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.

At TDHS, we know that access to quality, affordable child care is essential to helping families achieve and maintain economic stability. I am extremely proud of our Child Care & Community Services Division for its continued commitment to expanding child care opportunities and finding innovative ways to support Tennessee's working families.

I am excited to share that our Child Care Services team has begun contacting families currently on the state's Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance waitlist. We recently initiated outreach to nearly 100 families, prioritizing applicants based on their waitlist submission date and categories established by law, including military families, families experiencing homelessness, and families with children with disabilities.

Families contacted will have 14 days to respond and submit an application, with eligibility determined through the review process. Once the response window closes, we will move forward by reaching out to the next group of families on the waitlist. It is very important for families to watch for emails from TDHS and follow the instructions to ensure a smooth process.

We are intentionally taking a gradual, measured approach to ensure eligibility is assessed carefully and funding is allocated responsibly without overextending available resources.

While we recognize that the need for affordable high-quality child care remains significant, this marks an important step forward in connecting more Tennessee families with the support they need to work, thrive, and build a stronger future. Our work is far from finished, but every step forward reflects our continued commitment to breaking down barriers, expanding access to affordable child care, and empowering more Tennessee families with the resources and opportunities they need.

After nearly three decades of dedicated public service, Renee Bouchillon, Director of Adult Protective Services (APS) for the Tennessee Department of Human Services, is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, compassion, and advocacy for Tennessee’s most vulnerable adults.

Renee began her career in state government in 1996 as a Child Protective Services Social Counselor before transitioning to APS in 1999. Through her dedication and commitment to protecting adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, she rose through the ranks to become APS Program Director in 2015.

Under her leadership, APS strengthened statewide partnerships, modernized employee training, and implemented innovative initiatives to improve service delivery. Her accomplishments include partnering with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to establish the APS Investigation Training Academy, creating a centralized 24/7 intake system, securing federal grant funding, and advancing data-driven improvements to staffing, operations, and case management.

Beyond these achievements, Renee has been a respected advocate for vulnerable adults, representing Tennessee on numerous statewide and national commissions and committees, and fostering partnerships that continue to strengthen APS services.

Throughout her career, Renee has led with integrity, compassion, and a genuine heart for both the individuals APS serves and the employees who carry out its mission. While she will be greatly missed by colleagues, partners, and the communities she has served, her legacy will remain woven into the fabric of Adult Protective Services across Tennessee.

Congratulations, Renee, on an extraordinary career. Your leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Adult Protective Services and countless Tennesseans. Thank you for your years of service, and best wishes for a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirm the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities for all.

At TDHS, we believe that every Tennessean deserves the opportunity to achieve greater independence, build a fulfilling career, and contribute their unique talents and abilities to their communities.

Through our Division of Rehabilitation Services, TDHS continues to build new opportunities to connect Tennesseans with disabilities to essential resources, career training, employment support, and opportunities that help them overcome barriers and achieve their education and employment goals. These efforts not only empower individuals but also help Tennessee employers connect with talented individuals.

In recognition of NDEAM, TDHS joined community partners and employers on October 21 in Knoxville for a special breakfast and panel discussion hosted by the Knoxville Area Employment Consortium (KAEC). The event provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible employment opportunities, celebrate workforce achievements, and strengthen partnerships that connect individuals with disabilities to thriving careers.

Division of Rehabilitation Services team members also hosted various events throughout the month recognizing outstanding employers, hosting job and resources fairs, and other events to raise awareness about employment services for Tennesseans with disabilities.

To learn more about programs and services available through Rehabilitation Services, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/disability-services.html.

Customers who are currently on the TDHS Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance waitlist please keep an eye on your email for official communication from TDHS Child Care Services.

The program was on hold for a period of time, but we are excited to share that we recently started opening certificate spots again. At this time, we are enrolling families in small groups, approximately 100 at a time, as resources are available.

Customers currently on the waitlist should monitor their email regularly for communication, either asking to reconfirm their waitlist spot, or to respond and submit their application. It is important to read each email carefully, to understand what your family can expect. Please note that not all applicants will meet eligibility requirements.

We encourage families to check their spam and junk folders as well, so they do not miss any important updates regarding their Smart Steps application. Prompt responses will help families ensure their place in the review process.

TDHS encourages customers to be vigilant and aware of EBT scams. If customers receive a call or voicemail that implies that their SNAP or Families First benefits have been suspended, it may be a scam. Here are four things to remember about communications from TDHS:

TDHS remains committed to protecting customers’ information and their benefits by providing the tools and resources needed to recognize potential scams and confidently manage their accounts.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) recently announced the application period for the Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program (TSLRP) opened on October 12. TSLRP provides loan repayment assistance to eligible primary care, dental, and behavioral health clinicians who commit to serving in rural and high need communities across Tennessee.

TSLRP offers financial support to qualifying clinicians in exchange for a two-year service commitment in areas designated as having shortages of primary care, dental, or mental health providers. The program aims to reduce educational loan burden while bolstering Tennessee’s healthcare capacity in high-need areas across the state.

Fall 2026 Application Window
The TSLRP application cycle opened on October 12, 2026, and will close on December 12, 2026. Full program details, deadlines, and application materials are available at tn.gov/health/ruralhealth. TDH encourages interested clinicians, clinics and community partners to review eligibility criteria early to prepare for submission.

For more information about TSLRP and other loan repayment initiatives, visit tn.gov/health/ruralhealth.

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: November 4, 2026, 11:00am – 12:00pm CT 

Where: Online; Register Here

What: Quarterly State Rehabilitation Council Meeting

The upcoming State Rehabilitation Council Quarterly Meeting on November 5th, will focus on reviewing the Division of Rehabilitation Services’ responsibilities under Title I, including the extent, eligibility, and effectiveness of services as outlined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

Reasonable modifications and/or auxiliary aids/services are available upon request for members of the public who wish to attend the meeting. Contact Jade Prince by email at Jade.Prince@tn.gov or by phone at (931) 520-2493 to request the specific auxiliary aid or service you require to participate in the meeting of the State Rehabilitation Council.

When: November 5, 2026, 9:00am – 4:00pm ET 

Where: The Chattanoogan Hotel

1201 Broad St

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Parking Fee: $17 per day

Virtual option available here.

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.

Office of General Counsel

Associate Counsel      
Davidson County - 81775 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)      

Child Care and Community Services

APS Investigative Specialist 1*
Sevier County – 81513 (Closing Date 10/29/2026)       

APS Team Coordinator  
Overton County – 81804 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)   

DHS Block Grant Coordinator 
Statewide – 81900 (Closing Date 11/2/2026) 

Family Assistance and Child Support 

Eligibility Counselor 1*
Hardin County – 81860 (2)  (Closing Date 11/2/2026)             
Anderson County - 81883 (Closing Date 11/2/2026) 
Campbell County - 81863 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)              
Blount County – 81845 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)                                           
Morgan County – 81882 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)      
Stewart County – 81862 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)                

Rehabilitation Services   

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Masters
Knox County – 81857 (Closing Date 11/2/2026)

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), TDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services team members hosted various events throughout the month recognizing outstanding employers, hosting job and resources fairs, and other events to raise awareness about employment services for Tennesseans with disabilities. To learn more about available services for Tennesseans with disabilities, please visit the TDHS website here: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/disability-services.html. 

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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