Employment and Community First CHOICES [ECF]
The Employment and Community First CHOICES program, managed by TennCare, supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering employment exploration, skill development, job coaching, community integration services, and other supports to foster independence and meaningful relationships.
What is Employment and Community First CHOICES [ECF]?
What is the Employment and Community First CHOICES [ECF] program?
The Employment and Community First CHOICES program, managed by TennCare through its partnered care organizations, is all about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This program is designed to help people with I/DD explore job opportunities and receive the necessary support to learn new skills, secure employment, and maintain a job. Employment options range from part-time to full-time or even pursuing self-employment. Additionally, the program offers services to enhance community skills and foster meaningful relationships.
Employment Services include:
- Exploration
- Discovery
- Situational observation and assessment
- Job development plan or self-employment plan
- Job development or self-employment startup
- Job coaching for individualized, integrated employment
- Job coaching for individualized, integrated self-employment
- Coworker supports
- Supported employment – small group
- Career advancement
- Integrated employment path services
- Community wrap-around services
Other Long-Term Services and Supports encompass:
- Independent living skills training
- Community integration support services
- Community transportation
And various additional services such as:
- Personal assistance
- Assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and supplies
- Community living supports (CLS) and CLS family model
- Supportive home care (SHC)
- Family caregiver stipend in lieu of SHC
- Respite
- Specialized Consultation and Training
- Individual Education and Training
In a nutshell, the Employment and Community First CHOICES program is here to assist individuals with I/DD in pursuing employment opportunities, building community skills, and fostering meaningful connections in their lives.
Ready to work with us?
Discover your pathway to a fulfilling life with ease through our meticulously outlined admissions process, designed to streamline your journey towards accessing the support you need. Let us guide you step-by-step, ensuring a seamless transition and empowering you to embark on your journey to optimal well-being.
Step One
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Step 1: Initial Referral and Assessment
Users seeking support from Support Solutions of the Mid-South (SSMS) should initiate the process by obtaining a referral from a relevant institution such as a psychiatric hospital. This referral will trigger the assessment process. Upon receiving the referral, our clinical team will assess it based on specific criteria including insurance coverage, co-occurring mental health diagnosis, income, and the individual's ability to ambulate. This assessment aims to determine the suitability of services for the individual. If the assessment aligns with the criteria and the person agrees to the proposed services, the admission process will proceed.
Step one
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Step 1: Admissions Process
Once the individual agrees to the proposed services, Support Solutions of the Mid-South (SSMS) will begin the admissions process. The admissions process involves ensuring compliance with licensing requirements as per state and federal regulations. This includes verifying specific criteria such as the individual's diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability, qualification for ICF/IDD level of care, completion of a Level of Care, and approval for Waiver or State Funding. Users will be required to submit various documents including medical records, psychological evaluations, insurance cards, Social Security Card, Resident Assessment assistance, immunization documentation, and current MAR if applicable.
Step Two
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Step 2: Evaluation and Service Provision
Following the submission of necessary documents and completion of the admissions process, Support Solutions' Admissions, Discharge, and Transfers Committee will evaluate the referral further. This evaluation includes assessing the adequacy and suitability of personnel and resources, considering the supported person's needs and whether they can be met at home, through residential support, or community/day support. Users will be informed about the availability of services provided and the geographic area served. Additionally, SSMS will coordinate with other agencies if they cannot respond to a request or continuance of service, and will provide advance notification of service changes, with exceptions for specific situations. Throughout this process, users can expect clear communication and guidance from Support Solutions of the Mid-South (SSMS) to ensure a smooth transition and appropriate support provision.
Need more information?
We're here to help. Call us at (901) 383-9193 for more information about our services.