Finding a job is not easy, especially for people with disabilities. Although Pathfinder does not typically provide information about specific job opportunities, we connect individuals to services and resources to assist them on their path to employment.
Its comprehensive and interactive website is one way that Pathfinder connects Tennesseans with disabilities to employment support services. Let’s explore it together.
Searching for Employment Information
- Click Start Your Journey on the home page to begin searching for information
Note: Screen reader software may state the link or button as “let us guide you step-by-step” instead of start your journey.
- Make selections in the 5-Step Search Filters:
- Topic of Interest: Employment
2. Stage of Life: age range of person needing employment services or support
3. Diagnosis: type of disability that the person needing services has
4. Benefit / Payment Options: the type or source of funding to pay for services (Note: recommended to skip by leaving blank)
5. Service Area: Select a county, region, or statewide to determine where services are needed and available.
- Tips:
- Start with fewer filters and then add more as needed. The more filters you add, the narrower your search results will be.
- Use the keyword search to limit the number of results. If you search for a specific topic or provider in the search bar, such as “Vocational Rehabilitation,” it will pull up results with exactly that wording
There are more than 260 employment providers included on Pathfinder’s website that offer a variety of support services. Whether you seek help writing a resume, finding a job, determining how a job will affect your benefits, or getting support while working, the guided search process can help connect you to the appropriate agencies to meet your needs.
In addition to providers that offer employment-related services, our website includes resources and events. Resources are websites or links to information about various topics, such as employment. Events are activities found on our calendar that providers or community partners host. Employment-related events may include job fairs or community workshops.
To access the resources and events in the search results, toggle between the options in the toolbar above the search results, as shown below.
One-on-One Assistance
Despite having access to a comprehensive directory of services, the vast array of programs and complex service systems can still make it difficult to navigate employment-related services. Our diverse staff includes professionals, family members, and/or individuals with disabilities who have many years of experience working in the disability field. For one-on-one assistance, call 1-800-640-4636 or email tnpathfinder@vumc.org.
Stay Informed
For new employment opportunities in the disability field, check out the EmployAbility feature in this newsletter and future issues and follow Pathfinder on social media—Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads