Robert J. Dewey, Human Services Professional

About

Robert J. Dewey is a human services professional, disability advocate, and military veteran with more than two decades of experience in leadership, workforce development, human resources, and vocational rehabilitation. Throughout his career, he has focused on empowering individuals with disabilities, supporting veterans, and helping underserved populations gain access to meaningful employment, training, and community resources.

Currently serving as a Placement Counselor with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services in Fairfax, Virginia, Dewey works directly with adults and youth with disabilities to help them build confidence, strengthen job readiness skills, and achieve long-term employment goals. His work includes developing and leading training programs in employment readiness, self-advocacy, interview preparation, driver’s education, database systems, and introductory cybersecurity concepts. He is also active in employer outreach and workforce partnerships, helping connect individuals with internships, vocational opportunities, and permanent employment.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, Dewey has spent more than 15 years supporting people with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, accommodation guidance, and workforce integration initiatives. He is recognized for his ability to combine practical workforce strategies with compassionate mentorship, helping individuals overcome barriers and build greater independence. In addition to his rehabilitation work, he serves as a member of the Fairfax County Reentry Council, supporting individuals with disabilities who are reentering the community following incarceration.

Prior to his current role, Dewey served as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Recruitment, Retention, and Security Manager with Professional Contract Services Inc.. In that position, he led recruitment and accommodation efforts for employees with significant disabilities while managing large-scale onboarding, payroll, training, and compliance programs. He developed comprehensive management training systems, improved recruitment efficiency, reduced hiring costs, and helped foster a more inclusive workplace culture. His leadership also contributed to major operational improvements, including transitioning companywide employee management systems and streamlining security clearance processing.

Dewey’s foundation in leadership and service began during his distinguished military career in the United States Army, where he served as a Staff Sergeant from 2003 to 2010. During his service, he led personnel operations, managed security clearance programs, supervised legal processing functions, and coordinated maintenance support for advanced military weapons and electronic systems. He also served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning numerous commendations for leadership, operational excellence, and service.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Saint Martin’s University and an Associate degree from Pierce College. He has also completed specialized training in leadership development, security management, information management, emergency medical response, and web design.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to advocacy, Robert J. Dewey continues to make a meaningful impact through workforce development, disability employment initiatives, and community service.

Roles

Jun 2016–Present

Current role

Placement Counselor

Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Division of Rehabilitative Services

Virginia

Research and develop training programs for large and small groups with various levels of comprehension. Support people with disabilities in all aspects of employment including mock interviews, self-advocacy, accommodation requests, etc. Schedule and coordinate consumers’ appointments with vendors and if necessary, transport consumers for services. Assist consumers with resume writing/editing, job and internship searches based on employment trends. Review bills and determine whether or not appropriate documentation is attached which supports counselor’s approval of expenditures. Identify ongoing rehabilitation needs by obtaining information about service results, home visits, training and/or work site visits. Operate Job Seeking Skills Program to address work readiness, social skills, self-esteem, interviewing skills, and work behaviors. Actively participate in job development activities, such as maintaining relationships with employers which could result in counselors’ use of employment sites for on-the-job training, unpaid work experiences, internships and permanent job placements. Actively participate in employer networking meetings. Compile job market information and share with customers and staff to assist in the identification of appropriate vocational opportunities.

May 2010–Mar 2016

Former role

Rehabilitation Specialist

PCSI

Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Responsible for the recruitment and retention of qualifying candidates with significant disabilities. Conducted new hire training for employees and staff which included the use of time clocks, payroll systems, including overtime calculations and associated policies, as well as, disability awareness and the accommodating process and various other policies and procedures. Ensured the threshold of 75% or greater for employees with significant disabilities was met and all employees were properly accommodated in accordance with the ADA and doctor recommendations.

Apr 2003–May 2010

Former role

Staff Sergeant

U.S. Army, Ordnance Corp

Washington

SSG US Army, retired