NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — One of Hampton Roads’ largest employers, Optima Health, is adding 200 more full time jobs in Norfolk.

Optima is adding the jobs to support Medicaid expansion. In the process, it’s helping the city’s Military Circle corridor revitalization project.

A year and a half ago, Optima opened renovated office space at the old J.C. Penney department store.

They began with 200 employees there, now they are doubling their workspace to 90,000 feet and doubling their numbers to 400 workers.

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“It’s such a range of skill set and that’s what we’re excited about,” said Vice President of Optima Health Community Randy Ricker.

He told WAVY.com they need everything from call center workers to social workers and nurses — and they need to fill those positions fast. “We’ll get our first file of enrollees from the state probably around December 18,” he said.

It’s a lot, but Ricker said they are excited to help those who’ve never had health insurance before and to help surrounding businesses. “The restaurants, they’re thrilled to see us they bring us their menus and say come on down.”

Vice Mayor Martin Thomas told 10 On Your Side putting more people to work in the Military Highway corridor “reinforces the city’s strategic decision to purchase the former JC Penney property years ago.”

It “continues to build on a vision for the Military Highway corridor that offers many opportunities for the future,” Thomas said. 

Optima hopes to be in that new expanded workspace by mid December. If you are interested in applying for a job with Optima Health go to their website.