Job Developer

Job Developer

Requisition #: req13222

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 Hours/Week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Job Developer, you will be primarily responsible for developing new and on- going relationships with local employers to find job opportunities for refugee clients that matches their English-speaking level and work history. This individual will also be responsible for maintaining continuous communication with employers and have an awareness of retention needs. The Job Developer is responsible for effectively promotion program services within the local business community.

This position is expected to function effectively with regular supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contact new employers and present program services, while also following up with them after the initial contact to ensure effective and timely communication;
• Maintain regular contact with employers that plan to utilize program services;
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with employers who currently employ clients, while contacting them on a regular basis as it relates to on-going hiring needs;
• Communicate regularly with employers once a client is hired and promptly inform the Employment Specialists of any retention issues to collaboratively address the issue completely;
• Partner with the direct manager for setting clear goals for the target number of new employers to contact in a week, month, and year and meet the set goals;
• Attend weekly job development meetings, and bring an updated list of new employer contacts and current job leads each week;
• Communicate job leads to the employment team with a clear description of the job, job requirements, and the application and interview process in a timely manner;
• Work with the Employment Specialist to determine the best candidate for a job, keep the long-term preservation of the relationship with the employer in mind, and seek to create a lasting placement;
• Facilitate the interview and hiring process with partner employers, while communicating timely with the appropriate Employment Specialist throughout the entire process;
• Arrange for any necessary interpretation, or training as requested by the employer;
• Maintain clear and concise records of contacts with employers;
• Attend assigned business association meetings regularly to build contacts and relationships with new employers;
• Monitor news and local job openings on a regular basis and follow-up on any appropriate opportunities;
• Assist in the planning of the annual employer appreciation luncheon and other events related to acts of appreciation for employers throughout the year;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with three (3) years of business experience; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Work, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior work experience in a child welfare agency in a social work capacity;
• Bi-lingual language speaking, preferred;
• Demonstrated active listening and interpersonal skills;
• Must possess the ability to engage, and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals;
• Must possess excellent observation, and organizational skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.