Lead Manager, Transitions Program

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, Transitions Program

Department:  State Operations & Programs

Reports to:  State Director/Area Director/Director, Operations & Programs

# of direct reports:  0-1

Salary range: $45,000 - $48,000

Revised date:  8/16/2023

Position Overview:  The Lead Manager, Transitions Program (MTP) will be responsible for directly teaching, planning, and executing Transitions/ Pre-Employment Transition Services directly with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) (1:1, small or large groups) in classroom or community-based settings to help adolescents/young adults develop social, vocational, and workplace competency skills.  The Lead Manager, Transitions Program (MTP) will oversee volunteer management - program recruitment, intake and processing of all Pre-ETS referral documentation, as well as ongoing data management to reflect program impact.     Additionally, the Lead Manager, Transitions Program may coach other state based Pre-ETS Staff on best practices, curriculum implementation strategies, and will monitor state-wide program impact. The Lead MTP additionally steers expansion plans for their office’s Pre-ETS program and builds out long-term plans for growth and staffing.    The Lead MTP will drive marketing and recruitment efforts to help increase public awareness of Pre-ETS initiatives throughout the state.  Staff will perform responsibilities professionally, in collaboration with other team members in accordance with Best Buddies core values, policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines.

Job Requirements:  

• 4 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 from an accredited college or university; 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 research and writing.
• 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.

• Serve as a primary Transitions Program liaison between students, families, educators, and employers to ensure effective communication and alignment of goals.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, employers, and other stakeholders to support the expansion and sustainability of the Transitions Program.

• Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create work-based learning opportunities and mentorships for students with IDD.

• Identify and cultivate relationships with local donors, sponsors, and community leaders to support program growth and sustainability.

• Assist in developing compelling success stories and testimonials to highlight program impact for fundraising and marketing purposes.

• Represent Best Buddies at networking events, conferences, and community engagements to increase program visibility and recruitment.

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• Coordinate with Friendship Program staff to identify potentially eligible program participants including, but not limited to, students with IDD, high school and/or transitions program partners, and meeting clear benchmarks for number and retention of partners and participants.
• Develop positive relationships with families, support coordinators, referral sources, and other community stakeholders. Screen referrals and perform intakes for adolescents/young adults.
• Coordinate with students’ support team to provide services consistent with students’ individualized needs as documented in the IEP. 
• Assume full responsibility for a caseload of transitions participants, including documenting all services and communications in participant case records in a timely manner. 
• Coordinate and implement Best Buddies Transitions Program curriculum through classroom-based instruction, small group, and one-to-one support as appropriate. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to, job exploration counseling, self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and post-secondary educational counseling.
• Upon successful completion of the Transitions Program, initiate transfer of responsibilities to Jobs Program staff – Manager - Job Development or Employment Consultant as applicable. Provide introduction to participant, natural supports/guardian, support coordinators and employer.
• Works to ensure appropriate curriculum implementation across the state by coaching other Pre-ETS staff on best practices and differentiated instructional strategies to increase student impact and success in each market
• Develops program pacing guides and assists with curriculum alignment and/or making adaptations/ modifications per state guidelines
• Attend training as needed to maintain required certifications per state regulating agency.
• Actively engages in all Best Buddies Transitions 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.
• Provide information regarding potential donors/supporters to supervisor(s) as appropriate.
• Work with State Director and/or supervisor to increase awareness of Best Buddies through local marketing, public speaking and media initiatives.
• Contributes content and images for updates to state website and social media.
• 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 Salesforce and other databases effectively and appropriately to manage contacts; all data entry will be completed by established timelines.
• 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. 

Human Resources

• Directly supervises staff- 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.
• Inspires and motivates staff by demonstrating personal commitment and integrity and providing proactive training, support and recognition.
• Responsible for all human resources related activities within the team. Understands, follows and reinforces human resources policies in a consistent manner..

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.   

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