Lead Manager, Work-Based Learning

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: Lead Manager, Work-Based Learning Department: State Operations & Programs Reports to: State Director/Area Director/Director, Operations & Programs # of direct reports: 0 Salary range: $49,000 - $53,000

Position Overview: The Lead Manager, Work-Based Learning will oversee the coordination of internships and other Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students in Pre-ETS, Project SEARCH, and other transition programs. Responsibilities include providing skill development and pre-vocational training, case management, and securing community-based WBL sites aligned with student interests. They will support student onboarding, assess progress, and facilitate post-placement evaluations. Additionally, they will coach Transitions Staff, oversee referral processing, and track statewide program impact. The Lead Manager will also lead marketing and recruitment efforts to enhance public awareness of Transitions initiatives, ensuring all duties align with Best Buddies’ core values, policies, and regulatory guidelines. Job Requirements

• 3 years' experience or employment in job coaching, counseling, or special education; or other related experience working with persons with disabilities-- OR--Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, education, human resources, business administration, or economics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience as described above. Best Buddies experience a plus.
• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, project and time management skills.
• Strong written communicator who pays close attention to detail; demonstrates a strong initiative, drive for results and self-assessment skills as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with IDD, meeting new people and addressing sensitive issues.
• Employment is contingent upon accreditation by governing state agency.
• Sharing an office space with peers (if applicable).
• Travel locally/regionally/nationally.
• Recruiting community members to sit on committees.
• Act as staff lead, when assigned, for a program or fundraising event.
• Manage a specific aspect of a local program or fundraising event or business.
• Assist with grant stewardship, writing and reporting (if needed).
• Plan, assist and/or implement awareness campaign(s) for Best Buddies Day and Month, and Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• Must be comfortable with frequent local travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• Develops positive relationships with parents, communities, schools, government and other agencies to educate them about Best Buddies Transitions, identifying potential participants, and community-based partnerships to support the program.
• Coordinate and implement curriculum through classroom-based instruction, small group, and one-to-one support as appropriate as well as support students’ orientation/onboarding to all WBL placements, provide job coaching during the WB experience phase, then conduct evaluation and reflection post-WBL placement with students, support teams, and site supervisors
• Assume full responsibility for a caseload of participants, including documenting all services and communications in participant case records in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with students’ support team to provide services consistent with students’ individualized needs as documented in the IEP, IWPP, or ISP
• Secure and steward community-based Work-Based Learning (WBL) sites which meet student individual interest; assess employer needs through Job Analysis and help identify internship positions and related job descriptions aligned with employer and program needs.
• Assists supervisor with appropriate implementation of Work Based Learning (WBL) initiatives in their area, aligned with Best Buddies International standards, including coaching and/or managing field staff; coordinating WBL caseload with Best Buddies staff (other Managers, Work Based Learning or Managers, Transition Program) to ensure full support of program participants; tracking progress toward benchmarks for success; establishing and utilizing tracking methods for reporting.
• Attend training as needed to maintain required certifications per state regulating agency.
• Actively engages in all Best Buddies program-related team meetings (virtually and in-person) to support national collaboration on best practices and alignment to national program standards.

Marketing/Fund Development

• Work with supervisor(s) on fundraising events as directed.
• Drive marketing and recruitment efforts to help increase public awareness of Transitions initiatives throughout the state through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, special events, and other media initiatives as well as provides content for monthly social media initiatives
• Engages program participants in Best Buddies Day/Month activities.

Operations

• Complete required paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to case file documentation; monthly, quarterly, and annual paperwork; reports required by local funding agencies; and incident and grievance reports.
• Maintain an organized filing system for all relevant paperwork, including intake forms and authorizations, and uses databases (Salesforce)) effectively and appropriately to manage contacts; all data entry will be completed by established timelines.
• Monitor state-wide program impact and collaborates with supervisor to ensure that all required billing and reporting is completed accurately and in a timely manner to maximize funding.
• Collaborates with supervisor to prepare for any audits or accreditations.
• Collaborates with other staff in the local state office to transfer caseloads after program completion and share agency/support coordinator information.

Human Resources

• Directly supervise junior level work-based learning full time or part time (intern) staff, as needed- responsible for staff development, oversight, and providing meaningful performance feedback, as well as holding them accountable for meeting all goals assigned, and following best practices and guidelines.
• Approves reports, conducts staff evaluations, and provides appropriate guidance and motivation for WBL staff
• Coach other state-based Transitions Staff on best practices and curriculum / Work-Based Learning implementation strategies

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.