Coordinated Career Pathways (Pathways) is a three‑year pilot service designed for individuals exiting work activity programs, subminimum‑wage settings, or those within two years of leaving secondary education. The goal of Pathways is to help people achieve or advance in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The pilot offers two new services: a Career Pathway Navigator (Navigator) and a Customized Employment Specialist.

Senate Bill 188 (Chapter 49, Statutes of 2022) added Welfare and Institutions Code section 4870.2, which requires the Department of Developmental Services (Department) to establish this three‑year employment pilot. Pathways began in June 2024 and is structured as an 18‑month service. The pilot has limited funding: the 2022 Budget Act provided a one‑time $8.2 million appropriation for Pathways, and as of December 2025, about $7 million has been spent.

UPDATE: The Department issued new guidance on March 12, 2026. As a result, the Coordinated Career Pathways pilot is no longer accepting new referrals. For more information, click here.

About Pathways

Career Pathway Navigator

All individuals using this service will first develop a Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP) with a Career Pathway Navigator (Navigator). The plan includes the individuals career goal or interests, strengths, challenges and barriers, regional center and generic services and supports, short term milestones, action steps, and timeline. The Navigator will provide direct assistance in the implementation of the plan including, guidance and information, and direct assistance accessing regional center and generic services. Monthly monitoring of progress occurs, allowing for necessary adjustments to be made to the PCCP as required.

The PCCP may include, but is not limited to, the following activities and services:

  • career exploration
  • community engagement and integration
  • postsecondary education, vocational training
  • internships and or other work experiences (volunteering, temporary work, part time paid work)
  • supported employment (job preparation, search, placement, coaching)
  • customized employment
  • technology assistance
  • self-employment or microbusiness launch
  • benefits education and analysis (SSI, food assistance, housing)
  • transportation
  • financial empowerment and savings

Customized Employment Specialist

The recommendation for customized employment services and/or other regional center services to meet individual needs to achieve CIE will be a part of the Person-Centered Career Plan.

Customized employment is an employment service that is designed for any person who wants to work, regardless of the severity of their disability, limited exposure to community and work experience, or support needs. Customized employment is carried out through discovery, job search planning, job development and negotiation, placement support and post-employment support. Customized employment results in CIE through a customized, negotiated job that matches the interests, skills, abilities, and work conditions of the individual to the business needs of an employer.

Pathways Rates

The Department has established rates for Pathways, which can be found here.

Resources

Pathways Informational Packet

Data Collection Instructions

Additional Resources

Webinar Recordings and Materials

May 13 and 14, 2024, Pathways Community Webinars

These community webinars provided an overview of the new Pathways service and answered questions from the audience.


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Last modified: April 9, 2026