Project Search
- NCH internship program provides job opportunities for developmentally disabled high school grads
GRN, who serves as Clinical Educator, Neuro and Behavioral Science Service Line, and Project Search Business Liaison. “We give them a start - a jumping platform - to progress, with the reward of gaining a job or full-time employment.” According to Fletcher, three of the 11 graduates have been hired by NCH, and the remaining eight have been hired by other organizations within the community. Trey works part-time with Sodexo, and Caleb is a per-diem hire in the central distribution office. Both graduates average 20 to 25 hours each week. Integral in the training of the students are the Exceptional Student Education Teachers (ESET) and job coaches. "Annual skill-testing – a simulated experience of the different tasks they will be performing – determines program entry," said Kim Kaye, ESET. Once approved for participation in Project Search, interns work about six hours each day, and are mentored by NCH staff in 12 departments, such as central distribution, linen management, sterile processing, maintenance, or engineering. Ruth Karaczun, a job skills coach, partners with Nicole Cholka, ESET, to create ways to teach skills using diagrams, checklists, or pictures. Then, interns work with their mentors to perform a job function. Each department has
By Jean Amodea NCH is extending its reach into the community, providing meaningful employment training to Collier County public school students aged 18- 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eligible students have completed high school graduation requirements are offered the opportunity to enter Project Search, a one-year job-training program. The program, now in its second year, has experienced a 100 percent success
❝ We are so proud at the district about the career and life readiness program that supports the concept that even though a student is not college-bound, success can be attained within transition programs. ❞ Nicole Spencer, Coordinator for Exceptional Education
hard and soft skill sets that help to prepare interns to
and Student Support Services, Collier County Public Schools
transfer their learned skills to a job at NCH, or elsewhere in the community. "The three-rotation internship in the fall, winter and spring lasts about 12 weeks and is based on student interests and skill levels,” explained Cholka. “Interns switch departments, building skills in each department.” An hour of classroom time each day focuses on employability skills and is followed by a five-hour workday. Afterward, they meet with their mentors for 30 minutes to review problems, challenges, and to set goals for the next day. In an effort to foster independence, punctuality, and responsibility, all interns must access public transportation and find their way, just as in a real job, said Cholka. By the program's end, students have a resume, portfolio, and undergo mock interviews. NCH guest speakers and various employees address the interns about workplace topics. Kaye says that interns are being evaluated and assessed every day. Three times each year, teachers hold employment planning meetings to review progress, strengths, growth, and accountability.
Photo: provided by NCH
rate thus far, with each intern gainfully employed; five interns the first year, and six last year. "Upon graduation from the program, they get a Project Search diploma and their high school diploma,” explained Lisa Fletcher, MSN, NPD-BC,
Project Search benefits to NCH
Project Search benefits to student interns
★ Interns complete jobs that employees may not get to ★ NCH has access to a labor pool to accomplish a variety of labor needs ★ NCH is supporting and investing in the community ★ NCH has the opportunity to hire potential employees ★ Department mentors have a sense of accomplishment in assisting challenged youth to successful job training ★ Builds leadership skills among NCH staff/mentors. ★ Enriches team building and fosters collaboration between those of different skill and social levels
★ Learn skill training in punctuality, following directions, time management, organization, and in the use of verbal and email skills ★ Learn confidence building ★ Learn interview skills ★ Develop resumes and portfolios ★ Learn healthcare provider basic life support skills (AED, compressions, ventilations, Heartsaver)
For more information on Project Search, contact Lisa Fletcher, Project Search Business Liaison, at (239) 624-4170
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