Best Buddies International

Employment Consultant

RIVER FOREST, 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 supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving meaningful employment through coaching, mentoring, and vocational support.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves guiding individuals through job search, onboarding, and training, managing documentation and compliance, maintaining employer and participant relationships, advocating for participants, and supporting fundraising and marketing efforts.

  • Compensation and benefits

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

  • Experience and skills

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

  • Career development

    Opportunities include working in a dynamic environment with training on compliance, Ticket to Work program, and potential growth through involvement in various organizational initiatives.

  • Work environment and culture

    Best Buddies values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an inclusive environment focused on advocacy and support for individuals with IDD.

  • Company information

    Best Buddies International is a nonprofit dedicated to ending isolation of people with IDD through programs promoting friendships, employment, leadership, and independent living.

  • Team overview

    The Employment Consultant reports to the Program Supervisor, Jobs, working within the State Operations and Programs department, collaborating with supervisors and team members for program success.

  • Job location and travel

    The position requires frequent local travel and use of a personal vehicle; occasional weekend work is needed to support fundraising events.

  • Unique job features

    The role uniquely combines direct vocational support with advocacy, compliance management, and participation in fundraising and community outreach, emphasizing a person-centered approach.

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 showcase your experience or comfort working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), emphasizing empathy, mentorship, and vocational support skills.

  • Highlight your ability to manage multiple relationships including participants, families, employers, and vocational rehabilitation counselors, along with your proficiency in documentation, compliance, and use of databases like SETWorks.

  • Apply through multiple channels such as Best Buddies International's official corporate careers page, LinkedIn job postings, and relevant nonprofit job boards to maximize your application visibility.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with employees in the State Operations and Programs department or Jobs Program Supervisors at Best Buddies International; open conversations by referencing your shared commitment to empowering individuals with IDD or asking about the impact of their work on local communities.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description such as 'vocational support,' 'person-centered approach,' 'job placement,' 'compliance,' 'advocacy,' and 'documentation,' and ensure formatting is simple and clean to pass automated screenings.

  • Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature can automate your applications across multiple platforms, tailor your resume with targeted keywords, and identify LinkedIn connections to network with, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and building relationships.

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