DS Employment Specialist

Job Posting End Date:

November 12, 2026

Department:

HUMAN SERVICES

Compensation Grade:

G20

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range:$44,907.20 - $69,971.20

Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Make a meaningful impact in your community! The City of Virginia Beach is seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve independence through competitive, integrated employment. In this rewarding role, you will empower job seekers by providing individualized coaching, building partnerships with local employers, and ensuring long-term career success.

 Specific Duties:

• Assess individual strengths and career interests to build and execute Person-Centered Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
• Build strong relationships with local businesses to secure competitive employment opportunities tailored to client strengths.
• Provide systematic, one-on-one training at job sites to help clients learn tasks, build workplace skills, and excel in their roles.
• Serve as a bridge between clients and business supervisors, advocating for fair treatment, compliance, and growth opportunities.
• Supervise group-supported employment sites, ensuring materials are available, duties are assigned, and productivity standards are met.
• Maintain precise client charts (85%+ compliance target) and record timely billing documentation to meet state, federal, and CARF accreditation standards.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. You will safely transport clients using city or personal vehicles.
• Ability to manage behavioral crises utilizing Therapeutic Options Techniques while strictly upholding Human Rights and confidentiality guidelines.
• Collaborate productively with families, employers, and support teams.

Preferences:

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Experience providing community-based vocational services
• Experience implementing skill development and support plans
• Experience writing reports and documentation, preferably in electronic records
• Experience working with a variety of people in community settings
• Experience implementing behavior management techniques
• Experience with coordinating services with other agencies and supports
• Experience with working varied shifts

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid Leave.

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes

• CDL: No

• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No

• CPS Check: Yes

• Physical: No

• Respirator: No

• Psychological Screening: No

• Polygraph: No

• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Standard Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities such as, sociology, psychology, or special education.
Must have a current and valid driver’s license.


Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Skills:

Developmental Disabilities, Direct Service, Disabilities, Relationship Building

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P12723.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.