Project SEARCH

• Follow all policies, guidelines and workplace rules of Penn State Health, assigned worksite, Project SEARCH and Capital Area Intermediate Unit
• Consistent attendance and positive successful performance in both classroom instruction and worksite assignments
• Active participation and engagement in the career development process

Interns are expected to wear a Project SEARCH uniform for the duration of the program, except when assigned to a worksite with a specific dress code.

Uniform consists of:

• Project SEARCH logo polo shirts can be long sleeve or short sleeve. Colors are limited to Navy, Black, Red, Dark Green, Dark Grey and Maroon. 
• Khaki tan pants with a belt
• Closed toe, flat shoes (sneakers are acceptable)

To purchase uniforms please use link below.  Uniforms must be ordered by end of July to be in time for school to start.

                Order Uniform

Worksite specific dress code may include but is not limited to scrubs, smocks, special shoes, etc.  Families will be made aware of these items prior to placement.

*Families are responsible for dress code expenses.*
If this causes a hardship, assistance is available. Please email Kirsti Porter at Kporter@caiu.org

• Through work rotations of internships, students will build communication, problem-solving and job-specific skills through rotations.
• Students will experience at least two different worksite assignments based on their previous work experience, interests, and assessments.
• Skills Trainers and department staff collaborate to provide support to students as they gain independence.

 GOAL - students learn marketable and transferable employability skills to gain competitive employment after Project SEARCH.

What is a Worksite Mentor?

• Designated point(s) of contact within Penn State Health worksite rotations
• Designed for an intern to have regular access to a consistent individual within the department for training, questions, worksite needs

What is a Skills Trainer?

• Observes department work
• Identifies core skills/essential functions
• Develops job/task analysis
• Confirms internship tasks with manager
• Teaches core skills to student
• Develops productivity enhancements/ work aids
• Works with peer mentor to provide support
• Evaluates progress
• Layers additional skills
• Evaluates and gives feedback to student

Stipend definition:  A fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance.

• $625 for each successful rotation, totaling $1,875; requirements for receipt of payout on next slide
• Each intern has the option to opt-in for a stipend, a determination by each intern must be made in writing prior to the start of the 1st rotation and will carry over for each rotation.  There is no ability to change opt-in status throughout the program year.
• Unsuccessful stipend payout for one rotation does not impact the ability for future payouts

Note– accepting the stipend MAY impact any social security benefits.  Please discuss with your OVR counselor if you have any questions/concerns.

All Students will receive Financial Literacy Training as part of the Project SEARCH curriculum.

• Consistent attendance at progress meetings
• Active participation and engagement in career development process inclusive of, but not limited to:
• Supportive of all suitable available work opportunities
• Approximately 16 hours or more/week (Full-time work is not guaranteed, job placement at Penn State Health is not guaranteed)
• Supportive of employment schedules (we rarely secure Monday-Friday, 9-5 jobs for interns)
• Supportive of assistance with transportation – obtaining, providing, sustaining for both internship and work opportunities
• Assistance with any workplace requirements – background checks, employment paperwork, onboarding appointments, doctor’s appointments, etc.

To ensure appropriate communication and intern development there are 6 progress meetings (including and IEP) throughout the school year.

• Parents, Interns, Instructor, Job Coach, Business Liaison, OVR counselor, MH/ID supports coordinators, and department staff will be in attendance.
• Other representatives from the school districts and CAIU will be invited to attend as required. 
• Meetings will last approximately 1 hour and will be held on the Penn State Health campus in the Project SEARCH classroom or virtually.

• Completed Health Record Form signed by a doctor
  Penn State Health Form
• Penn Dot issued photo identification card
• Current immunizations
• Completion of Penn State Health Employee Orientation prior to worksite rotations
• Completion of Required Clearances

Clearances are Required.  Must be completed and In hand by August 1st.

FBI Clearance - Please use code: 1KG6S7

Criminal Background Clearance - Do not use volunteer

Child Abuse Clearance - Create Individual Account

We are planning to be fully on-site at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center for the 2021-2022 program year. 

• There may be modifications to the schedule based on classroom size and required social distancing.
• As we progress over the summer months and get closer to the start of the program year, we will keep families updated as to what these schedule changes may be.
• We will institute and follow special health and safety protocols specific to COVID-19 as required by Penn State Health. 
• If necessary, we have additional options to continue programming depending on the status of the virus and its impact on in-person programming on the Penn State Health campus.

At Penn State Health

• Daily required temperature/symptom screening
• Universally required masking procedures
• Numerous clinical and non-clinical safety procedures, including a requirement of additional personal protective equipment as needed based on department location/job responsibilities
• Classroom hygiene procedures