Let’s coordinate, share ideas, and learn from our individual customer groups on how we can work together to better serve Tennessee’s families with low-incomes.

This month, in recognition of National Preparedness Month, I am excited to share that we were able to partner with our friends at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to distribute free emergency go-kits to Tennesseans who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and have low vision. Each Go-Kit includes essential emergency preparedness items, such as a Midland Weather Radio, Midland SBNDL Bundle Kit (strobe light, pillow shaker, batteries, etc.), and a family First Aid Kit. The kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at ten TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation affiliated locations across the state. We encourage you to contact the center before visiting.

As we have witnessed on several occasions here in Tennessee, disasters can strike at any time. That is why emergency preparedness is crucial for everyone, but it is particularly important for individuals with sensory disabilities to ensure effective emergency planning to address their unique needs.

By providing these Emergency Go-Kits, TDHS is furthering its mission to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. This important initiative has been a wonderful demonstration of state agencies working together to better serve all Tennesseans, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this effort, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to stay safe during emergencies.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html

In recognition of National Preparedness month, TDHS has partnered with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to provide Emergency Go-Kits to Tennesseans who are members of our deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and low vision communities. While the keys to effective disaster preparedness apply to all of us, people with access and functional needs or disabilities should approach preparedness planning with additional considerations.

Each kit includes a Midland Weather Radio, Midland SBNDL Bundle Kit (strobe light, pillow shaker, batteries, etc.), and family First Aid Kit. The strobe light and pillow shaker, when attached to a programmed weather radio, will vibrate and flash a bright light when an emergency alert is produced. The go-kits are currently available at ten TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation locations across the state. We encourage everyone to contact the center before visiting as the supply is limited. For more information on the distribution centers, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/news/2024/9/10/tema--tdhs-announce-emergency-go-kit-distribution-for-tennesseans-with-disabilities.html

Tennessee has converted to a new EBT vendor, and customers will have access to new online and mobile features. With the new EBT vendor, cardholders will now have access to enhanced tools through EBT EDGE , including balance alerts, transaction history, and the ability to freeze their card if needed. We encourage customers to utilize this updated feature in order to protect their benefits and monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity.

With the EBT EDGE app, cardholders can also securely check when deposits are available without waiting on the phone, providing a convenient, on-the-go solution to remain updated. For more information, visit: https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile

The Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is delighted to announce a new partnership between Ballad Health, Johnson City Schools, and Project SEARCH to bring new employment opportunities to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Johnson City. Through this new collaboration, students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and receive educational support and training through internships affiliated with the Johnson City Medical Center, Niswonger Children’s Hospital, and TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation.

Project SEARCH aims to help students with significant intellectual disabilities find employment development opportunities in their communities. The program was first introduced at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996 and has since been deployed in 10 countries and 48 states across the nation. In Tennessee, Project SEARCH is led by the TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation program, and there are currently 19 programs as far west as Memphis, and now, Project SEARCH is being introduced in Johnson City with the ultimate goal of helping high school seniors find work after graduation.

Participation in Project SEARCH requires students to first be deemed eligible for the Vocational Rehabilitation program. For more information about the VR program contact (833) 772-8347 (TDHS) or visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html. For additional questions about Project SEARCH in Tennessee, please contact the Project SEARCH statewide coordinator, Blake.A.Shearer@tn.gov.

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a year-round SNAP-doubling program offered at farmers markets and grocers across the country. Nourish Knoxville offers DUFB at all of its markets, as well as at partner locations across East Tennessee. Double Up is provided in partnership with the Fair Food Network.

Customers who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can swipe their EBT card at the market to match up to $20 per day in Double Up tokens to be spent on fresh produce: fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and food-producing plants. For instance, a family that spends $10 in their SNAP benefits receives an additional $10 in Double Up tokens to spend at the market on fresh produce.

Double Up is a triple win: low-income families eat more healthy food, area farmers gain new customers and increase revenue, and more food dollars stay in the local economy. For more information about the program and participating partners, please visit: https://doubleuptn.org/.

