Employment Specialist III Pre-ETS- Direct Support Professional

Starting pay $29.00

The purpose of the Employment Specialist III position is to provide support, assistance, and guidance to individuals with disabilities in our Pre-Employment Transition Services Program that will enable the individual to develop skills and enhance their ability to fully engage with their community.

The Employment Specialist III (ESIII) generates referrals from state Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and local Community Services Board Case Managers situated throughout Virginia and develops job opportunities at commercial and governmental sites located across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

The primary focus of this position will be providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to students with disabilities. A student with a disability is classified as an individual who is still enrolled in school, aged 14-22.

Looking to target applicants from Loudon County and surrounding areas.

Pre-Employment Transition Services and Employment Services Coordination

• Supports individuals with disabilities by providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to Students with Disabilities and / or learning an individual's unique skills and interests to assist them in their path to employment.
• Develops and implements Workplace Readiness Training curriculum for Students with Disabilities.
• Develop opportunities in the community for Work-Based Learning Experiences. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, informational interviews, job shadowing, workplace tours, career mentorship, volunteering, paid / unpaid internships, and paid / unpaid work experiences.
• Develops individualized plans to assist the client in obtaining their employment goals. Activities may include but are not limited to, resume building, application completion, scheduling, and preparing for an interview.
• Provides individualized support to clients in a one-on-one specialized support setting or to a group of students in a hybrid classroom / community setting.
• Provide resources and guidance to employers and community partners to help further the success of the client within the workplace or volunteer setting.
• Develops and monitors Individualized Service Plans (ISP) under Didlake policies and procedures and tracks individual progress.
• Collects data and provides feedback to assist in the development of client outcomes.
• Independently manage a caseload, by working various hours to ensure the needs of the caseload are met.
• Coordinates authorizations from funding agencies and secures approval before service implementation.
• Conducts intake of applicants.
• Routinely maintains contact with rehabilitative counselors and other referral sources to communicate progress and case progression as well as to request additional authorizations or change the status of the case.
• Collects, writes, and maintains data and appropriate documentation in accordance with CARF accreditation standards, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), DBHDS, DMAS, Didlake Policies and Procedures, and Statements of Work.
• Provide information and resources to families, guardians, and / or natural support, as appropriate.
• Coordinates the use of assistive technology and environmental modifications.
• Coordinates transportation resources, as necessary.
• Meets predetermined time for billable activities versus non-billable.
• Conducts pre-employment transition services, situational assessments, job placement, and training, and follow-along support to individuals with significant disabilities.
• Provides travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all consumers.
• Participates in client's job orientation on-site at commercial or government worksites.
• Provides vocational rehabilitation support to clients.
• Provides crisis intervention per standard operating procedures.
• Works in conjunction with Didlake's Contract Operations Managers to fill job openings within Didlake when applicable.

Community Outreach / Networking

• Markets Pre-Employment Transition Services and Supported Employment Program to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Community Services Board Case Managers, and other funding / referral entities to generate referrals.
• Market Didlake employment services to prospective and current employers.
• Identifies job or work-based learning experience opportunities within Didlake and with other commercial and governmental industries (Job Development).
• Arranges meetings with hiring authorities of businesses to promote job prospects.
• Arranges job interviews for applicants and recommends accommodations as needed.
• Provides disability education to businesses and coworkers / supervisors of the supported employee.
• May serve as Didlake's representative at professional association forums, chamber events, and other business associations.
• Participates in job fairs on behalf of populations served.

Administrative

• Submits accurate billing information in a timely manner according to and in accordance with. Didlake's accounting procedures.
• Submits case documentation at least bi-weekly.
• Attends staff meetings with supervisors and departmental staff.
• Completes and maintains all required Didlake training.

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.