Job Development Specialist_SSP-Portland Area Office-Closes 09/09/2026

Job Development Specialist

The Job Development Specialist provides 477-Self Sufficiency Program clients with employment and training services. Incumbent seeks to assist Self Sufficiency Counselors in creating an atmosphere that is conducive with the principle of self-sufficiency, strengthening of the family unit, and increasing job-training skills, education levels, and enhance employability. The Job Development Specialist will perform the initial orientation, intake and eligibility determination for program services assigned to the position. This position will also be responsible for hosting employment related workshops for participants, host job fairs and build a job site base for work experience programs.

Incumbent will act as a youth advocate for those youth on cash assistance and employment related programs within 477-SSP. Incumbent will provide budgeting workshops to youth, assist in prevention activities, activities supported under Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Purpose 3 and 4, and lead other activities to prevent generational poverty.

This position will primarily carry a caseload for Work Experience (WEX), On-the-Job Training (OJT), Direct Placement (DP), Youth Services, Emergency Assistance, Classroom Training, TANF-WEX and Core Services.

Duties include:

• Determine eligibility for multiple tribal programs, such as: General Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Non-Needy Caretaker Relative, Home Visiting, Work Experience, On-the-Job Training, Classroom Training, Summer Youth Employment, Direct Placement, Emergency Assistance, Core Services and any future programs as designated in the 477-SSP Policy Manual. Provide appropriate supportive services to participants, as needed, according to program guidelines.
• Maintain Eaglesun Database for effective case management and to maintain accurate client records, issue notices, case note, issue payments, and scan documents/files.
• Establish, coordinate, and maintain a collaborative working relationship with participating individuals and families, Tribal staff, general public, community resources, educational facilities, employers and other agencies. Advocate for clients and provide referrals as needed.
• Case Plan development:
• Develop a self-sufficiency plan, which details intervention services and the steps the family/individual with take toward their goals, which may include participation in interagency case management.
• Assess and document career and life goals using the participant's skills, strengths, and work history necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Identify and discuss socio-economic issues with families such as dysfunctional parenting, medical conditions (including disabilities), mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse, childcare, housing, transportation, etc.
• Reassess client needs and modify case plan as needed. Address non-compliance issues as they arise and provide incentives to promote on-going compliance. Initiate frequent interaction with clients by telephone and office visits.
• Develop and deliver workshops, job fairs and orientations that provide guidance on issues related to participant's employment and self-sufficiency, community resources, job search, job placement, and culture. Assist in planning and implementing an annual client conference. May participate in the development of community and youth prevention events.
• Identify and utilize resources that assist families with school age children that are "at risk" for learning or behavioral problems.
• Provide services to teen parents through programs that address life skills, parenting skills, high school completion or equivalency.
• Develop and implement youth prevention through case management supported under the Federal TANF Purpose (3 and 4), and other activities that support the prevention of generational poverty.
• Process appropriate paperwork to ensure timely payment for program clients.
• Complete all required documentation and reports required by program in a timely manner.
• Evaluate effective training and job demands, skill requirement and environmental factors in terms of suitability for program participants.
• Market the program and negotiate contracts and agreements with prospective employers and training facilities.
• Provide input on program planning and budgeting as requested by the Manager. Staff may be assigned to assist in planning committees or short-term workgroups to provide meaningful input.
• Assist participants in application completion for needed services such as SSI/SSD, SNAP, ERDC, Child Support, etc.
• Attend appropriate training, as approved by and assigned by Manager.
• Develop and plan WEX, OJT, and CRT placements for clients in assigned service area. Conduct UA's for client eligibility.
• Verify client resources and investigate instances of fraud when needed. Make recommendations to the Manager.
• Explain and enforce policies, procedures, rules rights and responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Science or related field, and three years of related experience in case management (preferably with youth), employment/vocational counseling, or general counseling, and one year of job related experience interviewing applicants to obtain personal and technical information (work related experience must include determination of program eligibility and case plan development), -OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of: Problems of persons living in disadvantaged communities with emphasis in working with the cultural, economic, and social aspects of Native American services populations. Tribal Services/community service/social services, child agencies, and their respective roles. Word-processing, spreadsheet, and data base program experience. Correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar. Skills in working with the target population. Dysfunctional behavior and drug/alcohol dependency as applied to clients. Case management practices utilizing a strength based approach.
• Ability to: Provide direct individual and family casework that focuses on family unity, including conducting in-depth interviews with individuals and families, formulating case plans, providing on-going social work support and counseling, and coordinating services delivery with other agencies. Meet with the public and staff in a courteous professional manner using tact, diplomacy, and mature judgment. Problem solve and arrive at sound solutions guided by established policies and procedures. Work with Native American families and individuals of varying social, educational, and economic backgrounds. Accurately keep and maintain complete records and complex filing systems in accordance with policies and procedures. Communicate orally and in writing for the purpose of instructions, verifying eligibility / applications, obtaining information, conveying messages and presenting information to small groups. Maintain strict confidentiality of records and information pertinent to the nature of the work. Establish and maintain professional boundaries. Understand eligibility criteria and make accurate determinations. Read and comprehend program requirements, Tribal, State and Federal regulations in regards to program eligibility.
• Other: Must be at team player that is dependable and responsible. Must be willing to submit to and clear a criminal records/background check. Valid Oregon Driver's License and insurance. Must be eligible to operate a G.S.A. vehicle.