Community Development Specialist

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) is seeking a full-time Community Development Specialist. Through networking, outreach, education, and consultation, the community development specialist will implement Community Development's (CD's) community outreach and development initiatives that forward equitable access for individuals with developmental disabilities to community-based services and programming. The nature of work will include, but is not limited to the following:

Research, identify, and execute partnerships with a wide variety of community partners to expand and enhance opportunities for persons with DD to actively participate in their communities.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to enhance the quality of community-based opportunities and availability of resources that allow for modifications.
• Develop methods to organize and maintain up-to-date information on places, agencies, activities and opportunities available in the community and that which serve the DD population, whether exclusively or inclusively.
• At the direction of the division manager, maintain broad and strategic community partnerships and collaborations that promote inclusiveness and participation in the community for persons with developmental disabilities (DD).
• Serve as an agency and brand ambassador of the mission of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) to the community at large thru the education and dissemination of programmatic resources and technical supports offered by Cuyahoga DD, in the interaction with current and potential partners in the Cuyahoga County community.
• In conjunction with the workforce development team, advocate for partnerships with public and private entities to advance the hiring of individuals with DD and connect businesses with said workforce development team.
• Facilitate greater connectivity among area social service organizations to improve competencies, capacities, and collaborative practices that increase community opportunities and measurable outcomes for individuals with DD.
• As warranted to community inclusion outcomes of individuals with DD, maintain active presence on community-based consortiums/collaboratives that serve to enhance opportunities for community inclusion.
• Make presentations to local organizations on Shared Virtual Community, All Means All and any other topic as related to Cuyahoga DD initiatives related to the expansion of opportunities for individuals with DD.
• Gather and coordinate data collection with CD strategic analysis manager for DDSupport Stat and ongoing departmental goals.
• Work in partnership with the communications department to disseminate up-to-date resources on website/social media/publications/etc. related to community-based opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Effectively collaborate and network with Cuyahoga DD support staff, including but not limited to, assistive technology, behavioral health, support administration and the MUI departments.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Extensive county-wide driving required at times. May need to provide training to agencies on evenings/weekends.

* SALARY: The salary range for all positions in Pay Schedule C is $47,000 to $75,000. However, that is not the salary range for new hires in this position. It is important to understand that the actual starting salary will be determined based on many factors including the breadth and depth of the knowledge, skills, education and experiences brought by the candidate. Also, it is Cuyahoga DD's intent to pay each employee a salary that is reasonable and competitive based on the market rate for the position, while also considering not only internal equity but also the budgetary constraints.

BENEFITS: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD is a mission-driven organization. Attracting, retaining, and developing great talent is fundamental to achieving the Board's mission. We are committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including the way we compensate our employees. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes not only pay, but non-cash compensation such as extensive paid time off, flexible work schedules, some remote work opportunities, outstanding healthcare benefits as well as free dental, vision, and life insurance. We also have a fantastic pension plan through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. If that wasn't enough, you will have the opportunity to work in an outstanding work environment as part of a multidisciplinary group of professionals.

If you would like a much more comprehensive look at the benefits package, click HERE to download a pdf with more detailed information.

The Cuyahoga DD recruits and retains outstanding individuals who are committed to our mission of supporting and empowering people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community. We seek to attract diverse staff who desire to inspire, to promote abilities and talents, to foster inclusion in all aspects of community life, and to hold themselves and others to high expectations. We hope you choose to join our team!

Remote Work: Our positions are not 100% remote. There is an onsite expectation for all of our positions. Although we do permit some remote work at home, we do expect staff to be able to commute to our facilities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio on a regular basis. All positions come with the expectation that the employee will work onsite at an assigned facility in Cuyahoga County some days each week as directed.

• Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, public administration, nonprofit services, social services or related field.
• Two years' experience working with people with DD, including supporting people with DD in community-based settings.
• Two years' experience in social service sales and/or community outreach preferred.
• ADA Coordinator Certification, preferred.
• Valid state of Ohio driver's license and continued maintenance of excellent driving record.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Application Procedure:

• All applicants must apply ONLINE.
• External applicants are required to upload a resume that shows a detailed work history. This is important because this agency no longer requires that applicants complete an employment application. Therefore, the only way we will be able to review your employment history and ascertain your background and experience is through your resume. You are also welcome to upload a cover letter that outlines your interest in this position.
• Current Cuyahoga DD employees are requird to upload at least a detailed letter of interest that outlines your interest in this position and highlights your qualifications for this position.
• All candidates are asked to create an online profile and you may be asked to answer a series of questions.
• Immediately after applying, you will receive a confirmation of receipt by email. If you do not receive that email, check your spam folder. For any further questions about the application process, see the FAQ link below.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD is committed to treating every individual, family, employee, and applicant with dignity, respect and compassion regardless of a person's sex, ancestry, national original, race, color, age, religion, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, genetic information, or social, economic or political affiliation.

Compassion, trust, and mutual respect are at the core of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Cuyahoga County Board of DD fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of our work. We know that by bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together we can collectively and more effectively create opportunities for a better life for the individuals we support. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means for people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in the community.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY NOTICE: By applying for positions with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities you are accepting that you have reviewed and understand our Applicant Privacy and Security Notice provided by clicking HERE.

- Individuals who may need assistance with the application process should contact Human Resources.

- Questions about the application process? Review answers to our FAQs here: FAQS and How to Contact H.R.

- All Job tentative offers are made with the understanding that prospective new employees pass a drug test and background check prior to being hired.

Cuyahoga DD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you are a person with a disability or are unable to use or access this site as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by calling 216-241-8230.