VersAbility Resources helps regional businesses thrive through its Supported Employment Program that provides job opportunities in the Hampton Roads community and surrounding region for people with disabilities.
This program is designed to support people with mild to significant disabilities by matching them with career opportunities that align with their goals and interests. We take a person-centered approach to each and every individual we work with. More than 400 people with disabilities have jobs through this program in areas such as food service, warehousing, custodial services, retail, graphic design, hospitality, information technology, health care and more.
A sampling of our community business partners include Amazon, Computer Concepts, Delta Airlines, Garrett Realty Partners, Muddy Marley’s, Sodexo and more. We are always looking for new business partners. Our support services are provided AT NO COST TO THE EMPLOYER. Please contact Vickie Greatwood at 757-896-8446 or vgreatwood@versability.org if you are interested in hiring people with disabilities as part of your staff.
Our Employment Specialists work with people with disabilities during their job search and after they are hired. They ensure all necessary accommodations are in place in addition to offering onsite job training and long-term support to both the individual employed and the employer. They also assist with interview preparation and provide follow-along services, including periodic counseling, phone calls to the employer and the employee and additional on-site training if requested.
VersAbility also offers Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) Services for students ages 16-22. These work-based learning experiences include internships, volunteer experiences, job shadowing and more. See our FAQs for additional information on Pre-ETS.
Individuals with disabilities who want to find a job through our Supported Employment program or be part of our Pre-ETS program must have a vocational counselor assigned to them through an open case with Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or Virginia’s Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI).
For other employment questions you can also email wehire@versability.org.
FAQs
How do I get a job through VersAbility’s Supported Employment program?
First you must have a vocational counselor through an open case with Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or Virginia’s Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). If you do, contact us to begin the intake process, where we collect information about you and the type of job you are seeking, including ideal hours and location.
If you do not have an open case with DARS or DBVI, contact the nearest office to you.
DARS
Southside Office
6340 Center Drive
Bldg. 7, Suite 101
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-451-7101
Portsmouth
601 Port Centre Parkway, Ste. 100
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Phone: 757-686-5004
Hampton
2101 Executive Drive, 2nd Floor
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-865-4863
Franklin
100 N College Drive
Suite 2168
Franklin, VA 23851
Phone: 757-562-2028
Williamsburg
304 Bulifants Blvd.
Suite 103
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-253-4817
DBVI
Interstate Corporate Center
Bldg. #18, Ste 131
Phone: 757-652-9980
6325 N. Center Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-466-4162
I am an employer and want to hire individuals with disabilities for my staff. What should I do?
Our team is constantly exploring options for new Supported Employment business partners and would love to partner with you. Contact Vickie Greatwood at 757-896-8446 or vgreatwood@versability.org. Employers who invest in hiring people with disabilities are eligible to receive the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
Will my job affect my SSI and SSDI benefits?
During the intake process, we will ask for details about the benefits you are receiving to make sure any jobs you qualify for are within the requirements to maintain your full benefits. You must report all earnings to the Social Security Administration.
Where are the jobs through the Supported Employment program located?
We have partnerships with employers throughout Hampton Roads in addition to Franklin, Isle of Wight, Gloucester, Yorktown, Mathews County, Southampton County, Emporia and the Eastern Shore.
What is the pay scale for jobs in the Supported Employment program?
You will be paid at least minimum wage. Pay scales and benefits are set by individual employers. Pay scales and benefits are set by individual employers.
Do I have to fill out my own job application if I see a position I am interested in?
No. While you may fill out your job application, you can also receive help from one of our Employment Specialists.
What job services are available for students?
Pre-Employment Transition Services offer several worked-based learning experiences to prepare students ages 16-22 to enter the workforce. Participants in this program must have a documented disability and be enrolled in a public school system in Hampton Roads, Accomack County, Franklin, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City County, Northampton, Poquoson, Southampton County, Williamsburg or York County. They also must have a vocational counselor through an open case with Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or Virginia’s Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI).
The program offers work readiness training as well as internships, volunteer experiences, job shadowing, workplace tours, attending job fairs and auxiliary activities on a case-by-case basis. Wage reimbursement through VersAbility is available for some internships.
Does VersAbility offer any transportation assistance?
During the intake process, an Employment Specialist will meet with you at a location convenient to you. We will also provide transportation to any job interview you are scheduled for. After you are hired, you are responsible for getting to and from work. We will provide bus training to use Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). We can also help you apply for a Discounted Fare ID badge through HRT.
Will I continue to work with an Employment Specialist as long as I am employed?
Our Employment Specialists work with you and your employer for the duration of your employment. They make onsite visits twice monthly during your first 90 days. After that, our follow-along services include monthly visits and any cross training that is needed if you receive a promotion. An employee can request that an Employment Specialist not visit onsite after the initial 90 days.
What businesses are partners with the Supported Employment program?
AAFES
Airport Hilton
A. J. Wright
Albano Cleaners
Alsco Textile Linen
Amazon
AMC Theaters
Anderson Home and Garden Showplace
Aramark
Arby’s
Autumn Health Care
Big Lots
Burlington Medical, LLC
Busch Gardens
Canon Virginia, Inc.
Chesapeake General Hospital
Chuck E. Cheese
Colonial Williamsburg
Computer Concepts
Dam Neck Galley
Dan Daniel Distribution Center
Delta Airlines
Didlake
Farm Fresh
Fazoli’s
First Colonial Inn
First Landing State Park
Food Lion
Ft. Eustis Food Services and Mail
Greg Garrett Realty
Golden Corral
Great Bridge Day Care
Hampton University
Hardee’s
Holiday Inn
J.C. Penny’s
Kingsmill
Kroger
Lake Taylor Hospital
Langley Air Force Base
London Bridge Trading Company
Long John Silvers
Mary Immaculate Hospital
MacArthur Center Mall
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marshall’s
McDonald’s
Military Circle Mall (The Gallery)
Muddy Marley’s
Nexcom
Norfolk Public Library
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk Sash & Door
Norfolk State University
Old Navy
Olive Garden
Outback Steakhouse
Paul Arpin Van Lines
Pembroke Mall
Pizza Hut
Pomoco Motors
Poquoson Little League
Regal Cinemas
Sentara Corporation
SERVPRO of Newport News
Spare Times Bowling Lanes
Super K-Mart
Tandem Health Care
Target
TASTE
William & Mary
The Learning Center
The Virginian-Pilot
Town Point Country Club
Walmart
Warwick Forest Retirement Community
YMCA
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