach other state-based Transitions Staff on best practices, curriculum, and WBL implementation strategies.