Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a vocational training and employment program hosted by Health First that matches the abilities of people with disabilities to real jobs then provides support and training needed for both the employee and employer, at no cost.
What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is a vocational training and employment program hosted by Health First that matches the abilities of people with disabilities to real jobs then provides support and training needed for both the employee and employer, at no cost.
The goal is to help companies successfully recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities. The approach helps to meet both the company's human resource needs and increase employment options for people with disabilities.
Disabilities are experienced by almost everyone at some time in their lifetime and are part of life. Project SEARCH teaches those with disabilities business skills needed so they can, live independently, enjoy self-determination, and have an opportunity to contribute to society.
Why hire a Project SEARCH student?
The Project SEARCH Program is about connecting trained recruits with disabilities to employers who value the diversity these individuals present. At Project SEARCH, we match your company's needs with our candidates strengths.
Upon employment, the candidate receives one-on-one supervision and support from a Project SEARCH Job Developer as they learn the job, expectations of employment, acquire skills, and acclimate to the job-site culture.
Our graduates receive training about the importance of business culture, company dress codes and the appropriate use of language in the business world.
Project SEARCH staff also:
- Coordinate job development and agency referrals with your HR needs
- Match qualified employees with open positions — free of charge
- Perform these functions prior to job placement
- Coordinate job coaching during initial phases of on-the-job training
- Provide continued support/assistance to your organization
For more information, contact Project SEARCH.
FAQs
Students who have completed all high school graduation requirements can fill out the application that is located on this website, or their school guidance counselor may provide a copy. They MUST become a client with Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Student must be at least 18 years of age.
- Graduated high school and deferred their diploma
Have an IEP with a documented disability AND be eligible with Vocational Rehabilitation
- Be independent with personal hygiene and grooming skills
Have independent daily living skills
- Maintain appropriate behavior and social skills in the workplace
- Able to communicate effectively
A typical day for an intern goes from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.. (Ideally, interns need to explore options for transportation such as public transportation or learning to drive).
Training Room: 8:30-9:00 Interns sign in and employability skills are taught before the training work begins.
Internship: 9:00-11:30 Interns report to their internship rotation (each intern has 3 internships during the year. Interns learn entry level job skills that build progressively throughout the year.
Lunch: 11:30-12:00 Interns may buy or pack their lunch and eat in the cafeteria or department break rooms.
Internship: 12:00-2:30 Interns return to their internship rotations.
Training Room: 2:30-3:00 Interns return to the training room to: reflect on their day, plan for the next day, practice communication and other curricular skills.
The curriculum used is: The Project SEARCH Employability Skills Curriculum. The topics that are included are: team building, workplace safety, technology, self-advocacy, maintaining employment, financial literacy, health and wellness, preparing for employment, and social/communication skills.
Interns work in multiple departments within the hospital such as: environmental—trash, linen, housekeeping, nursing floors, café, dish room, operating room, sterile processing department, general stores, transport.
No, interns are not guaranteed a job at Health First after the internship. We always say this is a nine-month interview and if a department thinks the intern is doing a great job and wants to move forward, they will reach out to us. We also have a Job Developer who works within the community exploring job opportunities for interns after the training portion in the hospital setting.