Opportunity Builders, Inc. (OBI) is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to support an exciting new project called TerpsEXCEED, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, College Park. TerpsEXCEED is an inclusive post-secondary education program that provides students with intellectual disabilities and autism the opportunity to participate in a college experience for two years, culminating in a certificate. OBI’s Youth Development Specialist will be responsible for arranging internships that align with each student’s coursework and career goals, and for supporting the students to ensure their success throughout the internship experiences. This position may also be assigned to develop similar work-based learning experiences (WBLEs) for youth with disabilities living in Prince George’s (PG) County and referred to OBI through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). This position will be based in PG County, and will have access to office space in the University of Maryland Career Center, as well as the ability to work remotely.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Establish rapport and an in-depth understanding of each individual’s unique interests, abilities, and potential barriers to success through record reviews, interviews, observation, and ongoing interactions.
• Work collaboratively with the TerpsEXCEED Career Counselor to obtain feedback regarding student assessments and career evaluations that have been completed, and to brainstorm ideas around appropriate internship placements.
• Network and build working relationships with department heads at University of Maryland, College Park, to educate them about TerpsEXCEED and OBI’s role in supporting the students through internships/work experiences.
• Assist each TerpsEXCEED student in obtaining internship(s) in the area of their career interest; internships are expected to be on-campus and/or within the broader community, as appropriate.
• Provide on and off-site training and support to students throughout the duration of their internships, facilitating their success to the best of your ability.
• When assigned referrals through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Pre-Employment Transition Services program, develop Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs)/internships throughout Prince George’s County for school-aged youth with disabilities.
• Develop WBLEs based on each young person’s expressed preferences, skills, strengths, and career interests; recruit local businesses to offer WBLE opportunities to participating youth.

• Network and build working relationships with local businesses to educate them about OBI and the value that workers with disabilities bring to a workplace.
• Assist businesses in meeting their goals related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by helping them understand that hiring employees with disabilities increases the diversity within their workplace.
• Assist individuals (students and others assigned to caseload) in identifying and accessing the most cost-effective and independent mode of transportation to get to and from work-based learning experiences and/or paid employment opportunities.

• Complete all required documentation, of satisfactory quality, within the stated timeframes (i.e. internship agreements, evaluations, monthly reports, etc.)
• On occasion, transport youth to internship and/or interview opportunities, using your personal vehicle.
• Keep all relevant team members informed of student/youth progress, communicating any unexpected challenges and seeking guidance as needed.

Non-Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Participate in OBI’s Workforce Development department team meetings (via zoom)
• Participate in OBI’s monthly full staff meetings (via zoom)
• Adhere daily to OBI’s core values:
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Integrity
  • Creativity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Compassion & Respect

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth with disabilities, preference for experience in pre-employment or transition services.
• Experience providing assessment, training, job development/placement and workplace supports to adults with disabilities may be substituted for direct experience with youth.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Valid Driver’s license, no more than 1 point on driving record and 3 years driving experience.
• Access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work with high levels of autonomy while adhering to specified guidelines.
• Ability to effectively communicate with youth with disabilities and their family members, businesses, DORS counselors, program partners, supervisor(s) and other OBI staff and individuals supported.

Opportunity Builders, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.