Project SEARCH Overview What is Project SEARCH? © CCHMC 1/3/06

History In 1996, while working as the Director of the Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Erin Riehle was frustrated with the high turnover rate in entry-level jobs. Erin wondered if people with disabilities could fill the entry level jobs she had. Together with Great Oaks Career Campuses and the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disability Services, the idea of filling a handful of jobs in Cincinnati Children’s Emergency Department evolved into a comprehensive program model—Project SEARCH.

History In 2013, The Knox Area Employment Consortium, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities partnered together with The University of Tennessee Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville to begin the first adult model Project SEARCH programs in TN In 2014, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Shelby County Schools, SRVS, and Vocational Rehabilitation partnered to form Le Bonheur Project SEARCH in Memphis, TN.

Project SEARCH Across TN There are currently 9 Project SEARCH programs across TN LocationSetting Nashville (adults)Vanderbilt Hospital NashvilleEmbassy Suites ClarksvilleMontgomery County Government Knoxville (adults)University of Tennessee Medical Center Knoxville (adults)East Tennessee Children's Hospital MemphisLeBonheur Children’s Hospital MurfreesboroEmbassy Suites MaryvilleMaryville College JacksonJackson/Madison Hospital

Project SEARCH SEARCHInternProject Intern Vocational Rehabilitation Services Adult Service Provider Host Business Site School System Families DIDDs American Job Center

Partners Business Host site provides an on-site classroom, liason and mentors at a variety of internships that teach core skills related to that business or organization. School systems provides an instructor, employability skills curriculum and student interns from their affiliated schools. Vocational Rehabilitation and DIDDs provides individual career guidance, job coaching and other supports for each student to gain competitive employment. Adult Service Provider provides job coaching and job development for student interns at the host business and in their initial job. American Job Centers provide funding for the internships as well as resources for job development and employability skills

Benefits for Interns Post-secondary training and internship experience (no cost) Opportunity to work and gain work experience in high-status organization Develop skills and build on strengths Work toward independence in areas such as transportation, daily living skills, etc.

Research Work Based Learning promotes skills which employers value: Problem Solving Critical Thinking Team work Social relationships

Program Description 9 month program 8-14 student interns Students with a variety of disabilities Last year of HS eligibility for transition programs Rotation through unpaid internships with continual feedback Outcome of employment

Overall Goals 100% Employment for Project SEARCH graduates Change in Business Culture Bonus: Increased collaboration among service agencies

Goals Defined Employment Requirements for each Project SEARCH intern 16 hours a week or more for National Project SEARCH 20 hours a week or more for TN Project SEARCH Minimum wage or better Community, Integrated Setting Non-Seasonal or Temp work Based on skills and interest

TN outcomes to Date Year Year Combined Total Total # Interns Total # placed in jobs % of goal71%42%54% 12

Student Selection Highlights Constant Marketing to schools, families and agencies Receive applications in early spring Tour and assessment from potential candidates Interview & Assessment with committee/team Committee selects interns Travel Training Complete program entrance requirements (immunizations, etc.)

Eligibility Guidelines 18 – 21 years old Appropriate hygiene, social and communication skills to match business culture Ability to take direction and change behavior Willing to access public transportation, if available Pass drug screen, background check, immunizations and any other pre-requisites Desire to Work and Family Support!

Code of Conduct Considerations Students are interns at the host business Must adhere to disciplinary process of business as well as school Set high expectations up front

Typical Day at Project SEARCH 8:00-9:00 Employability Skills in Training Room 9:00-2:00 Internships & Lunch 2:00-3:00 Review & Debrief in Training Room 3:00 Depart

Employability Skills Curriculum Team Building Navigation & Workplace Safety Technology/Presentation skills Social Skills/Communication Job Seeking Skills Money Management Health and Wellness Maintaining Employment Employer Specific Skills

Hospital Internships Emergency Department Central Supply Outpatient Food & Nutrition Orthopedics Environmental Services Pedi-Flite Respiratory Security

Orthopedics

Respiratory Pedi-Flite © CCHMC 1/3/06

Food & Nutrition

© CCHMC 1/3/06 Central Supply

© CCHMC 1/3/06 Emergency Department

© CCHMC 1/3/06 Security Environmental Services

© CCHMC 1/3/06 Stephanie Potter Employment Specialist Amerigroup