BET Information for Potential Facilities Managers

Service and Objective
Provides employment opportunities for qualified persons who are blind to operate food service, and vending machine locations on Federal, state and private properties throughout the State of Texas.

Target Population - Texans who are legally blind.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Legally blind by Federal standards
  • U.S. citizen residing in Texas
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Good general health and stamina
  • Current eye and physical examination
  • High school graduation or GED

Numbers Served

  • Approximately 120 managers will be employed in food service and vending operations in Texas for FY09

Budget and Funding Source.

  • Federal funds
  • Self generated funds collected form BET managers through set-aside fees.

Legislative Authority

  • Federal Randolph Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 107F)
  • Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act (20 U.S.C. 701 794)
  • Texas Human Resources Code, Title 5, Chapter 94

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the Federal standards defining legally blind?

Federal standards require a consumer to have a vision no better than 20/200 in the best eye or a field restriction of no better than 20 degrees.

Q. Why do consumers have to be a U.S. citizen? Do they qualify if they have a work visa?

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFA) section 5.01a specifically states the consumer must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for services offered by the Randolph-Sheppard Act. The Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) requires consumers to have established residency in Texas before apply for BET Training.

Q. Are there any other physical requirements?

Yes, consumers must be able to

  • Stand on their feet for ten hours or more.
  • Bend, stoop and twist without injury to themselves or others.
  • Lift 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds at one time.
  • Be in generally good health.

Q. What equipment does BET training require?

BET requires the following:

  • Accessible business adding machine with a tape feed out.
  • Accessible thermometer and scale.
  • Low vision aids necessary to function in class.
  • Either note taking supplies or equipment.
  • Training on all the above.
  • Proper clothing for the classroom and work.

Q. Who is responsible for the housing, school supplies, travel and maintenance for applicants during training?

Applicants work with their DBS counselor.

Q. Does BET have an entrance exam?

Yes, for those candidates with a strong business or management background. BET with administer the BET entrance exam to those candidates you believe demonstrate strong business or management skills. However if they fail the test they cannot retake the test for six months and must complete all BET recommended training before training again.

Q. Can a blind Texan really do well in the program?

Yes, the opportunity for success is strong. Many consumers have done very well. The reported median income of managers is around $60,000 annually. The program currently has over 120 employment opportunities.

Q. Can consumers fail in the program?

Yes, and some do.

Q. If the consumer is accepted into the program how many hours per week do they have to work?

BET managers must be actively engaged in the management of a BET business the number of hours necessary to achieve satisfactory operation of the business.

For more information call the BET Training Specialist at 512-377-0558.

Characteristics for Success in BET

  • Planning
  • Drive
  • Motivation
  • Maturity
  • Desire
  • Self-assured
  • Math skills
  • Communication skills
  • Organizing Ability
  • Work ethic
  • Energy level
  • Hospitable
  • Leadership skills
  • Organized
  • Personality
  • Integrity

Job Description, B.E.T. Facility Manager

Basic Functions:

  • Manage a Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) facility in accordance with the rules and regulations, the terms of the BET Assignment document, the terms of the facility agreement, contract or permit, all applicable health laws and regulations, safety regulations, and all applicable federal, state, county, and municipalities laws and regulations.
  • Responsible for the hiring, firing, training and supervision of all employees.
  • Maintain and report accurate and timely financial information concerning every facet of the business to all required entities.
  • Maintain the highest level of personal appearance and behavior.
  • Strive to improve service, increase sales volume, and maximize profit margins.
  • Aggressively pursue the highest level of sanitation standards achievable.

Essential Functions:

  • Establish and enforce world-class customer service.
  • Maintain adequate staffing according to levels of business and budgetary capabilities.
  • Order, receive, and pay cash for goods and service as required.
  • Be informed and up-to-date on all menu, beverage, and special event information.
  • Update Point of Sale (P.O.S.) system with current menu and price changes.
  • Responsible for the recruiting, hiring, and terminating of employees.
  • Conduct daily shift meeting to inform employees of specials and menu changes.
  • Provide training and development to all employees as required.
  • Properly maintain commercial bank accounts for both business and tax funds.
  • Obtain and maintain in force the Commission required public liability insurance.
  • Maintain inventory levels that exceed 30% of average monthly sales volume.
  • Maintain all state provided facility and equipment in "like new condition."
  • Direct and maintain accurate tracking mechanisms for all cash.
  • Complete accurately all assigned daily, weekly, and monthly administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
  • Continually educate staff in appreciation of and compliance with all health and sanitation laws.
  • Understand and practice proper food safety practices and comply with all applicable federal, state, county and city codes.

Working Conditions

  • 90% of the time standing.
  • 10% of the time sitting.
  • Direct contact with building host, guests, employees, and BET business consultants.
  • Behaves professionally and can be flexible in a changing environment.
  • Must be able to carry loads greater than 35 pounds, and be able to transport up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, twist and move about without injury to self or others.
  • Must have very good communications skills, to include both verbal and non-verbal, and the ability to communicate with employees, customers and others.
  • Travel maybe required for occasional deliveries, visits to other locations, or company meetings.
  • Excellent attendance is required with schedule flexibility determined by business needs with a minimum of a 40-hour week scheduled as required by the BET Manual of Operations.

Qualifications:

Knowledge

  • Know how to operate a P.O.S. system.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of purchasing inventory control and employee scheduling.
  • Basic math skills and cash handling procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic training principles.
  • Understanding of local, state, and federal regulations regarding OSHA laws, ADA, EEOC, applicable tax guidelines, and labor law.
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding the responsible and safe handling of food and supplies.
  • Knowledge of customer service concepts and how these concepts affect business.

