$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 provides individualized employment support to individuals with disabilities to develop skills, increase independence, and obtain competitive integrated employment. Assigned primarily to Project SEARCH, a business-led transition-to-work program for young adults with disabilities, the position provides on-site support during internship rotations while collaborating with schools, employers, and vocational rehabilitation partners to promote successful employment outcomes. The Employment Specialist III also develops community employment opportunities, provides job development and placement services, and meets established productivity standards through direct service delivery.
What You Will Do
Project SEARCH & Employment Services
- Provide individualized, face-to-face support during Project SEARCH internships using systematic instruction, accommodations, assistive technology, and natural supports.
- Assess intern skills, collect baseline data, reinforce employability skills, interpret workplace culture, and provide travel training to promote independence and safety.
- Train interns in interviewing, self-advocacy, and job readiness to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.
- Conduct situational assessments, job development, job placement/training, follow-along services, vocational rehabilitation support, and on-site job orientation.
- Independently manage a supported employment caseload, including intake, service delivery, crisis intervention, and collaboration with Contract Operations Managers to fill Didlake job openings.
Consumer, Employer & Family Collaboration
- Partner with Project SEARCH instructors, business liaisons, department managers, employers, families, and referral agencies to develop internship sites, analyze job tasks, solve employment issues, and support successful outcomes.
- Educate host business managers, employees, supervisors, and coworkers on disability awareness and workplace accommodations.
- Provide information, resources, and ongoing support to consumers, families, guardians, and natural supports.
Service Planning, Compliance & Documentation
- Develop and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and short-term service plans; track consumer progress and secure required funding authorizations.
- Maintain documentation, narrative notes, billing, case records, milestone reports, and the Project SEARCH National Database in accordance with Didlake policies and CARF, DARS, DMAS, DBHDS, SSA/Ticket to Work, and other regulatory requirements.
- Ensure services meet HCBS Settings Regulations, including person-centered planning, community integration, individual choice, privacy, dignity, autonomy, and rights.
- Accurately track billable and non-billable time and meet established productivity standards.
Community Outreach & Program Development
- Market Supported Employment and Didlake employment services to vocational rehabilitation counselors, community partners, referral sources, employers, and hiring authorities.
- Develop employment opportunities, arrange employer meetings and interviews, recommend workplace accommodations, and identify jobs within Didlake and the community.
- Represent Didlake at job fairs, professional associations, chamber events, and other community networking opportunities.
Professional Development & Team Participation
- Participate in Project SEARCH team meetings, supported employment staff meetings, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Complete and maintain all required Didlake and Project SEARCH training, certifications, and host business requirements.
- Support continuous program quality through collaboration, communication, and timely completion of required reports and administrative responsibilities.
What You Bring
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or a related field with two (2) years of experience in employment services or supporting individuals with disabilities; OR
- Master's degree in a related field with one (1) year of relevant experience; OR
- High school diploma or equivalent with five (5) years of experience in transition or supported employment services.
- 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 is highly preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Must have reliable transportation and 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 and ensure authorized consumer service hours are fully utilized and aligned with individual needs each month.
- 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.
- 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 and Job Coach certification.
- Continues professional development in the areas of career counseling, positive behavior supports, autism, systematic instruction, and assistive technology.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or related field with 2 years experience; OR Master's with 1 year OR High School diploma with 5 years experience in transition or supported employment services.
- Reliable transportation and ability to use a personal vehicle for travel (mileage reimbursement eligible).
- Be deemed eligible for hire by DBHDS and DSS via criminal registry and Child Registry background checks.
- Eligible for QDDP designation and Job Coach certification.
- Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and use an online case management system.
- Ability to independently manage a supported employment caseload (up to 40 consumers) and meet established productivity standards.
- Experience with person-centered planning and providing individualized training/support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
- Complete and maintain required Didlake and Project SEARCH trainings, certifications, and host business requirements.
What We Do
Didlake is an internationally accredited nonprofit agency dedicated to creating and promoting opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, aiming to eliminate barriers to community participation.
