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James Rooker has a diverse work experience in the field of disability services. James has been with Achieve Services, Inc. since 2004, initially as a Program Manager/Supervisor and then as a Program Director starting in 2022. In these roles, they have managed agency transportation, supervised staff, developed strategic plans, and ensured compliance with licensing requirements.

In addition to their work at Achieve Services, Inc., James has been involved in various boards and coalitions. James was a founding member and board member of MN Works, a clearing house that assists employment programs for adults with disabilities. James also served as a board member for Minnesota Habilitation Coalition (MHC), where they advocated for legislative changes and facilitated education and training related to regulatory requirements in the disability services industry.

Before joining Achieve Services, Inc., James worked as a Program Supervisor at Anoka County Achieve, where they supervised staff and participants in a day training and habilitation program. James also has experience as a Foster Care Provider in Hennepin County and as a Project Coordinator at Nekton, Inc., where they supervised and hired in-home support staff.

Earlier in their career, James worked as a Program Director and Services Coordinator at Dungarvin, where they downsized a large Intermediate Care Facility and developed small supervised living service homes and foster homes for consumers transitioning out of the facility. James also worked as a Direct Care provider at the Falls Transition Program, assisting adults with mental health concerns in transitioning to independent living.

Overall, James Rooker has extensive experience in program management, supervision, strategic planning, advocacy, and coordination in the disability services field.

James Rooker obtained an Associate's degree in Journalism from Northland Community and Technical College from 1979 to 1981. Following this, they pursued their Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities at Bemidji State University from 1981 to 1983.