Employment and Community First CHOICES 

The Employment and Community First CHOICES program, managed by TennCare in collaboration with its partner care organizations, aims to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This program is designed to help people with I/DD explore job opportunities and receive the support they need to learn new skills, secure employment, and maintain their jobs. Employment options include part-time, full-time, and self-employment. Additionally, the program provides services aimed at enhancing community skills and fostering meaningful relationships.

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Employment Services include: 

- Exploration

- Discovery

- Situational observation and assessment

- Job development plan or self-employment plan

- Job development or self-employment startup

- Job coaching for individualized, integrated employment

- Job coaching for individualized, integrated self-employment

- Coworker supports

- Supported employment in small groups

- Career advancement

- Integrated employment path services

- Community wrap-around services

 

Other Long-Term Services and Supports include:

- Independent living skills training

- Community integration support services

- Community transportation

 

Additionally, various other services include:

- Personal assistance

- Assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and supplies

- Community living supports (CLS) and the CLS family model

- Supportive home care (SHC)

- Family caregiver stipend in lieu of SHC

- Respite services

- Specialized consultation and training

- Individual education and training In summary, the Employment and Community First CHOICES program is dedicated to helping individuals with I/DD pursue employment opportunities, develop community skills, and build meaningful connections in their lives.