Skills/Aptitudes

  • Professional communication skills, oral and written.
  • Ability to supervise, motivate and discipline employees.
  • Ability to hire and train all new employees.
  • Ability to work in a high-energy and demanding environment.
  • Organizational skills.
  • Demonstrates strong leadership skills and is a team player.
  • Works well under pressure and can meet deadlines.
  • Can effectively identify and solve problems.
  • Able to take direction and criticism.
  • Ability to stand on feet for up to ten hours.
  • Ability to work at least a forty-hour week.
  • Timely and accurate record keeping and budgeting skills.

Level of Supervision

Can work independently with little supervision.

Non Essential Duties and Functions

Computer Competency (MS Word and MS Excel)

This job description is only intended to describe the general nature of the duties and responsibilities to be achieved as a BET manager.

Interview Tips and Questions for the BET Selection Panel

The candidate that shows the most enthusiasm for the job, opportunity and program is usually the one that is selected - be prepared to make your actions positive and smile a lot. Always maintain good posture, good eye contact and listen carefully to what is being said - show your excitement and interest in the position and conclude the interview telling the interviewer that you are very interested in the opportunity to work for them (even if you are not sure). Your goal is to be selected for training.

Be prepared to answer specific questions regarding your short and long-term career goals; the best things you designed or worked on; your worst career mistakes, and where you see yourself in 2/5/10 years. Also, be prepared for questions regarding your style and approach when dealing with difficult users. How you answer all questions must be carefully weighed; negatives are sometimes more memorable than positives.

Be ready to state why you want this opportunity, as things are explained to you, emphasizing your strengths in those areas. Do not answer any questions with just a yes or no, explain your answer.

Interviews can be very formal and structured; most of the questions will be formed to uncover your past behavioral patterns and will be more rapid in pace. On the other hand, they can be informal and more conversational; pieces of your background are uncovered more randomly. Let the interviewer set the tone and match your style with theirs, within your own personality.

Know the background on BET – research the program. Do not rely on people you know; take time to learn the Manual of Operations, or do a little research to find information about the program and it's history. Make sure to know the Mission Statement. Ask for an appointment to discuss the program with the BET staff. Find out who the successful facility managers are and interview with them. Practice interviewing with your counselor

Good questions to ask:

  • What are your expectations of me?
  • How can I contribute to the programs growth?
  • In which areas do you expect me to develop new expertise?
  • How do you envision my growth in responsibilities?
  • What problem areas does the program have and how will they affect me?
  • Why is this position open?
  • What types of people typically succeed in BET?
  • Make a list the night before; do not rely on your memory. The stress of the interview may cause you to forget key questions.

Get a good night's sleep. If your interview is early morning, get up early enough to go over your questions and other information before going to the interview.

Be on time. If this means finding and mapping out a route before hand, then do it. You should arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the actual time of the interview. If you arrive early, relax and take the extra time to go over your notes again. Make sure you have enough copies of your resume; references and work samples to give to everyone you meet. And in the proper accessible format, otherwise do not offer the information.

Following is a list of practice questions to help the BET candidate prepare for the selection interview. These sample questions are not the actual questions asked. The questions listed here are meant to stimulate thought and prepare the candidate for the depth of the questions that may be asked.

What are employers looking for in people when they come for a job interview?

Usually, 3 main things are looked for in an interview:

  • Can do: Does the person have the experience, and qualifications to be able to do the job? Education, work history, skill inventory can all provide insight into this.
  • Will do: Have they done this before? In a similar situation or environment? Have they researched the position, the program, and the business? Assesses potential---"have they performed in past - will they perform for us in future"
  • Fit: Will this person be a part of our team? How will they 'fit' into the program? Will they contribute the overall success of BET? Do they have business savvy? How are their interpersonal skills? This looks to interpersonal skills, how the person accomplishes tasks, management style.

Practice Interview

  • Tell us about your qualifications for the position of facility manager.
    Emphasize the qualifications that meet the requirements for the position that you're applying for. As you know, the person that is most qualified is someone who has already performed the duties required of the job. Include your technical and supervisory experience.

  • What unique skills or knowledge can you contribute to BET?
    Add any experience/expertise regarding customer service, supervision and sales building.

  • What difficulties and challenges do you foresee in making the move from consumer of DBS services to independent business operator? How will you overcome these difficulties and challenges?

  • What's the biggest mistake that you've made on the job? What did you learn from that mistake?

  • What kind of employees do you prefer having to report to you?

  • What kind of an employee team will you seek to build?

  • At the manger level, what actions can you take or programs can implement to motivate employees?

  • In your management of employee teams, what steps can you take to insure that teams work effectively and efficiently?

  • One of your employees does not get along with his coworkers. The employee seems to be always in a bad mood and doesn't socialize. How will you handle this employee?

  • How do you deal with an unhappy or frustrated employee?

  • How do you handle conflict?

  • What are some of the things you find difficult to do?

  • What are your short and long term goals?

  • What does "customer service" mean to you?

  • How does your experience and education qualify you for this job?

  • Briefly describe the most significant responsibility you have had in your career and what it taught you?

  • What training opportunities have you taken advantage of and why?

  • What were your three greatest accomplishments on your last job?

  • How confident are you that you can successfully perform the duties of this position and why?

  • Describe a situation where you came up with a creative solution to a problem.

  • Provide us with an example of your ability to work independently.