Job Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Pay: $26/hr

Schedule:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Must be willing to work at least 1 weekend day consistently (Saturday or Sunday)
• Schedule flexibility required based on employer availability, participant needs, job development activities, and program requirements

Are you passionate about connecting people with meaningful employment and building relationships with businesses in your community?

Full Life is seeking a Job Development Specialist to cultivate employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This is primarily a business development and employer-relations role , focused on identifying employers, developing partnerships, understanding workforce needs, and creating job opportunities that align with the skills and goals of the individuals we support.

The Job Development Specialist will serve as a bridge between Full Life, the individuals we support, and the local business community. The ideal candidate is comfortable walking into a business, introducing themselves to a manager or hiring leader, learning about the employer's staffing needs, and developing relationships that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities.

This position is ideal for someone who is outgoing, persistent, resourceful, and relationship-oriented, with a genuine interest in helping businesses create inclusive employment opportunities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, corporate employers, community organizations, and other employment partners.
• Proactively identify businesses and industries with potential employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.
• Conduct regular employer outreach through phone calls, emails, networking, community visits, meetings, and other relationship-building activities.
• Meet with business owners, managers, HR representatives, and hiring teams to understand staffing needs, hiring practices, workplace expectations, and available positions.
• Cultivate new employment opportunities by identifying ways participants' skills and abilities can meet employer needs.
• Promote Full Life's employment services and educate employers about the benefits of inclusive hiring.
• Develop long-term employer relationships that lead to ongoing employment opportunities and partnerships.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective employers, job opportunities, interviews, and placements.
• Represent Full Life professionally within the business community and at community networking events, career fairs, and employer events.

• Develop individualized job placement strategies based on participant interests, strengths, skills, abilities, and employment goals.
• Match participants with appropriate employment opportunities based on their preferences and the needs of prospective employers.
• Identify positions that provide meaningful work, opportunities for skill development, and potential for long-term employment.
• Assist participants with job searches, applications, resumes, interview preparation, and other employment-related activities as appropriate.
• Coordinate interviews and facilitate communication between participants and employers.
• Advocate for participants while maintaining a strong understanding of employer needs and workplace expectations.
• Collaborate with Job Coaches and other Full Life staff to support successful transitions into employment.
• Coordinate with employers and Job Coaches during onboarding and the initial employment period as needed.
• Follow up with employers and participants after placement to support successful employment and strengthen the employer relationship.
• Identify additional opportunities for advancement, increased hours, or expanded responsibilities when appropriate.

• Develop knowledge of local labor-market trends, high-demand occupations, and industries with strong employment potential.
• Build relationships with employers across a variety of industries, including grocery and supermarket retail, food service, hospitality, custodial services, retail, manufacturing, and other community-based businesses.
• Experience developing relationships with supermarkets, grocery stores, or other large retail employers is a plus.
• Identify employers with recurring hiring needs or multiple locations that may provide ongoing employment opportunities.
• Develop community partnerships that expand employment opportunities and resources available to participants.
• Participate in networking events, employer meetings, job fairs, and other community activities that support employment development.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of employer contacts, job development activities, job leads, interviews, placements, and employment outcomes.
• Track employer relationships and maintain an organized pipeline of employment opportunities.
• Document participant progress toward employment goals and communicate relevant updates to the team.
• Participate in ISP meetings, team meetings, trainings, and other program-related activities.
• Collect and review employment data to evaluate outcomes and identify opportunities to improve job development strategies.
• Maintain professional relationships with participants, families, employers, community partners, and state agencies.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional education in business, human services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, social services, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 1 year of experience in job development, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, recruiting, business development, sales, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with IDD or other disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing relationships with employers, businesses, or community organizations is highly valued.
• Experience working with supermarkets, grocery stores, retail employers, or other high-volume employers is a plus.
• Experience in supported employment or vocational services is a plus.

Certifications:

• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.

Skills & Traits:

• Outgoing and comfortable initiating conversations with unfamiliar people.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Comfortable communicating with business owners, managers, HR representatives, and hiring teams.
• Persistent and resourceful when developing new employer relationships and identifying job opportunities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand employer needs and identify mutually beneficial employment opportunities.
• Strong advocacy skills and a commitment to inclusive employment.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage multiple employer relationships, participants, job leads, and placement activities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Comfortable working independently in the community while collaborating with a broader team.
• Compassionate, professional, dependable, and committed to supporting individuals with IDD.
• Positive attitude toward diversity, inclusion, and community-based employment.

Technical Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency, including email, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, electronic documentation, online job boards, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to research employers and industries using online resources.
• Ability to maintain accurate employer and participant records and track employment outcomes.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area for employer outreach, meetings, interviews, job fairs, and other community-based activities.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on employer and participant needs.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.

Competitive Pay:

• $26/hr

Meaningful Work:

• Create real employment opportunities for individuals with IDD and help people build greater independence through meaningful work.

Community Impact:

• Build partnerships with local businesses and employers to expand inclusive employment opportunities throughout the community.

Professional Growth:

• Gain experience in job development, employer relations, workforce development, vocational services, disability services, and community-based employment.

Build Something Meaningful:

• Develop lasting relationships with employers and create employment pathways that can benefit both businesses and the individuals we support.

Culture:

• Join a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting individuals with IDD and creating inclusive employment opportunities in the community.

Full Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.