Didlake, Inc.·Norfolk, Virginia
The Employment Specialist provides individualized employment services, including job development, placement, and training for individuals with disabilities. They manage a caseload, maintain accurate documentation, and build relationships with employers and community partners to support successful employment outcomes.
Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities, and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work.
The Employment Specialist III (ESIII) provides individualized employment services to consumers with disabilities, supporting skill development and promoting full community engagement through competitive, integrated employment. The ESIII is responsible for developing job opportunities and generating referrals through partnerships with state Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and Community Services Board Support Coordinators throughout Virginia. Services are delivered at commercial and government worksites across the Greater Hampton Roads area.
Direct Service Delivery
Provide community-based employment services, including situational assessments, job development, placement, training, and follow-along support for individuals with disabilities.
Conduct vocational evaluations and assess consumer skills, interests, abilities, and support needs in real work environments.
Support employment goals through résumé development, applications, interview preparation, job coaching, workplace training, and retention services.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized employment plans to support successful employment outcomes, independence, and self-advocacy.
Provide on-site job orientation, workplace readiness training, and develop natural workplace supports to promote job stability.
Provide travel training, coordinate transportation resources, and utilize assistive technology or workplace modifications to support employment success.
Provide crisis intervention and behavioral support as needed to promote job retention.
Manage an assigned caseload, complete consumer intake, monitor service authorizations, and adjust schedules to meet consumer needs.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with CARF standards, DARS, DMAS, DBHDS, SSA Ticket to Work, HCBS requirements, and organizational policies.
Communicate with consumers, families, guardians, rehabilitation counselors, referral sources, and support teams regarding progress, services, and employment needs.
Ensure services follow person-centered planning principles that promote individual choice, dignity, independence, and community integration.
Administrative Responsibilities
Track billable and non-billable time and submit accurate documentation, case notes, billing records, and required consumer records.
Participate in staff meetings, supervision meetings, and required training to support program operations and professional development.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, contractual requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
Marketing & Employer Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with referral sources, employers, and community partners to support employment opportunities and referrals.
Conduct employer outreach, identify and develop employment opportunities, coordinate interviews, and support employer relationships.
Educate employers and coworkers on disability awareness and workplace inclusion.
Represent the organization at job fairs, transition events, community activities, and professional forums.
Specialized Employment Services
Provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Work Incentive Specialist Advocate (WISA/WIP-C), Ticket to Work, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), and Customized Employment services to support employment readiness, benefits counseling, career advancement, and individualized employment outcomes.
Utilize person-centered discovery, job development, and job carving strategies to support customized employment outcomes.
Maintain required certifications, including WISA/WIP-C and Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certification, as well as required endorsements, suitability requirements, and compliance with applicable program standards.
Language Access Services
Provide employment services to consumers requiring additional language support, including ASL and other languages.
Maintain required interpreting qualifications, professional experience, and management approval as applicable.
Education & Experience
BA/BS degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or related field and two (2) years of related experience in employment services and/or supporting individuals with disabilities; OR a HS diploma and at least 5 years of experience in transition or supported employment services.
Must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
Must have completed an accredited language training program and have at least two years of professional language interpreting experience; OR must have at least five years of professional language interpreting experience.
Skills & Abilities
Experience with person-centered planning and providing individualized training and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and/or individuals requiring support in employment settings.
Have a valid driver's license and be insurable under Didlake's automobile policy. Requirements include - but are not limited to - a minimum of 3 years of licensed driving. Must have the ability to use a personal vehicle for travel; eligible for mileage reimbursement.
Exhibits strong time management skills to independently manage a caseload of up to 40 consumers.
Applies marketing and public relations skills to effectively promote and advocate for consumers.
Continued professional development in the areas of career counseling, positive behavior supports, autism, systematic instruction, and assistive technology.
Utilizes positive and proactive behavior management strategies to support consumer workplace success.
Demonstrates strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn and effectively use an online case management system.
Independently manages scheduling to ensure authorized consumer service hours are fully utilized and aligned with individual needs each month.
Be deemed eligible for hire by DBHDS and DSS in accordance with the criminal registry background check and Child Registry Background check.
Eligible for QDDP designation.
Compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and internal equity.
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with two years of experience or a high school diploma with five years of experience in supported employment. Fluency in American Sign Language and a valid driver's license are mandatory requirements.
Market context
Virginia employers seeking ASL Employment Specialist III candidates typically need professionals who can support job placement, coaching, and follow-up for people with disabilities or communication barriers. This role is competitive because it requires both supported employment experience and strong ASL fluency, plus a valid driver’s license for travel. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your experience matches the education or work-history pathway before applying.