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

About the role

The Job Development Specialist provides employment and training services to 477-Self Sufficiency Program clients. They assist Self Sufficiency Counselors in creating an environment conducive to self-sufficiency, strengthen family units, and enhance employability. The incumbent will perform initial orientation, intake, and eligibility determination for program services.

Responsibilities

• 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, Classroom Training, and Core Services.
• Provide supportive services to participants as needed, according to program guidelines.
• Maintain the Eaglesun Database for effective case management and accurate client records.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with various stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver workshops, job fairs, and orientations.
• Assist in planning and implementing an annual client conference.
• Identify and utilize resources for families with school-age children at risk.
• Provide services to teen parents and address youth prevention through case management.
• Process appropriate paperwork for timely payment of program clients.
• Evaluate training and job demands, skill requirements, and environmental factors.
• Market the program and negotiate contracts with prospective employers and training facilities.
• Provide input on program planning and budgeting.
• Staff may assist in planning committees or short-term workgroups.
• Aid participants in completing applications for needed services such as SSI/SSD, SNAP, ERDC, Child Support, etc.
• Attend appropriate training as approved by the Manager.
• Plan and implement WEX, OJT, and CRT placements for clients.
• Conduct Unemployment Assessments (UA) 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.

Requirements

• 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).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of problems of persons living in disadvantaged communities with emphasis on working with the cultural, economic, and social aspects of Native American service populations.
• Tribal Services/community service/social services, child agencies, and their respective roles.
• Word-processing, spreadsheet, and database 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 focusing 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.
• Perform work and accomplish tasks in accordance with established policies, procedures, practices, and priorities of the department.
• 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.
• Must be at a team player who 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.