EmployAbility – May 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A promotional graphic with a modern design featuring an office setting with gray cubicles and a bright red partition in the foreground. On the right side, large bold text reads “EMPLOY ABILITY.” Below, smaller text states “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities” next to a gray vertical bar with a red circle accent. At the bottom, a gray banner displays “TNPathfinder.org.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo with a compass icon appears in the lower-left corner.

Aging doesn’t mean stepping away from opportunity.

Many older adults continue to work, volunteer, and share their skills in meaningful ways. Whether through part-time employment, mentoring, or community involvement, these opportunities provide both purpose and connection.

Ready to take the next step on your path, job seekers? We’re sharing job and volunteer opportunities, as well as helpful resources, from across Tennessee to support you in finding the roles that match your strengths. Discover new ways to grow, contribute, and advocate for what matters most to you.

Jobs and Support for Older Adults in Tennessee

Many older adults are working longer or returning to work. The reasons are different for everyone.

Some people go back to work because they need more income. The cost of housing, food, medicine, transportation, and everyday needs can make retirement harder than expected. Others return to work because they want to stay active, meet people, use their skills, or feel more connected to their community.

Both reasons are valid.

Older adults bring a lot to the workplace. They often have years of life experience, strong work habits, patience, problem-solving skills, and knowledge that can help employers, customers, coworkers, and communities.

For older Tennesseans who want or need to work, there are places that can help with job searches, training, and employment support.

Places to Start Looking

Senior Community Service Employment Program, also called SCSEP
SCSEP helps eligible adults age 55 and older who are unemployed and looking for work. The program can provide paid, work-based training to help people build current job skills.
Website: www.tn.gov/workforce

AARP Foundation SCSEP
AARP Foundation also offers SCSEP support for eligible adults age 55 and older. This may include job training, job search help, and support in finding employment.
Website: www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation

American Job Centers in Tennessee
American Job Centers help people look for jobs, prepare resumes, learn about training, and connect with local employment opportunities. American Job Centers are serving all areas of Tennessee.
Website: www.tn.gov/workforce

Tennessee Virtual American Job Center
This online resource can help people explore jobs, training options, and employment programs from home.

Website: www.tnvirtualajc.com

State of Tennessee Careers
The State of Tennessee posts job openings in many areas, including office support, customer service, maintenance, parks, public service, and administrative roles.

Website: www.tn.gov/careers

Goodwill Career Solutions
Goodwill Career Solutions offers job search help, training, classes, and employment support. Services may vary by area.

Website: www.giveit2goodwill.org

Local School Systems
School systems may hire for roles such as substitute teacher, teacher assistant, cafeteria worker, bus monitor, office support, crossing guard, or after-school program staff.
Search online for your local school district and “careers” or “jobs.”

Local Libraries, City Offices, and County Government
Libraries, parks departments, community centers, city offices, and county agencies may have part-time, seasonal, or full-time jobs.
Search online for your city or county name and “jobs” or “careers.”

Health Care, Senior Centers, and Home Care Agencies
Hospitals, clinics, senior centers, assisted living communities, and home care agencies may hire for front desk, scheduling, food service, transportation, caregiver support, and other roles.

AARP Job Search Resources
AARP offers job search tools and information for workers age 50 and older.

Website: www.aarp.org/work

RetirementJobs.com
This website lists jobs for workers over 50, including openings in Tennessee.

Website: www.retirementjobs.com

A Good First Step

Older adults do not have to figure this out alone. A good first step is to contact a local American Job Center or ask about SCSEP. These programs can help people learn what jobs are available, what training may be needed, and where to apply. Many of these services can be found on our website at TNPathfinder.org or can be easily searched by typing the name of the organization in our keyword search. Enhance your search by using the AI function.

Whether someone is returning to work because they need extra income or because they want to stay connected, support is available. Work can still be a place for purpose, stability, learning, and new opportunities at every age.

Pathfinder Opportunities

Recruitment graphic for the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Ambassador Program. The design features bold navy blue and green curved sections with large white and lime-green text reading, “Become a Pathfinder Ambassador!” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo is incorporated into the word “Ambassador.” Beneath the headline, white text states, “Help connect your community to resources and support.” On the right side of the image, a smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a green shirt, navy cardigan, and lanyard is seated outdoors speaking with an older adult using a wheelchair. She gestures warmly while holding informational materials, suggesting a supportive conversation at a community outreach event. In the softly blurred background, additional people stand near tables and appear engaged in conversation outdoors on a sunny day. The lower left section highlights program details with icons and text: “Make a Local Impact — Raise awareness and share resources in your community,” “Build Connections — Partner with local organizations and attend community events,” and “Flexible & Rewarding — $5,000 stipend plus mileage reimbursement.” At the bottom, large navy text on a lime-green brushstroke reads, “Be the Connection. Make a difference where you live.” In the lower right corner, a navy blue paint-stroke graphic contains lime-green and white text reading, “Interested? Send a letter of interest to: megan.hart@vumc.org.” The overall tone is welcoming, community-centered, and encouraging.

Pathfinder Ambassadors: Help Us Reach More Communities Across Tennessee

We’re expanding how we connect with communities, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of it.

The Pathfinder Ambassador Program is a new outreach effort designed to increase awareness of Tennessee Disability Pathfinder in East and West Tennessee, with a strong focus on rural communities. This work is powered by people who live, work, and are already connected in these regions.

From July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, selected ambassadors will help share Pathfinder resources, build local connections, and make sure more people know where to turn when they need support.

