Lead, Employment Consultant Position Available In Duval, Florida

Job Description:

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizationdedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that createsopportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment,leadership development, inclusive living, and family support forindividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDD).Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to endingthe social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 millionpeople worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningfulfriendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communicationand advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offeringsupport for their families.

Job Title:

Lead, Employment ConsultantDepartment:

State Operations and Programs Reports to:

ProgramSupervisor, Jobs Salary Range:

$44,000 – $48,000$45,000-$48,000Revised date: 3/18/25

Position Overview:

The primary responsibilityof the Lead, Employment Consultant is to function as a coach,mentor, and vocational support professional working one-to-one withindividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).This includes supporting participants through the job seekingprocess, onboarding and ongoing training while managing essentialdocumentation, compliance requirements, and employer relationshipsto foster successful and sustainable employment. The Lead,Employment Consultant empowers individuals to achieve meaningfulemployment by providing personalized guidance, skill development,and advocacy. This position supports individuals with IDD as theynavigate barriers, maximize their potential, and secureopportunities that enhance their independence and overall qualityof life. In addition, the Lead, Employment Consultant steersexpansion plans for their office’s Jobs program- identifying newfunding opportunities, serving as the main point of contact forfunding agencies, national employer partners (if applicable), andbuilding out long-term plans for growth and staffing.

JobRequirements:

Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2 years of professionalexperience, OR minimum 5 years relevant experience, Best Buddiesprogram experience a plus Ability to engage comfortably withindividuals with IDD, addressing sensitive topics with empathy andprofessionalism Strong interpersonal skills with the ability toengage, support, balance and steward multiple relationships whileguiding individuals toward success Basic skills in public speaking,group facilitation, and delivering engaging presentationsFamiliarity with Office 365 and a basic understanding of socialmedia platforms Strong writing ability, attention to detail, andproficiency in project and time management Capable of workingautonomously while also collaborating effectively in a dynamicfast-paced environment Willingness to travel frequently within thelocal area and use a personal cell phone for work-relatedcommunication Fundraising events are a core part of theorganization’s success and require full staff participation andtherefore, occasional weekend work may be necessary to supportevents and other initiatives throughout the year Access to anautomobile with applicable insurance or other reliabletransportation. Employment is contingent upon state accreditationand the ability to obtain federal suitability clearance for theTicket to Work Program Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs Utilize a person-centered approach supporting individualsin job searching efforts in industries and opportunities that matchtheir skills and interests, within their communities and based ontransportation options available Upon job placement, the Lead,Employment Consultant will provide the individual with supportduring orientation, onboarding and throughout the early stages oftraining with the goal of fostering an independent work environmentand eventually fading support to quarterly contact Develop andmaintain positive relationships with the individual, guardian whenapplicable, their families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors,advocates, and employers Identify natural supports within theindividual’s workplace to provide additional support and ensure theindividual is embraced and fully included as a member of the teamCompassionately encourage and educate individuals, parents and/orguardians of the opportunities and possibilities available toanyone seeking a career, as well as the benefit to programs such asTicket to Work Guides participants, guardians and family members innavigating Social Security issues, offering referrals to local WorkIncentives and Planning and Assistance (WIPA), Community WorkIncentive Counselors (CWIC) available through their stateVocational Rehabilitation. Maintain regular communication withemployers/supervisors advocating for the participants’ rights toequal treatment and fair wages, while encouraging self-advocacy andmaintaining positive relationships with employment partnersMaintain detailed and timely documentation of participantinteractions, progress, and outcomes in SETWorks for compliance andprogram tracking Perform regular caseload reviews w/supervisorsensuring relevance and alignment w/participant goals and needsProvide individuals with travel training and/or assistance withpublic transportation, including advocating with funding agenciesto identify additional transportation services available Understandand educate participants on safety guidelines in the workplaceincluding emergency procedure quizzes to ensure the welfare,health, and safety of all Encourage participants to explore otherBest Buddies programs that can help them build valuable socialconnections and expand their network Potential to serve asPartnership Lead for National Employer Partners as deemedappropriate by leadership Participate in various initiatives withthe National Jobs team to highlight the Jobs Program Presentinformation to other mission pillars as necessary (Friendship,Leadership, Living, Family Support) and support school-based staffwith job readiness and self-advocacy training Marketing and FundDevelopment Collaborate with the Jobs team and Jobs Supervisor toexpand employment opportunities by identifying potential newpositions with existing employer partners and establishingrelationships with prospective employers within the communityDemonstrate the Best Buddies mission in action by contributingimages for social media platforms, participating employerrecognition activities and various annual initiatives Represent theorganization at local networking events, expanding the network ofpotential participants, employer partners and communitycollaborations Facilitate connections between development staff andpotential funding opportunities, including identifying Walk teamcandidates and Champion of the Year prospects Operations Assumefull responsibility for a caseload of successfully employed jobparticipants, including the documenting, tracking of billableservices, and compliance requirements within SETWorks securedatabase Complete required paperwork in a timely and organizedmanner, including but not limited to Individualized Written ProgramPlan (IWPP), annual paperwork, safety exercises, and all reportsrequired for local funding agencies Collaborate with Jobs Programsupervisor to ensure that all required billing documentation iscompleted accurately and ensure timely submission for fundingreimbursement Attend regular staff meetings to discuss referrals,updates and in-house training, contributing to team coordinationand knowledge sharing Participate in annual compliance training onin-house LMS covering ethics, safety, and program policies Engagein conference calls with the National Jobs team and participate inprofessional development opportunities including workshops andleadership events Serve as a resource/mentor to new EmploymentConsultants Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, inaddition to an EOE and

M/F/V/PWD/PV

employer. Diversity, equity,and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s corevalues and help the organization continue to achieve its mission.

Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a moreinclusive world.

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generousbenefits program that include financial security, health andwellness and time off. CB