Diapers Now Available for TennCare and CoverKids Members

As of August 7th, if your child is covered by TennCare or CoverKids and is under the age of two, you can now receive up to 100 diapers each month at no cost. These diapers are available at participating pharmacies across Tennessee.

Here's how you can get the diapers:

For more information, visit TN.gov/TennCare/diapers.

What: Putnam County Job Seeker Preparation Day

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is hosting a free two-day employment event for workers and job seekers with disabilities in Putnam County.

Day one sessions will highlight resources available through the Vocational Rehabilitation program and its partners and good job preparation practices. Day two will allow participants to connect with local employers.

When: October 1-2, 2024; Detailed schedule can be found here.

Where: Cookeville Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, 955 E. 20th Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

What: Hamilton County Job & Resource Fair

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program is hosting a Job and Resource Fair for workers with disabilities in the Hamilton County area. Job seekers are invited to find career resources, community organizations and employers at this free event.  

When: October 10, 2024 from 11am- 2pm EDT

Where: East Lake Recreation Center, 3610 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37407

What: Computer Literacy Workshop Series

The Division of Rehabilitation Services is partnering with the American Job Center to help Hamilton County residents learn basic computer skills. Community members are invited to attend one-hour workshops held on the third Wednesday of the month.

When: October 16, 2024 from 10am-11am EDT

Where: American Job Center, 5600 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411

What: Parents and Partners Connect – Child Support

A virtual question and answer session with Child Support professionals from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. These online sessions are an opportunity for Tennessee parents to get answers about Child Support Services from TDHS with topics including services offered by the TDHS, case classifications, the parties involved in child support, the application processes, and problem-solving.

If you’re new to child support in Tennessee or have questions about related services, this is a great opportunity to ask questions with experts.

When: October 16, 2024 11:30am-12:30pm CDT

Where: Online; Register here

What: Resource Ability Fair

This event connects educators, employers, practitioners, and individuals with disabilities to assistive technology. Tim Shaw, ALS warrior and NFL veteran from the Tennessee Titans, will serve as the keynote speaker for this exciting resource fair.

When: October 22, 2024 1pm CDT

Where: Farm Bureau Expo Center; Please register here
945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087

What: University of Memphis Transition & Resource Fair

The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) is hosting a Transition and Resources Fair for high school students with intellectual disabilities, parents, advocates, and teachers. The fair will focus on community resources and inclusive higher education. The goal is to understand steps involved in the process of planning for transition after high school.

When: October 24, 2024 9am-2pm CDT

Where: Maxine A. Smith University Center (UC); Please register here
8800 E Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125

At TDHS, we are consistently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to make a meaningful difference in our state. If you are interested in joining our team, please review new career opportunities on our website.

Detailed listings on all open positions (Preferred and Executive Service) can be found at https://www.tn.gov/careers/apply-here.html. Preferred Service job postings through the Tennessee Department of Human Resources (DOHR) open on Thursday and close on the following Wednesday evening at 11:59 pm CST, depending on the length of the requisition.

Rehabilitation Services

Communications and Marketing Manager
Rutherford County – 61248 (Closing Date 9/30/2024)

Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager
Rutherford County – 61551 (Closing Date 9/30/2024)

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Masters
Montgomery County – 61552 (Closing Date 9/30/2024)

Everyone can be a recruiter! Please help us by tapping into your network of talented friends, family and associates.

NOTE: You may now find TDHS jobs also posted on the TDHS LinkedIn page

Tennessee Department of Human Services: Overview | LinkedIn

Please encourage your friends and colleagues to visit our site for opportunities at TDHS.

TDHS employees' partner with TEMA to distribute Go-Kits at BridgesTN in Nashville.

This Newsletter will be distributed on the last Wednesday of each month, and we kindly ask that all news be approved by leadership and submitted at least three weeks in advance.

Let’s coordinate, share ideas, and learn from our individual customer groups on how we can work together to better serve Tennessee’s low-income families.

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