Best Buddies International

Employment Consultant

RIVERSIDE, ILPosted 20 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Best Buddies International

  • Job overview

    The Employment Consultant at Best Buddies International coaches and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve meaningful employment and independence.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves guiding individuals through job searching, onboarding, training, maintaining employer and participant relationships, managing documentation, compliance, and advocating for participants' rights and inclusion.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary range is $42,000 to $44,000 with a comprehensive benefits program including financial security, health and wellness, and time off.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a bachelor's degree or 2+ years of professional experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, familiarity with Office 365, and ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. Experience with Best Buddies programs is a plus.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include participating in training modules, compliance training, and contributing to team knowledge sharing, supporting professional growth within a dynamic nonprofit environment.

  • Work environment and culture

    Best Buddies values diversity, equity, inclusion, and fosters a supportive, mission-driven work environment with community engagement and advocacy.

  • Company information

    Best Buddies International is a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with IDD through friendships, employment, leadership, and family support, serving 200 million people worldwide.

  • Team overview

    The Employment Consultant reports to the Program Supervisor, Jobs, and works within the State Operations and Programs department, collaborating with supervisors and staff in a fast-paced environment.

  • Job location and travel

    The position requires frequent local travel and use of personal transportation, with occasional weekend work for fundraising events.

  • Unique job features

    The role uniquely combines vocational coaching with advocacy, compliance management, and community engagement in a nonprofit setting focused on inclusion and empowerment.

Company overview

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, the organization has grown to operate in all 50 U.S. states and over 50 countries worldwide. Best Buddies generates revenue through fundraising events, corporate partnerships, grants, and donations. A key historical milestone includes the expansion of their programs to include e-Buddies, a virtual friendship program, and the Best Buddies Jobs program, which secures competitive, integrated employment for people with IDD.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your experience or comfort working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), emphasizing empathy, advocacy, and personalized support skills.

  • Focus on showcasing your ability to manage multiple relationships including participants, families, employers, and vocational counselors, along with skills in documentation, compliance, and use of databases like SETWorks.

  • Apply through multiple platforms such as Best Buddies International's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed for the Employment Consultant role.

  • Connect with current employees in the State Operations and Programs division on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent Best Buddies initiatives or asking about their experience supporting individuals with IDD in employment.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'vocational support,' 'job placement,' 'participant advocacy,' 'compliance,' and 'SETWorks' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify relevant job portals, and find LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your time on networking and interview preparation.

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