Lead Employment Specialist
Workshops Empowerment Inc., Birmingham, AL, United States
Department:
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
Reports to:
Program Manager of Rehabilitation Services
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Position Type:
Full-Time (may include some program-based scheduling flexibility) with Benefits
Date Revised/Created:
March 2026
Job Summary The Lead Employment Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting the delivery of employment services for individuals living with disabilities, including job development, placement, and retention. This role serves as the lead for the employment team, providing day-to‑day guidance, supporting employer engagement efforts, and ensuring services are delivered consistently and in alignment with ADRS expectations. The Lead Employment Specialist also maintains a modified, active caseload and models best practices in employment services.
Work Hours This is a full‑time non‑exempt position. Hours vary based on program schedules, worksite needs, and community events; typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some irregular hours may be required during peak program periods.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
Minimum of two (2) years experience in vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, job development, job coaching, special education, or a related field preferred
Experience working with adults with disabilities strongly preferred
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organization, time management, and follow‑through
Self‑starter with the ability to work independently to meet goals
Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying cognitive abilities
Sales background or experience in employer engagement highly desirable
Computer proficiency (case notes, databases, word processing, online job applications)
Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures
Twenty‑one (21) years of age or older
Must pass background check
Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to WE Inc.’s insurance provider
Commitment to obtain ADRS Supported Employment Certification within six (6) months
Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards Employment Services & Outcomes
Carry a modified caseload of consumers and provide job development, placement, and retention services
Support consumers in job search, applications, interviews, and onboarding
Provide follow‑up services to support job retention and stability
Assist employers with accommodations and workplace supports
Meet or exceed placement and retention goals
Team Coordination & Support
Provide day‑to‑day guidance and support to Employment Specialists
Lead caseload distribution and service coverage
Monitor staff activity to ensure timely and effective service delivery
Support onboarding and training of new staffElevate concerns, barriers, or performance issues to the Program Manager
Employer Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with local employers
Identify job opportunities aligned with consumer skills and interests
Support team efforts in job development and employer outreach
Maintain an active pipeline of employment opportunities
Serve as a point of contact for employer‑related needs or concerns
Documentation & Compliance
Ensure accurate, timely, and complete case documentation
Monitor team documentation for quality and compliance with ADRS standards
Support alignment between service delivery, authorizations, and billing
Maintain organized, audit‑ready files
Communication & Coordination
Maintain consistent communication with Program Manager
Support coordination between employment services and other service areasAddress and resolve issues impacting service delivery or employment outcomes
Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and trainings
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Working Conditions: Work occurs in an office environment and in various community sites including employer worksites and program locations. Involves regular contact with staff, consumers, students, employers, and the public. Driving is required.
Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 30 pounds (and up to 25 pounds in worksite supervision contexts). Manual dexterity required for computers and office equipment. Normal hearing/vision ranges required.
Applicants must apply at Careers | Join Our Inclusive Team Today — WE Inc. www.weincal.org/careers
Workshops Empowerment Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
Reports to:
Program Manager of Rehabilitation Services
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Position Type:
Full-Time (may include some program-based scheduling flexibility) with Benefits
Date Revised/Created:
March 2026
Job Summary The Lead Employment Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting the delivery of employment services for individuals living with disabilities, including job development, placement, and retention. This role serves as the lead for the employment team, providing day-to‑day guidance, supporting employer engagement efforts, and ensuring services are delivered consistently and in alignment with ADRS expectations. The Lead Employment Specialist also maintains a modified, active caseload and models best practices in employment services.
Work Hours This is a full‑time non‑exempt position. Hours vary based on program schedules, worksite needs, and community events; typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some irregular hours may be required during peak program periods.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
Minimum of two (2) years experience in vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, job development, job coaching, special education, or a related field preferred
Experience working with adults with disabilities strongly preferred
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organization, time management, and follow‑through
Self‑starter with the ability to work independently to meet goals
Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying cognitive abilities
Sales background or experience in employer engagement highly desirable
Computer proficiency (case notes, databases, word processing, online job applications)
Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures
Twenty‑one (21) years of age or older
Must pass background check
Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to WE Inc.’s insurance provider
Commitment to obtain ADRS Supported Employment Certification within six (6) months
Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards Employment Services & Outcomes
Carry a modified caseload of consumers and provide job development, placement, and retention services
Support consumers in job search, applications, interviews, and onboarding
Provide follow‑up services to support job retention and stability
Assist employers with accommodations and workplace supports
Meet or exceed placement and retention goals
Team Coordination & Support
Provide day‑to‑day guidance and support to Employment Specialists
Lead caseload distribution and service coverage
Monitor staff activity to ensure timely and effective service delivery
Support onboarding and training of new staffElevate concerns, barriers, or performance issues to the Program Manager
Employer Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with local employers
Identify job opportunities aligned with consumer skills and interests
Support team efforts in job development and employer outreach
Maintain an active pipeline of employment opportunities
Serve as a point of contact for employer‑related needs or concerns
Documentation & Compliance
Ensure accurate, timely, and complete case documentation
Monitor team documentation for quality and compliance with ADRS standards
Support alignment between service delivery, authorizations, and billing
Maintain organized, audit‑ready files
Communication & Coordination
Maintain consistent communication with Program Manager
Support coordination between employment services and other service areasAddress and resolve issues impacting service delivery or employment outcomes
Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and trainings
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Working Conditions: Work occurs in an office environment and in various community sites including employer worksites and program locations. Involves regular contact with staff, consumers, students, employers, and the public. Driving is required.
Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 30 pounds (and up to 25 pounds in worksite supervision contexts). Manual dexterity required for computers and office equipment. Normal hearing/vision ranges required.
Applicants must apply at Careers | Join Our Inclusive Team Today — WE Inc. www.weincal.org/careers
Workshops Empowerment Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr