Community Outreach & Internship Partnerships Lead

The Arc Jacksonville Inc; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Jacksonville Inc. seeks a Community Outreach Specialist to build internship opportunities for students in Career Campus and the OCT Program and to cultivate lasting partnerships with local employers.

You will coordinate placements, support students’ preparation, and promote inclusive workplace experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, strong communication skills, and a track record in outreach, employment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution preferred.
• Experience in business development, community outreach, workforce development, education, or employment services preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences is preferred.
• Experience as a job coach, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in workplace settings, preferred.
• Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), including familiarity with employment services, referrals, and the vocational rehabilitation process, preferred.
• 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.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed to support student internships, employer partnerships, and program activities.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license and a good driving record and be willing and able to drive agency vehicles.

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.
• Work closely with program coordinators and instructors to coordinate internship placements and ensure opportunities meet students' needs.
• Regularly communicate with employers to maintain partnerships, address concerns, and encourage continued participation in student internship programs.
• Conduct regular site visits to internship and employment locations to monitor student experiences, support employers, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration.
• Assist students with preparing for internships, including interview preparation, workplace expectations, communication skills, and other employment-related skills.
• Collaborate with program staff to support students as they transition into internship placements and gain experience in real-world work environments.
• Help employers understand how to support individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in the workplace and identify strategies that promote 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 the educational programs and develop new 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 available 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.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Initiative

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

VR familiarity

Job description

The Arc Jacksonville Inc. seeks a Community Outreach Specialist to build internship opportunities for students in Career Campus and the OCT Program and to cultivate lasting partnerships with local employers.

You will coordinate placements, support students’ preparation, and promote inclusive workplace experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, strong communication skills, and a track record in outreach, employment