SHIFT encourages organizations to be strategic in the selection of staff that will participate in this education. This is because we know that having the right people supporting your Employment First initiative will significantly increase the odds of your success. SHIFT suggests that you consider the following:

Include representation from all levels of the organization - from direct support to executive leadership.

Include representation from all core service areas (residential, vocational, medical, etc.).

Select people who have an interest in competitive integrated employment.

Select people who are influential in the organization.

Select people who have the capacity and willingness to meet the educational requirements, including the 90 day completion timeline.

The number of staff who will be required to complete education is based on the annual operating revenue of the organization. Click here for the table showing that information.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS PROJECT

Only a limited number of provider agencies will be selected for this opportunity. Organizations are encouraged to submit thoughtful, thorough responses to the narrative portions of the application. Consider preparing your responses in a Word document in advance as partially completed applications cannot be saved. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Applications will be reviewed by SHIFT subject matter experts as well as representatives from TN DDA. Once all applications have been reviewed, each organization will be notified as to whether they have been accepted into the Employment First Education & Accreditation Project.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Constance Harrington (constance.harrington@techfirstshift.com), SHIFT's Director of Education and Accreditation.