Project RISE (Reaching for Independent Successful Employment) creates employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. We have identified paid jobs and volunteer placements within the hospital to help individuals acquire hands-on work experience.
Paid Employment
Young adults with disabilities are employed throughout the hospital in a variety of part- and full-time roles. We focus on tasks that may be learned through on-the-job training as opposed to formal education.
RISE employees are currently employed in the following hospital departments:
- Child Life
- Guest Services
- Human Resources
- Pediatric Care Network
- Education Department
- Outpatient and Ambulatory Clinics
Supported Volunteerism
Volunteer work experience offers the chance to explore potential career choices, learn about workplace expectations and build marketable skills. This component is identified as PAVE (Providing Accessible Volunteer Experience).
Volunteers opportunities include:
- Escorting visitors through the hospital
- Interacting with children waiting for medical appointments
- Providing office support
- Assisting with play activities
- Distributing items donated by the community
Transition from School to Work
Children's Mercy partners with school districts to mentor student volunteers from special education programs throughout the school year. Students will spend a portion of the school day volunteering at the hospital. School district staff members accompany the students to help hospital departments with training and support.
Community Outreach
Project RISE engages with numerous community partners and businesses to demonstrate the benefits of employing young people with disabilities. We help connect patients with community resources that can help them with post-secondary education and employment support.
Eligibility
- Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. Employment candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Priority is given to individuals with disabilities who have a history of care at Children's Mercy.
- Health screenings and background checks are required for volunteers.Employees also must pass a drug screen.
- Candidates must be able to manage self care independently during work time (such as using the restroom, meals and taking medications).
- Available opportunities are determined by the business needs of the hospital. After training, we expect volunteers and employees to be able to do their jobs independently.
