Supported Employment

Mike Smith
March 10, 2020

Sertoma Center believes that employment is the foundation for self-esteem, a tool that maximizes independence and contributes to self-sufficiency. We believe that everyone, no matter how challenged, has the capacity to engage in meaningful paid work.

Our staff develop innovative supported employment solutions for people with disabilities and for businesses. Through Sertoma Center, people who have a disability develop vital skills and become active participants in our communities. We offer businesses the opportunity to reduce recruitment and training expenses as they enjoy the benefits of a diversified workforce.

ProjectSEARCH & Sertoma

What’s the Difference?

ProjectSEARCH and Sertoma offer both an employment program for individuals that are still enrolled in school as well as an adult program for individuals that are no longer involved in the school system.

KNOX COUNTY SCHOOLS–Parkwest Medical Center

  • 10 Months – Unpaid Internship
  • Ages 18 – 22 (must be enrolled in Knox County School system)
  • Valid proof of State ID & Social Security card 
  • Updated shot record & flu shot
  • Ability to function in a smoke/vape free environment
  • Ability to pass an observed drug screen & criminal background check
  • Choose to remain in the school system during the program
  • Willingness to complete the entire  internship
  • Transportation is provided by Knox County Schools
  • Program operates with a Knox County Teacher, Paraprofessional, & Skills Trainers from Community Resource Partner Agency (Sertoma)
  • $7.00/day lunch voucher provided by host site
  • Student has a diploma OR working towards a Special, Alternate Academic or Occupational diploma
  • Program is funded by Knox County Schools, TN Dept of Human Services, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Choices, Amerigroup, Blue Care or United Healthcare
  • Program operates: August thru May on Knox County School calendar Monday thru Friday 8:45am – 3:45pm
  • End Result: Community Employment

ADULT PROGRAM – East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center

  • 9 Months – Unpaid Internship
  • 18 and older (not enrolled in school applications can be from private and homeschool programs)
  • Valid proof of State ID & Social Security card
  • Updated shot record & flu shot
  • Ability to function in a smoke/vape free environment
  • Program services are available to all in the surrounding counties
  • Willingness to complete the entire  internship
  • Transportation is available with KAT, CAC, ETHRA
  • Program operates with an Instructor Coordinator, Skills Trainers from Community Resource Partner Agency (Sertoma & Breakthrough)
  • Family provides lunch or cafeteria  if available
  • Certificate of Completion, GED, Occupational or Alternate Academic or Special Education certificate
  • Program is funded by TN Dept of Human Services, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Choices, Amerigroup, Blue Care or United Healthcare
  • Program operates: February thru October – Monday thru Friday  8:00am – 3:00pm
  • End Result: Community Employment
Download Project Search Adult Program Application

ProjectSEARCH & Sertoma Staff