Project SEARCH at Concord Hospital

Project SEARCH is a career development program for people who value employment as a key part of a meaningful adult life. Interns can participate in the program during their last year in high school as part of their planned transition services outlined in their I.E.P., or participate as a young adult after high school graduation.  The benefits of Project SEARCH for Interns include that they:

• Obtain work based individualized coaching, instruction and feedback
• Acquire competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills
• Gain increased independence, confidence, and self esteem
• Receive individualized job development and placement support after Project SEARCH graduation
  
  

“Project SEARCH was the perfect transitional program for our family. Our son has Asperger's Syndrome and when he was a senior in high school, we were uncertain how he would make it as a young adult and hold down a job. The internships offered at Concord Hospital provide an awesome opportunity for kids with disabilities who would like to live independently.  The staff helps them learn what an employer will expect as well as some of the social aspects too. I would definitely recommend this program to other families. It was a great experience for our son!” Participate Family Feedback

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long is the program?

The program follows the Concord School District (SAU 8) academic calendar, including holidays and vacations, which is based on 177 days. 
Project SEARCH has a formal graduation ceremony celebrating the achievement of the Interns.  This ceremony typically takes place in the second or third week in June.

How do Interns spend their days? 

The daily schedule follows the typical academic schedule for Concord High School.  Each day Interns begin at 7:45 and end at 2:30.  There are two main parts of the Interns’ day.  One part is their hands-on experience at their assigned internship, and the other part is classroom time where interns are guided through a curriculum that instills a variety of personal qualities and skills that are needed for success. 

Students arrive at 7:45 am and begin the day with a morning huddle with the Instructor and Skills Trainers.  Internships begin at 8:30 am for two hours, then a break for lunch at 11:30 am.  Interns return to their internship from 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm.  After that, Interns return to the classroom for a quick break, then reflection and curriculum work.  Interns depart for the day at 2:30 pm.

What types of internships are offered?

 Interns participate in three different internship rotations each year.  Each day interns spend fours and a half hours within a hospital department with hands-on employment skills training provided.  The project SEARCH Skills Trainers will check in each day and provide coaching as needed, but essentially Interns work directly with, and are supported by, department supervisors and staff.  Concord Hospital is a dynamic and vibrant business community that offers learning experiences beyond direct health care.  Internships have taken place in the following departments:

• Human Resources and Career Center
• Security 
• Environmental Services
• Facilities Management
• Grounds
• The Learning Center
• Food Services
• Linens
• Materiel Management

 

What do students do during classroom time?

Project SEARCH follows an established curriculum intended to enhance personal development.  The Project SEARCH Instructor is Stephanie Brasley who is a certified Special Education Teacher and was the Transition Coordinator at Pembroke Academy prior to taking the role of Project SEARCH as Concord Hospital Coordinator and Instructor.

Here are some of the topics that are covered through the Project SEARCH curriculum:

• Team Building
• Hospital Orientation
• Workplace Safety
• Technology
• Professional Skills
• Personal Responsibility
• Health and Wellness
• Money Management
• Presentation Skills
• Self-reflection, self-awareness and self-advocacy
• Person centered thinking and planning
• Interviewing
• Resume Writing
• Job Seeking
• Keeping a Job
  
  

How much is Project SEARCH and how is tuition funded?

The tuition for Project SEARCH for the 2021 – 2022 academic year is about $22,000.  The way Project SEARCH is funded may depend upon your current situation.  For instance:

• If you are still connected to a school district, Project SEARCH will be funded by that school district.  You should make sure that your school is on board with this plan, and that Project SEARCH is written into your IEP. 
  
  

• If you have exited the school system, HCBS-Medicaid Waiver funding may be available through Community Bridges and the State of NH Developmental Disability system.   Please note, there are eligibility requirements each person must meet to be considered eligible for Medicaid waiver funding.  As well, there must be funding available at the state level, and allocated to the person at the time it is needed.  Neither eligibility, nor funding availability is automatic or guaranteed, so do not wait to inquire with your Community Bridges connection.
  
  

• Private Pay – You and your family can privately fund Project SEARCH, or consider applying for grants, student aid, scholarships, etc.

 

What are the eligibility requirements?

