FAQs

What internship opportunities are available?

Placement is dependent upon the intern’s strengths, abilities and interests. Placements are identified on a case-by-case basis. As Project SEARCH expands into the community, additional internship opportunities may be identified. 

Internships provided through Main Line Health include:

• Central Supply Technician: Supports patient care by delivering medical-surgical supplies upon request. Performs equipment decontamination function.
• Central Sterilization Processing: Located at Paoli Hospital and Bryn Mawr Hospital, the main requirements include supporting the sterilizing process for the operating rooms, packaging equipment properly and stocking.
• Client Service Representative/Central Access/Utilization Review: Responsible for the on-line collection, accurate computer entry and distribution of information received from customers requesting services from Jefferson Home Care Network providers, as well as information/referral to community providers.
• Clerical: Located throughout Main Line Health, responsibilities include filing, collating, labeling, organizing, computer work and potential phone work, if appropriate.
• Data Entry: This can be completed in a variety of departments and hospitals.
• Environmental Service Attendant: Daily cleaning and supplying patient rooms, units, nursing stations, lounges, lavatories, public bathrooms, offices and any other area assigned in accordance with standard procedures of the Environmental Services Department and in accordance with hospital objectives.
• File Clerk: Maintain files in an organized and efficient manner and assist with other clerical duties within the department.
• Food Service Assistant: Performs service and sanitization duties for patient and non-patient service.
• Help Desk: Handles emails and voicemails and assigns tickets so that the workers are aware of the issues.  There are more than 125 applications the intern will need to become familiar with.  They will also need to learn what is more critical than other situations (example: Smart Chart (our documentation system) having an issue is more critical than someone’s printer not printing). The intern will learn the CA Service Desk program, which is the tool they use to open tickets.  They need to have the ability to check email and voicemails.
• Inpatient Therapy Aide: With supervision from physical therapist, physical therapist assistance, occupational therapist, or occupational therapist assistance, recreational therapist or speech therapist, prepare patients and equipment for therapy, perform tasks to maintain treatment or discipline space in orderly condition and assist therapists in administering treatment for safety purposes. All services provided will be appropriate to the age of the patient.
• Linen Room Attendant: Receives the linen from the outside vendor; stocks the linen carts with the appropriate linen in the appropriate places; delivers the linen to the appropriate location of the hospital; collects the soiled linen and trash.
• Mail Room: Delivers and picks up mail throughout the hospital. This mail may be internal throughout Main Line Health or mail that is going to the community. Learn how to operate the postage machine and other equipment. 
• Patient Transporter/Unit Attendant: Provides safe, prompt transport of patients throughout the hospital facilities.
• Receptionist/Typist: Ensures accurate handling of incoming telephone calls and delivering messages within the department; greets visitors/customers to the office; and provides clerical assistance as needed.
• Unit Coordinator: Performs general clerical duties by preparing, compiling and maintaining patient records and facilitates communication pathways for unit activities. Records appropriate, correct and complete information on all medical record forms, patient charts and pathways.
  Internships provided through the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity include the following:
  (these internships are offered for the 2nd and 3rd rotations within the program)
• Child Development Aide: The Aide is responsible for providing a safe and caring environment for children while in YMCA care.
• Custodian: Provide custodial services per Facility Manager, assuring building meets excellence requirements.
• Fitness Center Attendant: Provide service to YMCA members in the fitness center to ensure the safety and risk management of the area and the members.
• Member Service Greeter: Greets all members, prospective members and answer inquiries about programs and memberships.

Internships provided through TransCare Mainline, Inc. include the following:(these internships are offered for the 2nd and 3rd rotations within the program)

• Call Taker: Coordinate incoming calls from, including but not limited to, hospitals, skills nursing facilities, insurance companies, and patients to meet their medical transportation needs in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Communication’s Center Assistant: Answer incoming telephone calls, determine purpose of call, and forwards calls or messages to appropriate person or department. Notify customers of the estimated time of arrival.  Answer questions about organization and provide callers with address, directions and other information. Distributes, receives, sorts, and collects correspondence and mail. Orders, received and maintains office supplies. Additional clerical duties, as assigned.
• Customer Service Advocate: Performs outreach functions to the current and prospective clients to maintain and improve excellent customer relations, with the goal to increase services.
• Mechanic’s Helper: Assist the Mechanic by performing preventative maintenance, maintenance repair record keeping, and practice and promote shop safety and cleanliness. 

