Lead Employment Specialist

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 staff
• Elevate 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 areas
• Address 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

This job description is a general description of essential job functions, and it is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees of Workshops, Inc. are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor/manager, regardless of job title or routine job duties, subject to reasonable accommodation.

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.