Best Buddies Jobs Program in LA

Income inequality

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.3% of persons with a disability were employed in 2022, up from 19.1 percent in 2021. In the same report, 65.4% of individuals without disabilities were employed, up from 63.7% in the prior year. Additionally, 30% of workers with a disability were employed part-time, compared with 16% for those with no disability. Best Buddies in CA’s goal is to close the unemployment gap by providing employment training, job coaching, and support for a lifetime of employment to facilitate long-term success.
Best Buddies understands the need to be accessible, and no other organization provides all aspects of inclusion programs under one entity. Since 1994, Best Buddies has assisted individuals with IDD in securing jobs of their choosing and maintaining community-based employment in inclusive settings, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.

Best Buddies in California provides individualized job discovery, job development, job placement, on-the-job training, and follow-along support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). All placements are person-centered and based on the individual’s preferences and career goals. Once a participant has secured employment, an employment consultant will provide on-the-job orientation and training at the job site. We tailor training for each participant to the specific requirements of the job, according to the criteria of the employer. Best Buddies Jobs matches skilled and qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process, and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer. The program is unique in that Best Buddies supports participants for the lifetime of their employment regardless of any changes that may take place.

Best Buddies Jobs in Los Angeles will support at least 8 adults with IDD in obtaining paid jobs within the grant period, with an average wage of at least $17.28/hr. and an average of at least 20/hr. per week. Support will be provided to the existing 44 with a total of 54 served. To promote a cultural shift around diversity and inclusion, we will collaborate with 40 unique employer partners to hire BB participants. We will champion training and community engagement opportunities further educating our partners about the abilities this population brings to the workforce. Deliverables:
1. Place 8-10 additional participants in competitive jobs or job development
2. Partner with three new employers committed to hiring individuals with IDD, who will receive inclusive workplace trainings. 3. Host two work readiness and development trainings with community, corporate, or employer partners in LA 4. Sustain 80% of individuals currently in job development or placed in competitive jobs

Metrics to demonstrate program effectiveness: 1. Job Retention Rate beyond one year. 2. Average Rate of Pay. This reflects the investment companies have displayed by integrating people with IDD into their workforce with competitive rates of pay, exceeding the minimum wage.
3. Ability to meet and exceed employment goals as articulated by participants.
The SETWorks database tracks in-person, virtual, phone calls, and other support. SETWorks reports can confirm our support is satisfactory and track the growth of employers and community partners, ensuring they receive updates, support, and communication. Our national team provides quarterly reports showing CA’s placements, activity records, and employer communications. This data identifies trends and gaps that require our attention. We utilize the Annual Jobs survey sent to employers and Jobs’ participants to rate our services and take feedback. This data gives a snapshot of our program impact and the areas needing further assessment.