About Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH began its journey in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Erin Riehle, then Emergency Department Director at that time, saw an opportunity to train and hire people with developmental disabilities for high-turnover roles in her department. She partnered with Susie Rutkowski, then Special Education Director at Great Oaks Career Campuses, and together they Launched Project SEARCH.
Since then, Project SEARCH has grown into a vast network focused on securing competitive employment for people with disabilities. there are more than 700 sites worldwide, in 10 countries and 48 states domestically. Nationally, Project Search has approximately a 70% success rate in assisting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities find jobs. By the end of the program, the goal is to have each participant employed, with the hope of providing them the opportunity to be more independent and involved in their community.
About Our Program
In 2017, Cumberland-Perry Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) joined Project SEARCH in collaboration with Goodwill Keystone Area and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. We Strive to provide immersive work experiences and training to individuals with developmental disabilities to reach and maintain competitive employment.
Program Schedule & Timeline
Beginning in September, interns start with a 3-week orientation followed by 35 weeks of intensive on the job training, paired with classroom instruction through May. Interns are expected to be on site from 8:30 am - 3 pm from Monday - Friday. Their daily schedule includes in class instruction, working at an internship site, and a daily debrief and check-in.
Classroom Instruction
Each intern receives classroom training led by our program instructor and job skills trainer that includes the following hard and soft skills:
- Effective Communication Skills
- Preparing & Maintaining Employment
- Problem Solving Skills
- Self-Advocacy
- Team Building & Social Skills
Internship & Work Rotations
Interns complete two to three 11-week rotations within Cumberland County Government sites with department mentors teaching job-specific skills. Job Skills Trainers provide support, gradually reducing assistance as interns gain skills and independence. Interns are paid through a stipend based on their attendance.
Program Eligibility
To be considered candidates must:
- be a young adult or older and have a High School Diploma
- have a documented disability
- meet requirements for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
- have independent personal hygiene and grooming skills
- maintain appropriate behavior and social skills
- be able to take direction and have a willingness to change behavior
- be able to work at least 16 hours a week
- be willing to seek competitive employment upon graduation
Application Process
Referrals are made through OVR and Cumberland-Perry IDD. Applications are available in January each year and are due by March.
After applying interviews and skills assessments are scheduled for selected applicants in May.
A Steering Committee selects candidates, then notifies selected candidates of their acceptance into the program.
Questions
For additional program information please contact:
Dinna Pich, Goodwill Keystone Area Youth Service & Project SEARCH Program Manager - Email or 717.232.1831
Mark Evans, Cumberland-Perry IDD Director - Email or 717.240.6146