Senior 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: Senior Manager, Transitions Programs

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Deputy Director, Area Director or State Director

Salary Range: $49,000-$53,000

# of direct reports: 0-3

This role is based out the Rochester office with the expectation to work in Buffalo 2 days per week.

Position Overview: The Senior Manager, Transitions Program (Sr MTP) works directly with state leadership steering expansion plans for their office’s Pre-ETS program- identifying new funding opportunities, serving as the main point of contact for funding agencies, and building out long-term plans for growth and staffing. 

The Sr MTP will lead increased community engagement in Pre-ETS programs; staff will steward community and corporate partners to increase volunteer engagement and opportunities for Work-Based Learning to further support student learning. Sr MTP will work closely with local and national staff to integrate national partnerships into local initiatives, when able. The Sr MTP may also directly teach and support adolescents/young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their independence through skill development and pre-vocational training. The Sr MTP will oversee all related volunteer management - intake and processing of all Pre-ETS referral documentation as well as ongoing data management to reflect program impact. 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:
 

• 5 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, or education from an accredited college or university plus 2 years professional experience; 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. 
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.
• 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 engaging with people with IDD, meeting new people and addressing sensitive issues.
• Must be comfortable with frequent local travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.

Job Duties, include but are not limited to:

Programs

• 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. 
• 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.
• Coordinate with Jobs Program staff to develop work-based learning experiences and opportunities for permanent job placements following completion of the program.
• Assess employer’s needs through Job Analysis and work with them to identify internship positions that are valuable to their enterprise and in alignment with program needs; this could include creating a job description and finalizing with employer.
• Communicate frequently during initial phase with employers/supervisors, including offering sensitivity training and advocating for participants' rights to equal treatment. 
• Stays in regular communication with employers/supervisors to steward the relationship, develop natural supports, and maintain positive employer-employee relations.
• Upon successful completion of the Transitions Program, initiate transfer of caseload to Jobs Program staff – Manager - Job Development or Employment Consultant as applicable. Provide introduction to participant, natural supports/guardian, support coordinators and employer.
• Oversees volunteer engagement in Pre-ETS program, including recruitment, training and ongoing stewardship of relationship of all community or corporate volunteers
• 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.
• Update Salesforce database with all services provided to participants and employer communications by close of business each Friday. 
• 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.