Service definition adapted from the OOD Provider Manual
Job Development is utilized to prepare and assist Participants to contact businesses, apply and interview with employers, and to secure employment. Job Development should include instruction and guidance about how to locate potential job opportunities (e.g. networking, use of OMJ and other electronic job boards, newspapers, online, and “cold” calling); development of a resume and mock application template, and cover letters; how to answer interview questions including issues such as gaps in employment histories; requesting reasonable accommodations; addressing criminal histories; and managing online profiles/social media. This instruction and guidance should maximize the independence of the Participant to conduct his/her own job search. Based upon the needs of the job seeker, Job Development may also include the job developer updating the job seeker’s resume and mock application, sending out cover letters and resumes to potential employers, providing job leads to the job seeker to follow up on, review of the job seeker’s interview skills, follow up contacts with employers when applications have been submitted or when a job seeker has an interview, discussion of hiring incentives and tax credits with the business, and providing support in requesting and implementing reasonable accommodations. The outcome of the service is for the Participant to receive necessary supports to successfully obtain and maintain permanent employment.