ASL Employment Specialist III

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 (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.

What You Will Do

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.