Employment Specialist II - PT

Didlake, Inc. • Eastern Shore, VA

4h

About The Position

Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization whose mission is to create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Since 1965, Didlake has provided training, job placement, employment opportunities, and day support services to people with significant disabilities.

The Employment Specialist II provides supported employment services to individuals with disabilities who need ongoing support to maintain successful employment in community-based and Didlake-operated work environments. The role delivers job coaching, workplace advocacy, skills development, and individualized supports to promote job stability, independence, and long-term employment retention. The position may also provide short-term employment services as a backup and supports students with disabilities through Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least one year of formal experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; or a high school diploma/GED and at least one year of formal experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in an employment- or vocational-specific setting.
• Strong time management, communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to independently manage a caseload of up to 40 individuals.
• Valid driver's license and insurability under Didlake's automobile policy; requirements include at least three years of licensed driving experience and being at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to use a personal vehicle for travel.
• Knowledge of job development, job coaching, workplace accommodations, and positive behavior support techniques.
• Experience with marketing, outreach, and employer engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Eligible for QDDP designation.
• Must be eligible for hire under DBHDS criminal background and DSS Child Protective Services registry screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with person-centered planning and individualized training is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, preferably in an employment or vocational services setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine follow-up contacts with employers, supported employment consumers, family members, rehabilitation counselors, and support systems to support job success, stability, and retention.
• Provide job coaching, training, guidance, self-advocacy support, disability education, crisis intervention, retraining, travel training, assistive technology implementation, environmental modifications, and wage and benefits management assistance as needed.
• Develop, suggest content for, implement, and monitor Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and Individual Work Plans (IWPs), including job-retention strategies and progress toward established goals.
• Collect, maintain, and document consumer data, progress, and service records in accordance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, funding sources, Didlake policies, and statements of work.
• Coordinate service authorizations, secure required approvals, request additional authorized hours when needed, and provide information and resources to families, guardians, and natural supports.
• Ensure Group Supported Employment services comply with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Regulations, including requirements for community integration, individual choice, privacy, dignity, autonomy, person-centered planning, and individualized service plans.
• Provide short-term employment services as a backup when needed.
• Provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to students with disabilities, including Work Readiness Training (WRT), Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE), and employment exploration activities.
• Provide disability education and develop natural supports with coworkers and supervisors of supported employees.
• Conduct employer evaluations and participate in job fairs, recruitment campaigns, and employment services marketing activities with community partners and employers as directed.
• Track billable and non-billable intervention time and submit narrative notes and billing information according to Didlake procedures.
• Complete consumer and human resource documentation by prescribed deadlines.
• Attend staff meetings and complete required Didlake training.

Benefits

• $1,000 sign-on bonus paid in quarterly installments of $250 at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of employment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and sick leave accruing upon hire.
• Paid holidays.
• Direct deposit.
• Mileage reimbursement eligibility for use of a personal vehicle for travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level