TERI INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
We assist job seekers find and keep meaningful jobs in the community. Our program offers paid internships—free to employers—and continued support once someone is hired. Through our Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) program, we also help individuals explore their interests and turn them into careers. Together, we're creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
COORDINATED CAREER PATHWAYS (CCP)
Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) is a new service designed for individuals to achieve or advance in employment, volunteering and self-employment. Two new services are available through CCP:
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a Career Pathway Navigator (CPN)
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a Customized Employment Specialist (CES)
Services are time-limited to 18 months but can be extended to a maximum of 24 months.
Career Pathway Navigator
The Career Pathway Navigator (CPN) service helps individuals create a Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP) that outlines their career goals, strengths, challenges, available services, and an action plan with timelines. The CPN offers guidance, helps access services, and monitors progress monthly to adjust the plan as needed.
Customized Employment Specialist
A Customized Employment (CE) Specialist helps individuals achieve career goals as outlined in their Person-Centered Career Plan. CE is available to anyone who wants to work, regardless of disability or experience level.
TERI VOCATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (VIP)
The TERI Vocational Internship Program (VIP) is designed to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while exploring various career paths. Through paid internships, participants can develop essential workplace skills in a supportive and integrated environment with a qualified job coach.
Key features of the program include:
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No Cost to Employers: Internships are fully funded, allowing employers to participate at no financial cost.
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Job Coaching: Each participant receives personalized support from a job coach to help them succeed. Coaches offer guidance on job tasks, workplace expectations, and professional development.
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Career Exploration: Participants have the chance to explore different job roles and industries, helping them identify their interests and strengths.
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Pathway to Employment: Experience gained during the internships can lead to permanent job opportunities, either with the same employer or in other sectors.
Overall, the TERI VIP helps participants build independence while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to transition into competitive employment.
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Available Internships:
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Barista
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Therapeutic Equestrian
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Culinary
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Administrative Assistant
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Microgreens and Urban Farming
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Facility Care
We are currently seeking individuals who are clients of the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) and are over the age of 18. Internships last for 8 months, are 5 days a week, and pay industry-standard wages.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
​Supported employment focuses on providing personalized support—such as job coaching, ongoing assistance, and building natural workplace supports—to help individuals succeed on the job. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to thrive in integrated, competitive employment where they can earn a meaningful income and actively contribute to their communities.
Here are the key components of supported employment:
1. Individualized Employment Support
Each person with an intellectual disability receives tailored support based on their unique needs, skills, and interests. This begins with a detailed assessment to match the individual's abilities with potential job opportunities. The goal is to ensure that the job aligns with the person’s preferences, strengths, and vocational aspirations.
2. Job Coaching
One of the most important aspects of supported employment is the provision of job coaching. A trained job coach works closely with the individual to provide hands-on support in the workplace, helping them learn specific job tasks, build appropriate workplace behaviors, and understand job expectations. Over time, the level of support is gradually reduced as the individual gains independence.
3. Ongoing Support
Supported employment provides long-term follow-up services. This support may continue indefinitely to ensure job retention and success. Ongoing assistance might include periodic check-ins, workplace adjustments, and continued advocacy on behalf of the employee.
4. Paid Internships & Trial Work
Many supported employment programs begin with paid internships or trial work experiences. These opportunities allow individuals with ID to explore different jobs in real-world settings without the pressure of long-term commitments, while employers can assess the individual's fit for the role.
5. Tailored Day Services
Tailored Day Services (TDS) is the funding source for this service at TERI.
6. Employer Collaboration
Partnerships with employers are essential to the success of supported employment programs. Employers are encouraged to provide an inclusive work environment, offer appropriate accommodations, and engage in open communication with job coaches and service providers to promote employee success. Many employers benefit from the loyalty, dedication, and unique perspectives that individuals with intellectual disabilities bring to the workplace.
7. Benefits to Employers
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Diversity and Inclusion: Supported employment helps create a more diverse workforce.
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Improved Employee Retention: Studies show that employees with disabilities tend to have higher retention rates.
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Access to a Broader Talent Pool: Employers can tap into a new pool of qualified and motivated workers.
Supported employment fosters independence, builds self-esteem, and enables individuals with intellectual disabilities to be active, contributing members of society. Through individualized support, job coaching, and ongoing assistance, these individuals can succeed in competitive, integrated workplaces. At the same time, employers benefit from a dedicated workforce and contribute to a more inclusive community.
For more information contact:
Meredith McDermott at meredithm@teriinc.org or call 760.473.0066​
