Is a school to work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of work-based readiness training, job exploration counseling, and relevant job-skills training through work-based learning internships. The goal for each student participant is competitive integrated employment (CIE). The program provides real-life work experience combined with instruction in employability, self-advocacy skills, and independent living skills to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life. Customers must be between the ages of 18-22, with an Intellectual Disability in their last year of high school. Once the student turns 23 they are no longer eligible for Project SEARCH. All graduation requirements will have been met for the participants.
It is a collaboration between the host business, customer/family, school district, the Community Rehabilitation Program, Workforce Investment Board, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and the Illinois Department of Human Services -Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS). The Provider holds the contract and is responsible for billing and monitoring of the services provided. A job coach is provided by the Provider for monitoring and support of the interns during their internships. The school district/coop provides the students for the program and a teacher for classroom instruction. The host business provides different internship sites to allow the customers to learn skills in several areas. Payments are based on internships completed and a competitive, integrated paid employment. (Needed job coaching supports are the responsibility of the Provider and are not eligible for separate payment.)
The Provider agrees that it will provide Project SEARCH services only to individuals who have been found eligible for DRS vocational rehabilitation services. All questions about the potential eligibility of an individual will be referred to DRS before any services are provided under this agreement. Customers that have reached 90-days of employment under Project SEARCH, are not eligible to move into a job placement contract within 12 months of participation. If an exception is needed, contact the Local IDHS-DRS Office Supervisor.
The payment structure is based on the following services. Rates as of 7/1/2024 and are listed below with the descriptions.
Total value of services is $7,424. Rates per service are listed below with the descriptions.
1st Internship-$2,460: Paid after completion of the 1st internship.
2nd Internship-$2,460: Paid after completion of the 2nd internship.
90 day Employment-$2,504: Paid after 90 days, with competitive, integrated stable employment. Customer progress and stability information must be submitted to bill. Verification of employment will be submitted with the 90-day billing. This will include wage records, or paycheck information.
Program Specific Information:
All partners should participate in the student intern selection process. The Student Selection process is carried out with the involvement of all team members with the school taking the lead on many of these tasks.
Once customer reaches their 23rd birthday, they are no longer eligible for Project SEARCH programming.
Billing Information: The provider must submit the Monthly Group Billing Sheet and Progress Notes by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail within 5 business days of the beginning of the month.
Verification of employment will be submitted with the 90-day billing, to the Local IDHS-DRS Office and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. This will include wage records, or paycheck information.
