Employment Specialist III

didlakecareers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life Insurance/AD&D

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401(k) retirement plan with company id

Paid time off and sick leave

Employee Development Program (EDP)

Paid holidays

Direct deposit

Job summary

Didlake, Inc. is a nonprofit rehabilitation services organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through inclusive employment opportunities and day support services.

The Employment Specialist III role focuses on short-term, individualized employment services, collaborating with vocational rehabilitation partners, employers, families, and community resources across Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years in employment services or disability support.
• Or HS diploma with 5 years in supported/transition employment services.
• Experience with person-centered planning preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person employment services including job development, placement, training, and follow-along support.
• Conduct vocational evaluations in real commercial and government work settings.
• Support individuals with resume writing, applications, interviews, and employer follow-up.
• Deliver one-to-one job training and help build natural workplace supports.
• Monitor job performance, employer satisfaction, and ongoing support needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and progress notes in compliance with CARF, DARS, DMAS, DBHDS, SSA/Ticket to Work, and Didlake standards.

Skills

Caseload management

Relationship building

Communication

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or related field

High School diploma/GED with 5 years in supported or transition employment services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic case management system

Job description

$1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS. Paid in increments of $250.00 each quarter (3,6,9 and 12 months of employment).

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.

Why This Role Matters

The Employment Specialist III plays a critical role in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful, competitive employment. This position focuses on short-term, individualized employment services that help people build skills, gain independence, and fully participate in their communities through work. You’ll collaborate with vocational rehabilitation partners, employers, families, and community resources to create inclusive employment opportunities across the regions ofSuffolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.

What You Will Do

• Provide in-person employment services including situational assessments, job development, job placement, training, and follow-along support.
• Conduct vocational evaluations in real commercial and government work settings.
• Support individuals with resume writing, applications, interviews, and employer follow-up.
• Deliver one-to-one job training and help build natural workplace supports.
• Monitor job performance, employer satisfaction, and ongoing support needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and progress notes in compliance with CARF, DARS, DMAS, DBHDS, SSA/Ticket to Work, and Didlake standards.
• Coordinate with vocational rehabilitation counselors, case managers, families, and natural support system.
• Provide travel training, transportation coordination, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Implement assistive technology and recommend environmental modifications.
• Support Pre-Employment Transition Services, including Work Readiness Training and Work-Based Learning Experiences.
• Market supported employment services to referral sources and employers.
• Develop job opportunities and conduct employer outreach, presentations, and job fairs.
• Independently manage a caseload while working flexible hours to meet consumer needs.

What You Bring

You are a compassionate, organized professional with experience in vocational rehabilitation, employment services, case management, or a related field. You build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and are committed to helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or a related field and at least 2 years of experience in employment services or disability support
  OR
• High School diploma/GED with 5 years of experience in supported or transition employment services.
• Experience with person-centered planning and individualized training preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to manage a caseload of up to 40 consumers.
• 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 experience and be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have the ability to use a personal vehicle for travel; eligible for mileage reimbursement.
• Marketing and public relations skills to advocate for employment opportunities.
• The use of positive, proactive behavior management techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Eligible for QDDP designation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain facility security clearance and SSA suitability.
• Eligible for hire under DBHDS and DSS criminal and child registry background checks.

Why Join Didlake

• Mission-driven organization focused on inclusion, dignity, and independence.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of individuals and the community.
• Supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development.
• Meaningful work that aligns with person-centered values and HCBS regulations.

Benefits

• Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work and personal support
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and sick leave that begins accruing upon hire
• Employee Development Program (EDP)
• Paid holidays
• Direct deposit

Compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and internal equity.