Senior, Employment Consultant

Best Buddies Int. Inc; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Best Buddies International seeks a Senior Employment Consultant to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving meaningful employment. This role involves coaching candidates through the job application process, fostering employer relationships, and participating in fundraising efforts. The right candidate will have strong interpersonal and organizational skills and a background in advocacy and support for individuals with IDD. This position offers competitive salary and benefits as part of a mission-driven team.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

Financial security

Health and wellness support

Generous time off

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional experience or minimum 5 years relevant experience required.
• Ability to engage with individuals with IDD with empathy and professionalism.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the local area.

Responsibilities

• Coaching and mentoring individuals with IDD through job seeking and onboarding processes.
• Maintaining positive relationships with employers and managing documentation.
• Leading marketing efforts for fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Project management

Time management

Writing ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Office 365

Social media platforms

Job description

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 : Senior, Employment Consultant

Department : State Operations and Programs

Reports to : Director of Programs

Salary Range : $49,000-$52,000

of direct reports : 0-3

Position Overview : The primary responsibility of the Senior, 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). This includes supporting participants through the job seeking process, onboarding, and ongoing training while managing essential documentation, compliance requirements, and employer relationships to foster successful and sustainable employment. The Senior, Employment Consultant empowers individuals to achieve meaningful employment by providing personalized guidance, skills development, and advocacy. This position supports individuals as they navigate barriers, maximize their potential, and secure opportunities that enhance their independence and overall quality of life.

In addition, the Senior, Employment Consultant works directly with Jobs leadership steering expansion plans for their office’s Jobs program, identifying new funding opportunities, serving as the main point of contact for funding agencies, supporting long term plans for growth and staffing, and potentially serving as the primary liaison for any national partners with local presence in their area.

Job Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of professional experience OR minimum 5 years relevant experience.
• Ability to engage comfortably with individuals with IDD, addressing sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, support, balance and steward multiple relationships while guiding individuals toward success
• Basic skills in public speaking, group facilitation, and delivering engaging presentations
• Familiarity with Office 365 and a basic understanding of social media platforms
• Strong writing ability, attention to detail, and proficiency in project and time management
• Capable of working autonomously while also collaborating 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
• Fundraising events are a core part of the organization’s success and require full staff participation and therefore, occasional weekend work may be necessary to support events and other initiatives throughout the year
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation
• CPR / First Aid certification is preferred, but can be obtained after hiring
• Employment is contingent upon state accreditation and the ability to obtain federal suitability clearance for the Ticket to Work program.

Job Duties include, but are not limited to :

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
• Upon job placement, the Senior, Employment Consultant will provide the individual with support during orientation, onboarding and throughout the early stages of training with the goal of fostering an independent work environment and eventually fading support to quarterly contact
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the individual, guardian when applicable, their families, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, advocates, and employers
• 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 encourage and educate individuals, parents and / or guardians of the opportunities 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
• 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
• Maintain detailed and timely documentation of participant interactions, progress, and outcomes in SETWorks for compliance and program tracking
• Provide regular caseload reviews w / supervisors ensuring relevance and alignment w / participant goals and needs
• Provide individuals with travel training and / or assistance with public transportation, including advocating with funding agencies to identify additional transportation services available
• Understand and educate participants on safety guidelines in the workplace including emergency procedure quizzes to ensure the welfare, health, and safety of all
• Encourage participants to explore other Best Buddies programs that can help them build valuable social connections and expand their network
• Potential to serve as Partnership Lead for National Employer Partners as deemed appropriate by leadership
• Participate in various initiatives with the National Jobs team to highlight the Jobs Program
• Present information to other mission pillars as necessary (Friendship, Leadership, Living, Family Support) and support school-based staff with job readiness and self-advocacy training
• Create training content and encourage participation in state events and trainings
• Develop materials and opportunities to engage within pillars on state level

Marketing and Fund Development

• Perform direct asks to employer partners regarding sponsorships, walk teams, corporate donations, etc.
• Make presentations to VR agency and serve as main point of contact for all funding agencies
• Contribute content and images of job participants for social media platforms and various annual initiatives

Operations

• Assume full responsibility for a caseload of successfully employed job participants, including the documenting, tracking of billable services, and compliance requirements within the SETWorks secure database. May oversee SETWorks and VR payments state-wide in larger offices.
• Completes required paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to Individualized Written Program Plan (IWPP), annual paperwork, safety exercises, and all reports required for local funding agencies
• Serve as the Ticket to Work lead person completing provider training to gain portal access and help identify ticketholders to create a state revenue stream
• Collaborate with Jobs Program supervisor to ensure that all required billing documentation is completed accurately and ensure timely submission for funding reimbursement.
• Attend regular staff meetings to discuss referrals, updates and in-house training, contributing to team coordination and knowledge sharing
• Engage in conference calls with the National Jobs team and participate in professional development opportunities including workshops and leadership events

Human Resources

• Manage intern(s) as deemed necessary by state office needs
• Assist with the screening, interviewing and onboarding of new Employment Consultants, additionally serving as a resource / mentor

Best Buddies is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M / F / V / PWD / PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission. Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.