Project SEARCH is a vocational training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that teaches them life and job skills with the goal of placing them in competitive employment after the program. To learn more about what their program entails, please see the frequently asked questions answered below.
Program Information
Project SEARCH is a 9-month program with flexibility based on how much support each individual needs.
It begins mid August and ends mid May from 8:30am-2:30pm each day.
Throughout the nine month program, individuals will complete 3 unpaid internship rotations in different departments on both the adult and children's side of the hospital or at satellite sites based on their preferences (examples include: nutrition services, materials management, pharmacies, pediatric rehabilitation, etc.). During this time, they receive a department mentor that helps train them in that specific department to see if they find the job interesting.
These internships take up most of their day (4 hours).
While completing these internships, they also receive training in different skills such as workplace safety, team building, self advocacy, social skills, health and wellness, etc.
They will have these classes once per day for an hour.
They will also be apart of a workout program where they exercise together once a month.
No, there is not transportation provided, but Project SEARCH can help with participants learning how to use the bus system. Staff can also go on ride alongs with participants and their families to make sure they are comfortable with getting to and from Vanderbilt Medical Center. They also have information on other ride options for their participants that they can facilitate.
No, participants are required to provide their own lunches during the training program.
Yes! The goal of Project SEARCH is to be employed at Vanderbilt Medical Center by the end of the program.
After finishing the program, individuals should have a nonseasonal job with 16 hours or more per week where they make at least minimum wage (most likely more).
While completing the internships, it is possible for individuals to be hired prior to the end of the nine months if the department they are in feels like they are a good fit and if they have openings available.
If participants do not find interest in any of the internships they have, they can continue on in the program past the nine months to try out other departments to find their good fit.
It is located at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt at 2200 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN 37232-9633.
Project SEARCH may be a good fit for you if:
You want to have a job in the future
You would like to gain more life skills before having a job
You are interested in working in a healthcare setting
You have a form of transportation to get to and from Vanderbilt
To qualify for Project SEARCH, you have to be:
Graduated from high school and is 18 or older when starting the program
Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services or Medicaid Waiver recipient (will need an open Voc Rehab case once in the program)
Desires competitive and independent employment at Vanderbilt in a healthcare setting
Takes pride in appearance
Willing to learn new employability skills
Access to public transportation or have reliable transportation
Pass drug screen, background check, immunizations
You can email an application to either p.hollingsworth@progress-inc.org or brandon.pflug@vumc.org.
Once an application is submitted, you will be invited to an assessment day where they will determine a candidate's base skills.
After this point, the candidate may be invited to an interview.
The selection committee will start reviewing applications as early as April, and will accept new candidates until the chosen class size is met.
Applications are accepted year round, but it is recommended to apply by March 1st of the year you plan to attend.
10- 12 individuals are selected for the program each year.
If put on the waitlist, you will be considered during the next round of applications.
Project SEARCH is funded by Vocational Rehabilitation, so it is free for the individuals in the program.
No, this is an unpaid program.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you still have unanswered questions, you can contact:
Brandon Pflug- brandon.pflug@vumc.org
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information from their website at: https://www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/program/project-search-vanderbilt-university-medical-center
Can I come for a tour of Project SEARCH?
Yes, please contact Brandon Pflug (brandon.pflug@vumc.org) to set up a tour
Project SEARCH also has virtual information sessions frequently, reach out to Brandon Pflug (brandon.pflug@vumc.org) for more information.
Do they have social media I can follow to learn more?
Follow Project SEARCH on Instagram @projectsearchhq and like them on Facebook at Project SEARCH at Vanderbilt University Medical Center!