Senior Manager, Transitions Program

Best Buddies Int. Inc•Rochester, NY

7d•$49,000 - $53,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Transitions Program works with state leadership to expand the office’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program. The role identifies funding opportunities, serves as the main contact for funding agencies, and develops long-term growth and staffing plans. It leads community engagement and volunteer involvement, builds opportunities for Work-Based Learning, and works with local and national colleagues to connect national partnerships with local initiatives. The Senior Manager may also teach and support adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through skill development and pre-vocational training. The position oversees volunteer management, Pre-ETS referral documentation, and program-impact data, and carries out responsibilities in accordance with organizational values, policies, funding requirements, and regulatory guidelines. The role develops and delivers transition services, coordinates with students’ support teams and employers, stewards volunteers and community partners, maintains program records and reporting, and may supervise staff. It also supports fundraising, marketing, awareness, and events. The position involves local, regional, and national travel, including frequent local travel, and may require evening and weekend work.

Requirements

Five years of experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, special education, or another related area working with people with disabilities; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, or education from an accredited college or university plus two years of professional experience.
Access to an automobile and applicable insurance.
Employment is contingent upon accreditation by the governing state agency.
Ability to adapt, develop and balance multiple relationships quickly and effectively, and achieve results with 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.
Comfort with frequent local travel, use of a personal cell phone, and evening and weekend work as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Best Buddies experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop relationships with families, support coordinators, referral sources, and community stakeholders; screen referrals and conduct intakes for adolescents and young adults.
Coordinate with students’ support teams to provide services aligned with individualized needs documented in their IEPs.
Coordinate and deliver the Transitions Program curriculum through classroom instruction, small groups, and one-to-one support, including job exploration counseling, self-advocacy, workplace readiness, work-based learning, and post-secondary education counseling.
Coordinate with Jobs Program staff to create work-based learning experiences and opportunities for permanent job placement.
Assess employer needs through job analysis and identify internship opportunities aligned with employer and program needs, including developing job descriptions.
Communicate with employers and supervisors, provide sensitivity training, advocate for participants’ equal treatment, develop natural supports, and maintain positive employer-employee relationships.
Transfer participants’ caseloads to appropriate Jobs Program staff upon successful program completion and introduce relevant participants, supports, coordinators, and employers.
Oversee Pre-ETS volunteer engagement, including recruitment, training, and ongoing relationship stewardship.
Attend training to maintain certifications required by state agencies and participate in Transitions Program team meetings.
Work with supervisors on fundraising events and share information about potential donors and supporters.
Increase awareness of Best Buddies through local marketing, public speaking, and media initiatives; contribute website and social media content and images; and engage participants in Best Buddies Day and Month activities.
Complete and organize case files, periodic paperwork, funding-agency reports, incident reports, and grievance reports.
Maintain organized records and use Salesforce and other databases to manage contacts and enter data by established deadlines; update Salesforce with participant services and employer communications by close of business each Friday.
Work with supervisors to ensure accurate, timely billing and reporting and prepare for audits and accreditations.
Supervise and develop staff, provide oversight and meaningful performance feedback, ensure accountability for goals and standards, and provide training, support, and recognition.
Carry out team human-resources activities and consistently follow and reinforce HR policies.
Recruit community members to serve on committees; lead assigned programs or fundraising events; manage aspects of local programs, events, or business; and assist with grant research and writing.
Plan, assist with, or implement awareness campaigns for Best Buddies Day and Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month.