Job Development Specialist_VR Open until 5/13/2026

Job Development Specialist is responsible for assisting Native Americans with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. The incumbent provides culturally sensitive, comprehensive rehabilitation services, determines eligibility, develops Individual Plans for Employment, and is involved in job development and placement activities.

Duties

Provide vocational/motivational counseling and services to eligible Tribal Members and youth with disabilities.

Obtain, analyze, and evaluate pertinent medical, psychological, educational, vocational and other data needed to determine eligibility.

Develop Individual Plans for Employment (IPE); provide case management services consistent with federal legislation in the Rehabilitation Act under the supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation Manager.

Explain vocational rehabilitation program, including tax incentives to employers who hire individuals with disabilities, to participants, community partners, tribal programs, potential employers, and training sites.

Interpret medical documents, educational documents needed to identify appropriate services and develop to meet individual employment goals.

Evaluate participant’s progress and amend IPE when necessary.

Provide training placement opportunities and trial work assessments needed to determine work readiness and ability to perform desired employment goals.

Provide job coaching, job carving and assistive technology when needed.

Prepare reports requested by the VR Manager; maintain accurate data entry and records for reporting and audit purposes.

Work in conjunction with the VR Manager in managing caseloads.

Advocate for participants with regard to employment, educational, social services agencies, community partner services including medical professionals and mental health professionals. Educate the community about disability awareness.

Advocate for and ensure appropriate ongoing benefits and services – post employment participants transitioning into successful employment.

Develop and provide client trainings and orientation.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well‑being of individuals with disabilities and one year of work experience providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) related service to individuals with disabilities or similar, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Knowledge & Skills

VR process including an understanding of policies and procedures.

Knowledge or awareness of disabilities including physical, mental and developmental.

Assessing a participant’s capabilities and limitations and facilitating activities of employment and/or job placement through the use of assistive technology or other formats for participant’s success in the workplace.

Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar.

Experience

Motivational counseling skills needed to collaborate and develop plans with participants that reflect their skills, abilities and interests.

Experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Case management experience.

Experience working with the public and maintaining good working relations with coworkers and program participants.

Abilities

Prioritize workload.

Collaborate and coordinate a wide range of services within the tribe and throughout the service area.

Communicate effectively using both verbal and written skills.

Other

Maintain strict confidentiality of records and information pertinent to the nature of the work. Establish and maintain professional boundaries.

Strong people skills.

Ability to travel within the 11‑county service area and some out‑of‑state travel.

Possession of a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and eligibility to drive a GSA vehicle.

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