Is transportation provided to Project SEARCH?
No. The intern is responsible for transportation to and from Project SEARCH.

How long is each rotation?
 Each rotation is 12 weeks in length.  During the 8th week of each rotation, interns will meet with the Project SEARCH team, OVR and support system to begin the process of selecting the next placement.

What if I choose an internship and after I try it I do not like it?
If an intern begins an internship and all parties involve determine it is not a good fit, the intern does not have to stay in that rotation.  The intern will be reassigned to a more appropriate match.

Are the internship rotations paid positions?
No.

Are interns required to receive a flu shot?
It is mandatory that all employees, interns and volunteers throughout Main Line Health receive a flu shot.

What does a typical day include?
During the first internship the interns will participate in classroom education at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.  They will then participate in their internships from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. During their second and third internships the interns will participate in their internships from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  On Fridays, the interns will participate in classroom support from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to review their rotation and complete journaling activities.  They will then participate in their internships from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Friday session will depend on the intern’s internship location and transportation.

How many days a week does Project SEARCH operate?
Five days each week; Monday through Friday.

What if an intern has an outside appointment, do interns get time off?
The program is developed to be flexible enough so interns can continue to participate in routine medical appointments and therapy appointments. It will be important to inform the Project SEARCH Coordinator of any routine appointments so that the program can be adjusted as necessary.

What is appropriate work attire?
Interns are expected to have a clean, neat appearance and should dress according to the requirements of their position, as outlined by their department’s specific dress code. Clothing, hair, fingernails and jewelry should be neat, clean, safe and otherwise suitable for a healthcare environment.

Do interns bring their own lunch?
Interns may bring their lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria, if the internship site has a cafeteria. Interns are encouraged to eat with their co-workers and peers at the internship sites.

What is a job coach?
A job coach provides support to the intern and their department. A job coach is responsible for ensuring that each intern completes assigned tasks properly. The job coach reports complications and challenges to the Project SEARCH Coordinator. The job coach facilitates conflict resolution and will help develop strategies that support interns in completing their responsibilities independently. The goal of job coaching support is to fade out and the intern will be independent in their tasks.  Once the job coaches fade out, the intern will have the natural support of the peer mentor.Job Coaching support is provided to all interns during their internship rotations. As long as an intern secures employment, either during their internships or during the supported job development time frame, job coaching support will be provided through Project SEARCH. 

What is a peer mentor?
A peer mentor is an employee of the business partner.  They will be the identified natural support for the intern. They will complete the initial training of the intern.  They will be the go-to person in the department if the intern has any questions.  The peer mentor will also meet with the intern and Project SEARCH staff on a routine basis (weekly or bi-weekly) to ensure that everything is going smoothly and all issues/concerns are resolved.

Is job placement guaranteed at the conclusion of the program?
No. However, if the intern meets the requirements for an available position, they are encouraged to apply. Interns can complete additional job development during their time in the program.

What if Project SEARCH is not a fit for me?
Interns can leave the program at any time.

Do interns have to wait until the end of the program to begin a job search?
No. Interns can initiate a job search anytime once it is determined that they are qualified for employment. If they are successful in securing a job during their program, they are encouraged to resign from Project SEARCH and begin their new employment.

What does my Project SEARCH program look like once I secure employment? 
Once an intern secures employment their internship rotations will conclude and they are not required to attend classroom on Fridays. The intern will focus solely on their employment. Job coaching support will be offered to all interns as long as they secure employment during their internship rotations or during their supported job searching time fame.  The program coordinator will stay in contact with the intern on a weekly basis or as needed to ensure a smooth transition as well as provide any support.  Project SEARCH will continue support throughout 90 calendar days of employment.

What if an intern misses a day?
If an intern misses a day, he or she is responsible to schedule time with the Project SEARCH Coordinator to review what was missed and determine how to make up the work.

What screening does the program complete?
 All interns are referred to the program by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), which is a government agency that helps people with disabilities become productive members of society.  Each intern has been referred as an appropriate candidate by the professional rehabilitation counselors at OVR.  Project SEARCH completes criminal background checks, child abuse clearances and drug screens for all interns.  All interns receive a TB screening and a flu vaccination (during flu season).