Project SEARCH Model

Transition-to-Work Program

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one academic year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement.

Project SEARCH - Decorative Swoosh
Employment
Employment

in an integrated setting

Year-Round
Year-Round

non-seasonal employment

16 Hours Per Week
16 Hours

per week or more

Wages
Prevailing wage

in an integrated setting

Collaboration is a key to our program's success.

Project SEARCH is a collaborative initiative that involves businesses, educational institutions, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Developmental Disability Organizations, and Supported Employment Agencies.

These partners work together to create a self-sustaining program, provided that each organization fulfills its designated roles and responsibilities. By joining forces, these entities can better coordinate services for individuals, resulting in smoother transitions to employment for young people with disabilities and reduced costs for the agencies involved.

Project SEARCH Collaboration Model

Train

Through a series of three targeted internships, each lasting 10 to 12 weeks, interns gain competitive, marketable, and transferable skills that prepare them for entry-level positions at the host business or within their community. They also develop essential communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, contributing to their overall growth as young workers. Each intern spends approximately five hours a day at their internship, which includes a thirty-minute lunch break. Once interns have mastered the core skills, additional skills are introduced to further enhance their marketability.

Employ

In the final months of the program, the focus shifts to refining skills, achieving the goal of competitive employment, and implementing individualized job search and development strategies. Establishing connections with appropriate disability support services is crucial at this stage, as interns prepare to graduate from the program. These connections help ensure a successful transition to competitive integrated employment and adult life.

Support

It is our intention for interns to have a long-term employment follow-up plan in place before graduation. If a graduate is not eligible for Developmental Disabilities funding, the onsite team will explore additional resource options, such as Social Security work incentives, Vocational Rehabilitation extended support, and natural supports. Employed graduates will receive ongoing follow-up services to help them retain their jobs. The plan includes a schedule for periodic check-ins with both the employer and the graduate.

The outcome of the program is integrated, competitive employment.

The program aims to achieve competitive, integrated employment for graduates, with 70% to 100% securing jobs within nine months. Employment occurs in integrated settings, with typical wages, at least 16 hours per week, and a focus on full-time, complex work. Internships develop marketable skills aligned with local labor needs, and job developers work closely with interns to craft intentional employment plans by the third internship. Plans are updated post-graduation for those not yet employed, involving family, community resources, and follow-along services. Graduates receive long-term support, including employer check-ins and resource exploration, to ensure job retention and success.

The focus of the program is on serving young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who can benefit from personalized support in an intensive year of career development and internship experience.

The program is an application-only program that aims to serve two primary groups: high school students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, or young adults aged 18-30 who are also VR or Developmental Disability Service eligible. The program embraces individuals with complex needs like poverty, homelessness, or mental illness. To recruit interns, the program employs a multi-faceted approach. Outreach efforts include reaching out to schools, agencies, and community organizations. Potential interns are invited to tour host businesses to gain firsthand experience. A selection committee, composed of representatives from partner organizations, conducts skills assessments and interviews to identify candidates. The goal is to select a class size that ensures program sustainability.

The program is a collaborative partnership using support and resources from: Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Rehabilitation Provider, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services Agency, and others as identified.

The program requires a Steering Committee which plays a critical role in the program’s success. It consists of representatives from all partner organizations. The committee meets regularly to plan, monitor progress, and make decisions. All partners are actively involved in various aspects of the program, from planning and recruitment to on-site support and quality improvement. The program leverages existing resources from all partners and aims for long-term sustainability. The program relies on dedicated and trained staff, including a full-time instructor and skilled trainers. These individuals receive comprehensive training and work collaboratively to support interns. To ensure adherence to the Project SEARCH model, the partnering team pays the required start-up and annual licensing fees to Cincinnati Children's.

The program is business-focused. 

The program operates within a diverse business that provides various internships and supports the initiative with a business liaison, access to training, and dedicated training space. The liaison identifies internship sites and promotes the program, while mentors offer guidance and feedback to enhance interns' employability. The business gains from improved employee morale and a potential talent pool.

The program leads to the acquisition of competitive skills. 

The program typically lasts for 36 weeks, which includes orientation, three internships lasting 10 to 12 weeks each, transition periods, and a commencement ceremony. Interns have the opportunity to interview and train in various departments to acquire marketable and transferable skills, with regular assessments conducted to monitor their progress. Employment planning meetings are held to discuss individual job goals and develop strategies for successful employment. A strong emphasis is placed on employability skills, with dedicated curriculum time allocated each day. The curriculum is flexible and tailored to meet the individual needs of each intern. Additionally, the program includes travel training to ensure that interns can commute independently to their internships and future jobs.

The program is committed to continuous improvement.

The Project SEARCH Member Portal is utilized to track intern data, including program enrollment, internship placements, and employment outcomes. It also provides Project SEARCH teams with access to resources and training materials. To promote continuous improvement, each program team creates action plans that target areas requiring enhancement, such as employment outcomes, recruitment, and retention. The steering committee plays a key role in developing and implementing these plans.

Project SEARCH - Victoria Testimonial

I credit Project SEARCH for preparing me for employment in a hospital setting. The program helped me adjust to the work environment I was interested in and fostered my independence.

Victoria

Food Service Associate | Lankenau Medical Center