Project RISE
Project RISE (Reaching for Independent Successful Employment) creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through paid employment. Positions can be either part-time or full time, depending on the requirements of the hiring department and the hospital's availability of Project RISE positions.
Some of our jobs are:
- Office support
- Patient activities
- Guest services
- Maintenance
- Distribution of supplies
- Clinic support
To find out more about our paid job opportunities, visit our Careers page.
Contact Us
Kaitlin Gomer, Program Coordinator
(816) 855-1869
klgomer@cmh.edu
Amy Mesplay, Manager
(816) 855-1869
amesplay@cmh.edu
Project PAVE
Project PAVE (Providing Accessible Volunteer Experience) gives individuals with disabilities the chance to explore potential career choices, learn about workplace expectations and build marketable skills.
Qualifications for Project RISE and Project PAVE
A person can qualify for either Project RISE or Project PAVE if they identify as a having a physical or mental impairment, which creates a barrier to employment, and if they need supported employment services to reach successful employment.
We expect that individuals to perform assigned tasks independently after a supported employment period.
What is supported employment?
Supported employment provides ongoing training and strategies to employees and volunteers who need intensive support because of a disability. This support may include:
- On-the-job training.
- Coaching and ongoing monitoring of performance.
- Evaluation of self-maintenance strategies.
- Training in related skills, such as social skills.
- Assistance with finding and using community resources and public transportation.
Want to learn more about Project RISE?
Click the button below to complete a survey and set up a meeting.
Eligibility
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Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Employment candidates must be at least 18 years of age and graduated from high school.
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Volunteers and employees are required to do a health screening and background check. Employees must also pass a drug screen.
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Available opportunities are determined by the business needs of the hospital. We expect that volunteers and employees are able to perform assigned tasks independently after an initial training period, as well as independently manage any personal care needs.
Project SEARCH
Children's Mercy is a host site for Project SEARCH, an intensive year-long program for high school students with disabilities. Students participate in classroom activities and internship rotations in three different hospital departments.
Student interns with disabilities from two Kansas City area school districts come to the hospital throughout the school year to gain work experience. School district staff members are available to assist hospital departments with training students.
Leader in Disability Inclusion
Children’s Mercy received the 2024 Leader in Disability Inclusion Seal of Accomplishment from the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI) for its efforts in advancing disability inclusion. The hospital achieved significant milestones, including installing automatic door openers, adding adult changing tables, and collaborating with local colleges to raise awareness.
We employ people with disabilities not just because it’s the right thing to do, although it is, but because it’s really a smart thing to do. Everybody wins when we do this.