Who We Are
The Job Developers Network (JDN) is dedicated to empowering Workforce Professionals to build communities to assist job seekers in connecting to, obtaining and retaining employment
"No one lives long enough to learn everything they need to learn by starting from scratch. To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already learned the things that we need to learn ... and learn from them."
The Power of the JDN Network
Community The JDN is a network community that believes in the power of networking to enrich our lives and the world around us. We believe that in order to be a strong networking community, we must be constantly changing, increasingly active and diverse.
Relationships The JDN is about building relationships. We are a service that keeps our networking community connected. We believe that the health of our community can be measured by the relationships formed between the nonprofits we serve. Our aim is to build services that overcome barriers that keep job seekers and employment opportunities from finding each other. Working together and developing strong relationships - we overcome those barriers.
Partnerships The JDN is about cooperation and sharing. We are a network that is only as strong as the partnerships that support it. None of us can build a community alone. We take partnerships very seriously and seek to work with each other, nonprofit organizations, businesses and governmental leaders committed to building stronger partnerships removing barriers to employment.
The JDN Approach ...
The JDN serves as a foundation upon which Workforce Professionals can share complementary services and create possibilities for Businesses and Job Seekers to forge positive employment outcomes.
The JDN’s approach to supporting Workforce Professionals serving Businesses and Job Seekers is unique, innovative and effective.
We are guided by the following core principals.
1. All JDN Services are based on extensive feedback and input from local Businesses and participating organizations.
2. On all projects, JDN encourages our Workforce Professionals to come together as equals to discover their common ground to form a foundation from which to network.
3. JDN acknowledges our Workforce Professionals deep values of community and relationship building, while recognizing the need to draw upon our uniqueness.
4. Fundamental to all of our work is the belief and practice of helping to facilitate local solutions to local wokforce problems.
5. A strong Workforce Professional Network leads to stronger service to community, job seekers and business. The JDN strives to strengthen all relationships building connections upon our solid platform of service.
The JDN seeks out local best practices and partners to implement its programs. All of our Workforce Professionals share our desire to assist Businesses in developing job opportunities, and job seekers, in connecting to, obtaining and retaining employment. Our Workforce Professionals Include: Click HERE to view list.
Our Logo ...
The chambered home of the nautilus has often been used as a metaphor.
Inspiring a feeling of unity, the ever growing shell of the Nautilus continually connects each spiral chamber. Not unlike the JDN, building a network of support for growth and sharing.
The JDN draws its strength from the spirit of its many individual partners - working together - continually building for the future!
Our History...
In 1998 two visionaries came together to join their resources, to collaborate and in turn, reach out to other front line workforce professionals/job developers/employment specialists from non-profit organizations in the greater Portland, OR and SW Washington areas. The Job Developers Network (JDN) was formed with six participants meeting once a month to discuss similar issues shared by clients with disabilities, or other barriers, to help them achieve their employment goals.
During its formative years, the JDN quickly grew to be the leading network for sharing job leads, information and resources to assist its partners in better serving the needs of job seekers. In addition to monthly networking meetings, the JDN began to use the power of the internet to expand its service, adding an email network.
Businesses acknowledged that there was something fundamentally different about the partnerships developed through the JDN and quickly embraced the services of the JDN to assist them in providing quality talent to fill their employment needs and to assist them in reaching their affirmative action/equal employment goals.
Today the JDN ~ which has grown to include over 175 Workforce professionals representing more than 100 non-profit organizations across five counties in Oregon and SW Washington ~ continues monthly networking meetings; email group; and is the premiere network of non-profit Workforce Professionals partnering to support each other ... businesses in their hiring efforts and the job seekers with disabilities or other barriers to employment, whom they serve.
JDN Advisory Council...
The Job Developers Network (JDN) is continually interested in expanding our Advisory Council. This is an excellent opportunity for you to provide service and leadership in your community. Advisory Council members serve a one year term and have the option of renewing.
Council meetings are held once a month. Sub-committees are organized to accomplish specific tasks as needed. To view a list of our current Advisory Council members - Click HERE.
If you have additional questions, would like more information, or are interested in becoming an Advisory Board member, please contact our Program Manager, Laura Bock Click HERE.
Tax Deductible Contributions...
The Job Developers Network (JDN) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on effectively transitioning the clients we serve into and upwards in the world of work. Our network of Workforce Professionals leverage the training, certifications, and connections made through the JDN to increase our service to both job seekers and businesses in the communities we serve. The JDN is a program of East County One Stop (ECOS). If you would like to pledge your support with your Tax Deductible Contribution, please contact us today Click HERE.
JDN Anti-Discrimination Policy...
ECOS/JDN does not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or customer on the basis of race, color, cultural heritage, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status or any other status protected under local state, or federal law. This policy extends to all personnel decisions, terms and conditions or employment, vendor contracts and provision of services. ECOS/JDN does not tolerate harassment for any reason. Respect for the dignity of others shall be the guiding principle for our relations with each other.