First and foremost, Project SEARCH is a career and employment development program.  So each candidate must view career and paid employment as an important personal life outcome.  As well, the candidate must:

• Be between 19 and 35 years of age 
• Be connected to Community Bridges
• Be eligible for and have a current, open connection with Vocational Rehabilitation
• Provide pertinent documentation such as immunization records, IEPs, resumes, confirmation of tuition funding
• Be up to date on all Concord Hospital required vaccinations
• Pass background checks required of Concord Hospital employees
• Possess a level of personal independence and self-reliance in order to engage in the program without the need for 1:1 support
• Demonstrate mature, respectful behavior, ability to take personal responsibility, be able to communicate respectfully, listen openly and attentively, and accept constructive feedback and criticism.

 

What is the role of the Intern’s Family?

The Intern’s family is an important partner.  Families can promote success in Project SEARCH by:

• Supporting paid employment as future life outcome for the student
• Committing to provide or secure transportation to the program each day if needed
• Supporting the intern in the home setting by fostering personal organization, self-reliance, responsibility and accountability
• Participating actively in job development pursuits
• Be prepared to support your family member to take on greater personal responsibility for communication with the Instructor, and accountability for program participation

 

What is the application process and how are participants selected?

We are constantly working on recruitment for upcoming Project SEARCH sessions, and want to provide potential candidates, their families and schools with as much information about Project SEARCH as possible so you can make an informed decision about applying for Project SEARCH.

Below is the general annual timeframe for Project SEARCH recruitment and application.

*Due to efforts to follow Covid19 prevention protocols tours and site visits may be limited, but we can accommodate virtual tours and other ways to learn about the program.  Please call for the current availability for tours.

Applications for the next Project SEARCH session are typically available in November.  This gives candidates the opportunity to speak with their family and team, schedule a tour, attend an open house and gather required documentation (listed on the application.)  There is also a self-assessment that needs to be completed and submitted with the application.  Candidates may need the perspective of family or teachers to answer this thoroughly, so give yourself some time!  Applications for the next Project SEARCH session are submitted directly to the Project SEARCH Instructor, and reviewed by a Selection Committee. 

Candidates are scheduled for an interview, and possibly a time for the Instructor to observe the candidate in a current school or work setting. We strive to make this a comfortable experience for the applicant no matter their experience or communication preference and style. 

Please note:  If you are interested in Project SEARCH but have missed the typical application timeframe, please reach out to us!  We are more than willing to accept applications on-going as we often have spots available between May and August.  We will let you know if there are openings for the upcoming session, but please check in with us as early as possible.

How are Interns supported to find a job after Project SEARCH ends?

Project SEARCH at Concord Hospital follows a Two Year plan

The first year of Project SEARCH is a full-time program that follows the Concord School District academic calendar.  Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for each Intern.  This is defined as 16 hours per week or more of paid employment in a typical community business. To achieve that outcome, the commitment to securing employment for each intern, and supporting successful job retention over time, extends beyond the first year.

“Summer Bridge”

After Intern graduation, the focus shifts to ensuring that each Intern has secured paid employment in a community business.  During Summer Bridge, Project SEARCH Skills Trainers and Community Choices Supported Employment Job Coaches will provide individualized job development for each graduate, beginning the week following graduation until employment is secured.  It is important to note that Summer Bridge is not a full time program.  Each intern receives about 5 hours per week of support.  Some of these hours will be directly with the Intern, but some hours may be spent by the Skills Trainer or Job Coach to seek employment on behalf of the student.

Once employed in a competitive placement, your support becomes individualized assistance called “Supported Employment.”  This includes a detailed Job Analysis to identify and address barriers and develop strategies for ongoing employment retention. Community Choices will remain connected for a full year following Project SEARCH graduation, so long term funding must be carved out to support their direct services and consultation.  This support may be provided alongside other services and supports you receive from Community Choices or another agency.

Vocational Rehabilitation will retain the connection with you through successful job placement and may be able to offer additional short term support as needed for job training and retention.

The Project SEARCH Instructor will maintain regular connection with all graduates during the year following graduation to track the status of employment, report outcomes to National Project SEARCH, and to assist with job development idea generation, problem solving, and encouragement for graduates and families as needed.

“The best advice I can give?  If you're thinking about going to Project Search, it will be the best thing you could ever do in your life.” -Project SEARCH class of 2020 - 2021