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Charles Lea Center

Provides person-centered disability support services

Innovation Coordinator

Full-Time
$22.84 - $24.04/hr
Entry, Junior
Bachelor's, Associate's, Incomplete
Johnson City, TN, USA
HybridServes Washington County and surrounding counties; residence in Washington County is not required.
Social & Community ServicesCase Management & Advocacy

About the job

Requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Effectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English.
  • Pass a background check upon hire.
  • Have a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.
  • Meet one of the following education and experience qualifications: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field; a bachelor's degree in a non-related field and one year of relevant experience; an associate degree and two years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma or General Equivalent and four years of relevant case management experience providing or coordinating services to people with disabilities and special needs and/or case management services. Relevant experience means working directly with people with intellectual, developmental, or other disabilities or mental illness.
  • Regularly stand, walk, lift up to 25 pounds, and provide hands-on support; reasonable accommodations are available.
Responsibilities
  • Support people in achieving more effective and meaningful lives by securing nontraditional services that combine staff supports and enabling technologies, including residential, employment, and community supports.
  • Conduct assessments and person-centered/MAPs planning, link people to services, provide training, and advocate for people supported.
  • Develop and implement a new service in Tennessee for young adults in their communities, using person-centered, employment-first, and technology-first approaches.
  • Provide services and supports focused on achieving goals for the people supported.
  • Provide technical assistance to community providers implementing services for referred people.
  • Advocate on behalf of the person or guardian to ensure services reflect the person's or guardian's desires.
  • After transition to community services, conduct 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-ups to confirm satisfaction and progress toward desired outcomes.
  • Follow standards and regulations required by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging.

About the company

The Charles Lea Center supports people with disabilities by providing individualized services and supports to help them live, work, and participate in their communities. For over 50 years, the center has focused on person-centered thinking, planning and collaboration with each person, their families, and staff to meet unique needs. Their programs cover life skills, employment support, housing assistance, and recreational activities, delivered by trained staff who work closely with each individual. What sets them apart is a long-standing commitment to placing the person at the center of planning, emphasizing meaningful community participation, and supporting staff who see the difference their work makes in people’s lives. The center’s goal is to empower people with disabilities to be active, valued members of their communities through tailored supports and inclusive opportunities in living, working, and playing.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Drayton, South Carolina

Founded

1971

Get referred to Charles Lea Center

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Smithfield's 10-home inclusive housing project started March 5, 2026.
  • Clarksville office marked one year on April 9, 2026, showing geographic growth.
  • August 2026 conference activity builds referral networks and brand visibility with providers.

What critics are saying

  • HigherGov registration expired May 28, 2026, risking federal-award delays.
  • June 5 Spartanburg job fair shows persistent frontline staffing pressure.
  • Multi-state expansion across Carolina and Tennessee strains supervision, training, and consistency.

What makes Charles Lea Center unique

  • 2026 IMPACT Award for Precision in Care validates Charles Lea Center's medication operations.
  • Dr. Jerry Bernard presented person-centered planning at Tech Wave 2026 on August 18.
  • WheeLea digital guide and assistive-tech conferences signal deep disability-services specialization.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Wellness Program

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

3%

2 year growth

3%
The Charles Lea Center
Aug 18th, 2026
CLC presents at the Techwave SC Assistive Technology Conference.

CLC presents at the Techwave SC Assistive Technology Conference. Charles Lea Center August 18, 2026 The Charles Lea Center was proud to participate in the Techwave SC Assistive Technology Conference, an event focused on innovative technologies and approaches that help people with disabilities live more independently and achieve their goals. CLC CEO Jerry Bernard led a session on person-centered planning and assessment, sharing insights into the importance of placing each person's goals, preferences, strengths, and needs at the center of planning and support. Theresa Robbins, CLC Board member and service recipient, also represented CLC during the conference, sharing her perspective and lived experience as part of a panel discussion. Her voice offered attendees an important firsthand look at the impact of person-centered services and assistive technology. A special thank you goes to Omar Chirinos, Senior Director of Information Technology & Innovative Services, for his work behind the scenes helping coordinate the conference and make the day a success. Omar's efforts helped bring together people, technology, and ideas for a meaningful day of learning and collaboration. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn alongside professionals, advocates, and individuals from across South Carolina. The CLC is grateful to the organizers, presenters, and participants who made the conference such an informative and inspiring experience. The Charles Lea Center Inc is especially proud of Jerry, Theresa, and Omar for representing CLC and demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and person-centered support. The Charles Lea Center Inc look forward to continuing to explore new ideas and technologies that create greater independence, choice, and opportunity for the people The Charles Lea Center Inc serve.

The Charles Lea Center
Aug 10th, 2026
CLC receives national 2026 IMPACT Award for Precision in Care.

CLC receives national 2026 IMPACT Award for Precision in Care. Charles Lea Center August 10, 2026 Award recognizes excellence in medication administration and reflects the organization's unwavering commitment to the people it serves. The Charles Lea Center has been recognized with the 2026 Impruvon IMPACT Award for Precision in Care - Best Medication Rate, a national honor that celebrates provider organizations demonstrating exceptional excellence in medication administration, compliance, and quality care. Presented by Impruvon, the IMPACT Awards recognize providers and direct support professionals who set the standard for operational excellence while delivering safe, person-centered services. The Precision in Care Award acknowledges organizations that achieve outstanding medication administration performance, reflecting a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. For the Charles Lea Center, the award represents much more than a performance metric - it is a reflection of the dedication and compassion demonstrated every day by employees across the organization. "This recognition belongs to every member of Team CLC," said Shannon Childress, Chief Program Officer for the Charles Lea Center. The organization credits its success to a culture where quality, accountability, and person-centered care remain at the heart of every decision. "While we are honored to receive this national recognition" Childress said. "Our greatest achievement continues to be earning the trust of the individuals and families we serve," Childress added. "This award inspires us to continue raising the bar, strengthening our practices, and ensuring every person supported by the Charles Lea Center receives the highest level of care." The award also reflects the Charles Lea Center's ongoing investment in clinical excellence, staff training, and best practices that promote the health, safety, and well-being of those it supports. As the organization celebrates this achievement, leadership extends its gratitude to every employee whose dedication made this recognition possible. "This honor is a celebration of our people," Childress said... "Their passion for serving others, commitment to excellence, and belief in our mission are what make awards like this possible. We couldn't be more proud of what Team CLC has accomplished together."