Supported Employment

Administrator
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?

Transition age Knoxville Project SEARCH programs are a collaboration of Knox County Schools, Sertoma, Vocational Rehabilitation and host sites Parkwest Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional and KCS at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary. Students with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism are selected for the internship program and report to one of the designated host sites for the academic year. They receive daily support from a Project SEARCH team made up of a KCS Special Education teacher and Paraprofessional, and a Skills Trainer from Sertoma. Interns learn job skills training in various departments of the host site with the end goal of graduation and earning competitive integrated employment.

Project SEARCH and Sertoma also have an adult program at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and have served proudly for several years. This year-long program helps adults with disabilities gain the skills and experience needed for successful employment, with support from dedicated instructor and skills trainer staff members provided by Sertoma.

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
Download Knox County Schools Application
Download Knox County Schools Application (Spanish)

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

  • 10 Months – Unpaid Internship
  • 18 and older
  • High school diploma (Standard, Occupational, Special Education, and Alternate Academic Diplomas are all accepted)
  • Valid proof of State ID & Social Security card
  • Ability to function in a smoke/vape free environment
  • Willing to comply with host hospital’s policies on vaccination
  • Pass a drug screen and criminal background check
  • Program services are available to all in the surrounding counties
  • Willingness to complete the entire internship
  • Transportation available via KAT, CAC, ETHRA, family support, or self-driving
  • Program operates with an Instructor Coordinator, Skills Trainers from Sertoma
  • Family provides lunch or intern may purchase meals in the cafeteria
  • Program is funded by TN Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Program operates: August – May – Monday thru Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
  • End Result: Community Employment
Download Project Search Adult Program Application

ProjectSEARCH & Sertoma Staff