Community Outreach Specialist

THE ARC JACKSONVILLE INC•Jacksonville, FL

2d•$40,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Arc Jacksonville is seeking a Community Outreach Specialist to support students in its Career Campus and On-Campus Transition (OCT) educational programs. The role focuses on building relationships with local employers and developing consistent internship opportunities that give students meaningful, hands-on work experience. The specialist works with employers and program coordinators to identify internship sites, establish business partnerships, and connect students with opportunities aligned with their interests, skills, and career goals. The position helps prepare students for future employment and encourages inclusive workplace opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, relationship builder, and strong communicator who is passionate about helping individuals with intellectual and developmental differences succeed in the workplace. The role also involves supporting students as they prepare for and transition into internships, helping employers support inclusive experiences, representing the organization in community outreach, and maintaining program records. A bachelor's degree and relevant experience are preferred. The position requires flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, a valid Florida driver's license, a good driving record, and willingness and ability to drive agency vehicles. Employees must complete the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse screening.

Requirements

Strong relationship-building, networking, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with employers and community partners.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take initiative in developing new opportunities.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, program coordinators, employers, and community partners.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed to support student internships, employer partnerships, and program activities.
Valid Florida driver's license and good driving record; willingness and ability to drive agency vehicles.
Completion of the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse screening is required for all employees.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution.
Experience in business development, community outreach, workforce development, education, or employment services.
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.
Experience as a job coach supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in workplace settings.
Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), including familiarity with employment services, referrals, and the vocational rehabilitation process.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses and organizations to create internships and employment opportunities for students in Career Campus and the OCT Program.
Build and maintain a network of consistent internship sites where students can gain hands-on work experience and explore different career paths.
Identify new business partners and industries that align with students' interests, skills, and career goals.
Coordinate with program coordinators and instructors on internship placements and ensure opportunities meet students' needs.
Communicate regularly with employers to maintain partnerships, address concerns, and encourage continued participation in student internship programs.
Conduct site visits to internship and employment locations to monitor student experiences, support employers, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration.
Assist students with internship preparation, including interview preparation, workplace expectations, communication skills, and other employment-related skills.
Collaborate with program staff to support students transitioning into internship placements and gaining experience in real-world work environments.
Help employers understand how to support individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in the workplace and identify strategies for successful internship experiences.
Participate in student transition and planning meetings as needed to discuss internship opportunities, career interests, and future employment goals.
Represent The Arc Jacksonville at community events, employer meetings, transition fairs, and other outreach activities to promote educational programs and develop partnerships.
Maintain accurate records of employer contacts, business partnerships, internship sites, student placements, and program outcomes.
Collaborate with program staff, students, families, and Vocational Rehabilitation, as appropriate, to support students' employment goals and access to resources.
Pursue and maintain required Vocational Rehabilitation certification as an Employment Specialist to provide authorized VR employment services, as applicable to program needs and agency requirements.
Complete other duties as assigned to support the success of the educational programs.