Project SEARCH Seacoast New Hampshire

EMPLOYING YOUNG ADULTS

Project SEARCH is a work training program for young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Through total workplace immersion, Project SEARCH facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, on-the-job training and assistance pursuing entry level placements.

  • Project SEARCH Seacoast NH (New Hampshire) provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills.
  • The goal for each student is competitive, integrated employment.

PROGRAM SPECIFICS

  • The program starts in September and ends in May. There are three 10-12 week internship rotations (about 200 hours of work).
  • Each student interviews for an internship rotation placement.
  • A career trainer works with the student until the tasks assigned can be performed independently. The time and instruction are individualized.
  • Students are evaluated by the career trainer, the instructor, and the department supervisor.
  • The program runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.
  • Interns spend one and a half hours in the classroom and four hours at their internship each day.
  • At the end of the day, students regroup with the teacher to discuss their day and other important items.
  • The classroom and internships of Project SEARCH Seacoast NH are located at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and other businesses in Portsmouth.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN

  • Clerical Office Support
  • Concierge
  • Facilities
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Housekeeping
  • Human Resources
  • Materials Handling & Distribution
  • Retail – Gift Shop
  • Simulation Lab
  • Operating Room Support

JOB PLACEMENT

  • Students begin searching for employment in the third rotation.
  • The team, which includes the student, family, Project SEARCH instructor, career trainer, project manager and vocational rehabilitation counselor, meets regularly to discuss progress and issues at work sites.
  • The team assists each student in defining a career goal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • 18-34 years old (over 34 still encouraged to apply)
  • Must have Medicaid or be eligible for DD (Developmental Disability) waiver
  • Must have current application w/ or be receiving services from NH VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)

FUNDING OPTIONS

  • Area agency (Medicaid) if intern is 21 or over
  • Private pay
  • School district (age 18-21)
  • Partial scholarship (e.g., Harry Gregg Fund)

* If accepted, applicant must pass required background check and drug screen, and provide current documentation of immunizations, TB test, flu vaccine, and Covid-19 vaccines.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Project SEARCH Seacoast NH is located at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and is one of five programs of its kind in NH.

Community Partners, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, One Sky Community Services and NH Vocational Rehabilitation collaborate to provide this unique opportunity to the NH seacoast region.

The Goal: Competitive, Integrated Employment

Upcoming ZOOM Info Sessions (held monthly, 5pm-6pm)

Click here to RSVP for Zoom Info Sessions

October 4, 2023

November 1, 2023

December 6, 2023

January 3, 2024

February 7, 2024

February 14, 2024

ZOOM Access Link

Still Not Sure?

Learn more about the Project SEARCH program. Email Carla Smith or phone 603-334-2068 or 603-516-9377.

Want to see more? Check out these awesome videos that showcase the Project SEARCH program and its participants!

Project SEARCH Portsmouth 2017 – 2018

Portsmouth Regional Hospital hosts Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH Nashua Documentary

Visit Project SEARCH on Facebook!

What is Project SEARCH? Am I Eligible? Learn More!