Vocational rehabilitation services at Siskin Hospital are offered to anyone with a disability who lives in the Greater Chattanooga or North Georgia areas.
Vocational rehabilitation services provide a crucial link in the continuum of physical rehabilitation to the return to a productive, meaningful life in the community and workforce. As a final step toward independence, individuals find pride and a sense of purpose in returning to work and to independent living skills and travel through participating in the programs provided through the Vocational Services Department. Services provided are:
For more information about the Vocational Services Department at Siskin Hospital, call 423-634-1635 or 423-634-1537.
Vocational Evaluation
The Vocational Evaluation at Siskin Hospital is intended to assess an individual's potential to return to work following their disability. The vocational evaluation assesses an individual's:
It is highly recommended that the Vocational Evaluator at Siskin Hospital complete a vocational evaluation before any other services are provided. The vocational evaluation can help determine which of the programs offered by the Vocational Services Department would best suit the individual's needs.
Community Re-entry Services Program
The Community Re-entry Services (CRS) Program at Siskin Hospital provides treatment that leads to paid employment and independent living skills for clients with a brain injury or other neurological impairment who are ready to enter the competitive workforce and the community.
The CRS Program is a day treatment program and is usually a stepping stone for pre-employment activities. After completion of the CRS Program, the client is usually transitioned into the Supported Employment Program (described in more detail below). Currently, the CRS Program operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note that this is subject to change depending on activities available in the community and the individual's volunteer/work schedule.
A client's length of time in the CRS Program is dependent upon the client's progress and input from the vocational team. However, the average length of stay is from six to nine months.
Criteria for eligibility into the CRS Program includes:
Some of the services provided in the CRS Program include:
Supported Employment Program
The Supported Employment Program at Siskin Hospital provides clients with brain injury or other neurological impairments, and who have successfully completed the CRS Program, the assistance required to find, keep, and be successful in paid employment.
The Supported Employment Program assists clients to reach their goal of returning to work by providing:
Travel Training Program
The Travel Training Program at Siskin Hospital equips individuals who have disabilities with the skills to travel independently on public transportation in the Chattanooga area.
While the Community Re-entry Services Program and Supported Employment Program serve clients with acquired or traumatic brain injury, the Travel Training Program is a one-on-one, individualized free service available to all persons with a disability or anyone who is over the age of 65.
The program is a partnership between Siskin Hospital and Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). For more information about the Travel Training Program, please call 423-634-1576 or email vpowell@siskinrehab.org.
Charity Care and Donation
To alleviate the cost of vocational rehabilitation services, Siskin Hospital accepts donations specifically designated for the Vocational Services Department. For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals in need of vocational rehabilitation services, please click here.