What Ambassadors Do

Ambassadors serve as a local connection to Pathfinder by:

  • Visiting community organizations like schools, libraries, health departments, senior centers, and clinics to share materials
  • Attending events and hosting outreach tables
  • Identifying new service providers to be added to the Pathfinder database
  • Working with Pathfinder staff to highlight local stories, resources, and events

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for individuals who:

  • Have a connection to the disability community
  • Are passionate about helping others find resources and support
  • Are comfortable talking with others about Pathfinder
  • Can travel within their region (mileage is reimbursed)

Compensation

  • $5,000 stipend
  • Mileage reimbursement

Interested in Applying?
Send a letter of interest to:📧 megan.hart@vumc.org

Employment Opportunities

Ready to Start a New Career in 2026?

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is now hiring for seasonal summer positions ☀️
Get real-life work experience in a fun, energetic environment while making a difference in your community. We’re hiring for a variety of roles, including lifeguards, splash park attendants, pool cashiers, park naturalists, facility supervisors, and therapeutic (Camp Will) summer day camp staff.
Apply online today at wcparksandrec.com to get started!

 

Leadership Development & Mentorship Opportunities

Flyer for the EMPOWER VI Virtual Mentorship Program featuring Vanderbilt University and Tennessee School for the Blind logos. The flyer outlines an overview of the program, a timeline of recruitment, onboarding, and monthly mentorship meetings, and eligibility requirements for student mentees and adult mentors. It includes contact information, a website link for full role descriptions, and a list of expectations such as having a visual impairment, using Microsoft Teams, and participating in scheduled meetings.

The EMPOWER VI Virtual Mentorship Program is seeking students and adult professionals to participate in its next mentorship cycle. This program pairs high‑school juniors and seniors with visual impairments with trained mentors who provide guidance, support, and monthly virtual meetings throughout the school year. The timeline includes recruitment and interviews in the spring, onboarding in August, and structured mentorship sessions from September through May. Full role descriptions and additional details are available at EMPOWER VI’s website.

🔗 Learn more and sign up today!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering can be a meaningful way for older adults to stay connected, active, and involved. It can help people meet others, share their skills, build a routine, and feel useful in their community. For some, volunteering may also be a good first step before returning to paid work.

There are many ways to volunteer in Tennessee. Some opportunities are in person, while others may be flexible or based on local need.

Places to Start Looking

AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps Seniors connects adults age 55 and older with volunteer opportunities across the country, including Tennessee. Programs may include helping children, supporting older adults, providing companionship, or serving through local community organizations.
Website: www.americorps.govVolunteer Tennessee notes that AmeriCorps Seniors includes programs such as RSVP, Foster Grandparent, and Senior Companion.

FiftyForward RSVP
FiftyForward RSVP is part of AmeriCorps Seniors and serves adults age 55 and older in Davidson and Williamson Counties. Volunteers can support community programs and local service opportunities.

Website: www.fiftyforward.org

FiftyForward describes RSVP as a volunteer program for adults 55+ in Davidson and Williamson Counties.

Hands On Nashville / United Way of Greater Nashville
Hands On Nashville connects volunteers with local nonprofits, schools, and community groups. Their search tool lets people look for opportunities by interest, location, age, and availability.

Website: handson.unitedwaygreaternashville.org
Search: “Hands On Nashville volunteer opportunities.”
Their volunteer search includes options for seniors and RSVP opportunities.

Volunteer Tennessee
Volunteer Tennessee shares information about service programs across the state, including AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors.

Website: www.tn.gov/volunteer-tennessee
Volunteer Tennessee says AmeriCorps offers service opportunities for people from many backgrounds.

Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
This state department focuses on older Tennesseans and adults with disabilities. It can be a helpful place to learn about programs, services, and possible ways to support older adults in local communities.
Website: www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging
Search: “Tennessee Disability and Aging volunteer”
The department’s mission includes protecting and supporting quality of life and independence for older Tennesseans and adults with disabilities.

Area Agencies on Aging and Disability
Area Agencies on Aging and Disability may have local volunteer opportunities, such as meal delivery, senior transportation, caregiver support, ombudsman programs, or help at senior centers. Opportunities vary by region.
Search: “Area Agency on Aging and Disability volunteer Tennessee”
For example, the Southwest Area Agency on Aging and Disability lists volunteer opportunities in home-delivered meals, long-term care ombudsman, senior transportation, senior centers, and SHIP.

AgeWell Middle Tennessee Directory
AgeWell’s directory includes volunteer opportunity listings and can help people find programs that are focused on older adults.
Website: www.agewelltn.org
Search: “AgeWell Tennessee volunteer opportunities”
AgeWell says the listed organizations include volunteer clearinghouses and programs specifically for older adults.

Local Senior Centers
Senior centers often need volunteers for events, classes, phone calls, meals, transportation, activities, or peer support.
Search: Your county or city name plus “senior center volunteer.”

Libraries, Schools, Hospitals, and Food Banks
These places often welcome volunteers of different ages and skill levels. Older adults may be able to help with reading programs, front desk support, food sorting, visitor assistance, mentoring, or special events.
Search: Your city or county name plus “volunteer opportunities.”

A Good First Step

A good first step is to choose one or two interests. For example: helping children, supporting older adults, delivering meals, answering phones, mentoring, reading, transportation, or helping at community events.

Volunteering does not have to be a full-time commitment. Even a few hours a month can help someone stay connected while making a difference for others.