Employment Services Specialist Senior - #ARS00431 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

Title: Employment Services Specialist Senior - #ARS00431 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: Starting minimum $43,217 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

Agency Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Join us as an Employment Services Specialist Senior and help individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment and brighter futures.

Why Join Us?
✅ Purpose-driven work
✅ Inclusive, supportive teams
✅ Great state benefits

Job Duties

“In accordance with the Commonwealth Telework Policy, telework is limited based on agency business needs.”

In partnership with people with disabilities, the DRS Field Rehabilitation Services Division assists individuals with disabilities to make informed choices that will maximize their employment through coordinated service delivery. DRS staff will assist the Workforce Network to deliver quality workforce services to individuals with disabilities who want to work and employers seeking to hire them to the extent that this provides benefit to the DRS program.

We are seeking an Employment Services Specialist Senior.

In compliance with Federal, State, and Agency policies and procedures, this position works closely with Counselors and Evaluators, partnering with individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. The role provides case management support and assists in delivering comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services that lead to employment and promote independent living.

To fulfill the responsibilities of the Employment Services Specialist Senior, the incumbent must have access to personally identifiable and confidential information about agency consumers and staff.

This position has daily contact with customers to provide assistance with vocational rehabilitation services. The position interacts with employers to provide employer services to include information about rehabilitation technology, job accommodations and consultation as well as referral of qualified applicants for open positions. They interact with the public for the purpose of education and awareness about the agency, marketing agency services and in dealing with referrals. They deal with other service providers such as Employment Service Organizations and Educational organizations, regarding coordination of services and consultations about customers.

Special Assignments: Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

The office is located in Christiansburg, but covers Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford (City).

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience in human service delivery methods.
• Some knowledge of the social, economic, medical and psychological issues which impact persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling and exploration; ADA compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of Windows based computer software or similar word processing software.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from varying social and economic environments; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures in the provision of services; to monitor employment opportunities through contacts with businesses and other organizations within the community; to organize and manage multiple and sometimes unrelated responsibilities in a timely manner; to prioritize duties and exercise good judgement following established policy and procedures; interviewing and data collection techniques. 
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group activities related to employment preparation and career readiness.

Additional Considerations

N/A

Special Instructions

• This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1. 
• A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate.

DARS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance plan options, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer‑paid basic group life insurance, optional employee‑paid group life insurance, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and more.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System.  Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.