Vocational Services & Internships

Integrated Employment Services (IES)

We assist job seekers in finding and keeping meaningful jobs in the community. Our program offers paid internships — at no cost to employers — and ongoing support once someone is hired. We also help individuals explore their interests and turn them into careers. Together, we're creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.

TERI's Integrated Employment Services program is built on three core components:

Job Preparedness
Guide and empower person-centered career plans that lead to living wage jobs.

Vocational Internships

6 to 12-month paid work experience within a supportive, personal coach model.

Long-Term Employment Support

Individual coaching to help neurodivergent workers excel in the modern workforce.

Our Employment Services in Detail

This path is designed to help individuals achieve or advance in employment, volunteering, and self-employment. Services are time-limited to 18 months but can be extended to a maximum of 24 months.

We create a Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP) that outlines their career goals, strengths, challenges, available services, and an action plan with timelines. It offers guidance, helps access services, and monitors progress monthly to adjust the plan as needed.

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. Key features of the program include: 𝗡𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀: Internships are fully funded, allowing employers to participate at no financial cost. 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. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Participants have the chance to explore different job roles and industries, helping them identify their interests and strengths. 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. 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: •Administrative Assistant •Barista •Culinary •Facility Care •Microgreens and Urban Farming •Therapeutic Equestrian 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 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 Tailored Day Services (TDS) is the funding source for this service at TERI.

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.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Supported employment helps create a more diverse workforce. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Studies show that employees with disabilities tend to have higher retention rates. 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.

Success Story: Will's Journey

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Meredith McDermott

Director of Integrated Employment Services

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