Employment Specialist III - Project Search

$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.