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Program Overview

Project SEARCH is a one-year, business-led, unpaid internship program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school or between the ages of 21-30 that takes place entirely at a host business site. It provides students who want to work a chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills. The combination of instruction and immersion in the workplace prepares young adults with disabilities to make a successful transition from school to a productive adult life.

The Goal: Independent adults working in a competitive environment. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of skills training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from teachers, skills trainers, and employers. As a result, at the completion of the training program, students with significant intellectual disabilities are employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs. In addition, the presence of a Project SEARCH program can bring about long-term changes in business culture that have far-reaching positive effects on attitudes about hiring people with disabilities and the range of jobs in which they can be successful.

Program Flyer

Historical Background

Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a research environment that fosters visionary thinking and innovation. It all began in 1996, when Erin Riehle was Director of Cincinnati Children’s Emergency Department. Erin felt that, because the hospital served individuals with developmental disabilities, it made sense that they should commit to hiring people in this group. She wondered if it would be possible to train people with developmental disabilities to fill some of the high- turnover, entry-level positions in her department, which involved complex and systematic tasks such as stocking supply cabinets. As a starting point, Erin presented her ideas to Susie Rutkowski, then the special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses. Erin and Susie formed a partnership that was instantaneous, and together they launched Project SEARCH.

 In 2018, Hudson County launched the Hudson County Project SEARCH program at RWJBarnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center and DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City. This was made possible through a combination of County funding and a grant through the Kessler Foundation. In 2020, Hudson County’s Project SEARCH program was expanded to serve adults at the Hudson County Community College – Journal Square Campus. Through the NJ Division of Disability Services Inclusive Health Communities (IHC) grant, the program expanded again to address employment opportunities for young adults that graduated from high school at Hudson County Community College – North Campus.

Which Program should you choose?

Project SEARCH High School Program

The high school program serves:

  • High school student
  • Ages 18 to 21
  • Have completed all of the credit requirements for graduation and will be entering their last year of high school or high school eligibility

NOTE: High school program participants must agree to accept their diploma and exit the school system upon program completion; they may enter the program during the school term in which student turns 21 years old or earlier if decide to graduate. Many successful students come to Project SEARCH after 1-2 years in traditional transition programs. High school students must get approval from their school district to apply.

Project SEARCH Post-High School Program

The Post-high school program serves individuals:

    • That have graduated from high school
    • Have exited the school system or special education program (exhausted educational entitlements; beyond high school eligibility) for at least one (1) year
    • Are eligible to receive services through the Division of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
    • Are ineligible to receive services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) due to age (under 21)
    • Do not have a support coordinator caseworker

Project SEARCH Adult Program

The Adult Program serves:

    • Young adults between the ages of 21 – 30
    • Approved to receive services through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
    • Has an assigned support coordination agency and support coordinator

Application and Assessments

Applications and Intern Selection

Interns are typically referred to the program through their school Child Study Team (CST), vocational rehabilitation counselor, support coordinator or family member. Interested candidates must apply to be considered for acceptance into the program. Space is limited to approximately 6-12 interns per site each year.

Applications are accepted year-round. The Hudson County Steering Committee carries out the selection process which includes an application package review, hands-on skills day assessment, interview and scoring rubric that is related to entrance considerations. Selected interns will be match to the most appropriate program site based on interest and skills. NOTE: Interns placed at RWJBarnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center must complete a medical clearance which includes vaccinations that include but are not limited to the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Visit here for Project SEARCH Timeline 2023-2024

Key Dates to Remember

  • January 2023 – March 2023                Information Sessions
  • January 2023 – March 2023               Onsite Tours
  • March 31, 2023                                   Application Deadline
  • Week of April 23, 2023                       Skills Day Assessment
  • Week of May 1, 2023                          Notice of Determination

 

Basic Eligibility

The most important criterion for acceptance into Project SEARCH is a desire to achieve competitive employment (at least 16 hours per week) at the end of the program. The ideal candidate does not need sustained one-on-one job coaching and can reduce dependency on support as specific tasks are learned. In addition, a prospective Project SEARCH intern must:

  • Have a significant barrier to competitive employment*
  • Be between the ages of 18 – 21 (high school and post-high school programs) or 21 – 30 (adult program)
  • Be eligible for Division of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services
  • Commit to 100% attendance
  • Be willing to utilize independent transportation options and receive travel training
  • Be able to maintain appropriate behavior, hygiene and social skills in the workplace without immediate supervision**
  • Be able to meet host business clearance requirements (i.e., background check, drug test, health screening, vaccinations, etc.)
  • Be able to communicate effectively (may be other than verbal) and take direction from a supervisor

*This program serves individuals with a range of disabilities. Selection is not based  on educational labels or diagnoses, rather the selection committee endeavors to develop a cohort that is diverse in its abilities)

** Interns are supported by site staff and mentors; however, the expectation is that support will fade as interns gain skills and confidence with each internship rotation. An intern that requires constant one-on-one supervision will not be a candidate for this program).

Program Partners

The Hudson County Project SEARCH Program is a collaborative effort with the following community partners:

Hudson County Office of Inclusion and Accessibility (Coordinating Agency)
Hudson County Community College (Host Business Site)
DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City (Host Business Site)
RWJBarnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center (Host Business Site)
Hudson Community Enterprises (Community Rehabilitation Partner)
North Jersey Friendship House (Community Rehabilitation Partner)
Jersey City Board of Education (Lead School District)
NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Additional Information and Resources

Applications and Intern Selection

Erin Ross Burgess
Administrator, Office of Inclusion and Accessibility (OIA)
Hudson County Department of Health & Human Services

830 Bergen Avenue, 2B
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
201.369.5280 ext. 4142 phone
201.395.5660 fax

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