II. Admissions Criteria and Expectations
Review Process for Internship Applicants
Allies Inc. is collaborating with RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) to offer a limited number of internship opportunities designed to build pre-vocational and employment skills. Each internship cohort has three openings.
Allies Inc. will review referrals and applications to identify the most suitable candidates for this highly competitive program. Selection as a candidate does not guarantee admission to the internship. Candidates must meet all program requirements and expectations before being recommended to RWJBH. RWJBH will conduct the final interview after medical clearance documentation has been submitted.
What to Expect During the Review Process
Competitive Selection – Allies Inc. will review multiple referrals for each cohort. Referral to the program does not guarantee entry or an interview.
ISP Review – Allies Inc. may review the Individual Service Plan (ISP) to confirm that the services authorized align with the supports provided within the internship program.
Level of Support Provided – The internship program is staffed by Employment Specialists who provide vocational, pre-vocational, and employment training and support.
The program does not include Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide daily living assistance, dietary management, medical care, adaptive care, behavior tracking, direct bathroom assistance, line-of-sight supervision, or PRN medication administration.
Interviews – Allies Inc. may schedule virtual and/or in-person interviews with applicants. Multiple interviews may be required to determine candidacy.
Allies Inc. is not required to interview every applicant.
Due to the volume of applications, it may not be possible to notify every applicant who is not selected. However, applicants may follow up with Allies Inc. for a status update.
Medical & ISP Documentation – Allies Inc. may request medical records, physician contact information, and medical clearance documents to assist with placement and ensure the internship setting is appropriate. Allies Inc. may also request an ISP review meeting to include language that clarifies the supports provided during the internship.
Program Fit & Safety – Allies Inc. reserves the right to deny entry into the program if an applicant’s support needs exceed the level of assistance the internship can safely and reasonably provide.
1. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
Active enrollment with NJ DDD services.
Documented eligibility for DDD services due to a developmental disability.
Completion of a pre-admission intake and assessment to confirm program appropriateness.
2. RWJBarnabas Health Compliance Requirements
To participate, applicants must:
Complete the official RWJBarnabas Health Volunteer Application.
Meet all RWJBarnabas Health medical clearance requirements, which may include:
Proof of immunizations (e.g., COVID-19, flu)
Tuberculosis (TB) testing
Any additional documentation required by the RWJBarnabas Volunteer Services Department.
Note: Failure to meet these requirements will disqualify applicants from participating in the internship.
3. Supervision Requirement
This program provides On-Site Supervision only:
Staff are on-site and available during program hours but are not required to remain directly beside the participant at all times.
The participant’s guardian and support team must confirm that this level of supervision is appropriate.
4. Commitment to Program Goals
Participants must:
Actively commit to the 12-week unpaid internship, understanding that gainful employment is not guaranteed at the end of the program.
Participants will have the opportunity to be interviewed by a management-level employee of RWJBarnabas Health at the close of the program, but employment decisions will be at the discretion of the health system.
While Allies Inc. aims to assist with job placement, employment may not be feasible through the internship.
Allies Inc. offers a continuum of vocational services, including ongoing pre-vocational training and supported employment services for participants as needed.
Participants agree to:
Attend all scheduled shifts and maintain excellent attendance.
Maintain an excellent attitude, workplace demeanor, and a teachable disposition.
Be agreeable, flexible, and follow the directions of both Allies Inc. and RWJBarnabas Health staff.
Any violations of these standards (attendance, attitude, behavior, or performance) may result in suspension or termination from the program.
5. Independence Requirements
Participants must:
Be able to self-administer all medications (prescribed, OTC, PRN) without staff assistance.
Manage any personal adaptive equipment independently.
Program staff do not administer, track, or store medications or medical equipment.
Participants must:
Abulate independently and be able to evacuate during an emergency indepenently. Emergency training will be provided.
III. Documentation Checklist
To ensure timely enrollment, the following documents must be submitted:
A. From the Support Coordinator
✅ Current Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
✅ Completed Personalized Career Planning Tool (PCPT)
✅ Updated Service Detail Report (SDR)
B. From the Participant/Guardian
✅ Two emergency contacts with full contact info
✅ Current medication list (prescription and OTC)
✅ Signed liability waiver
✅ Signed emergency consent form
✅ Medical clearance form (if required)
✅ Kominos’ Law paperwork (if applicable)
✅ Transportation agreement (if applicable)
C. RWJBarnabas Health Compliance Requirements
To participate in the internship program, applicants must complete the RWJBarnabas Health onboarding process, which consists of three key steps:
Volunteer Application
Complete the attached Volunteer Application form.
Provide two (2) non-related references who will complete the Applicant Reference Forms.
Return the completed Volunteer Application and Reference Forms via email to [RWJBarnabas contact email].
Medical Clearance Forms
Depending on your vaccination history, this step may take some time. You must visit your doctor to complete the required medical documentation.
Page 1 of the medical forms includes a checklist for you and your doctor to review.
Page 2 of the medical forms must be signed, dated, and completed by your doctor, and returned to RWJBarnabas Health, even if all required evidence is provided on Page 1.
A current flu vaccination is also required. Be sure to provide evidence of your vaccination status.
Orientation
Attend the required RWJBarnabas Health Orientation session, which includes a PowerPoint presentation and an in-house tour of the facility.
Once all steps are completed, send the necessary documents back to [RWJBarnabas contact email]. If you need assistance at any point, please feel free to reach out to [RWJBarnabas contact name] for clarification.
Note: The medical clearance process may take some time, so it is recommended to start the process early by completing the application and scheduling your doctor’s appointment promptly.
IV. Submission Deadlines
All documentation must be submitted before the participant begins the program.
Any changes to medication, health status, or emergency contact information must be reported to program staff immediately.
Failure to provide accurate or updated information may result in delayed start or dismissal from the program.
IV. Policies and Procedures
A. Health and Safety
Medication Policy:
Participants assume full responsibility for self-administering medications.
Staff do not store, track, or assist with medications/PRN medications
Over the counter medications are not administered or stored at this program
Emergency Protocols:
Provide two (2) emergency contacts and updated medical information upon enrollment.
Emergency procedures will be reviewed during orientation.
B. Communication
Support Network Engagement:
Regular updates via [email/phone/quarterly meetings] to discuss progress and concerns.
Immediate notification of changes to contact information or participant needs.
Grievance Process:
Participants may file grievances via Allies Inc.’s 3-tier resolution process (outlined in Policy F-3 below)
PURPOSE:
The guidelines outlined below indicate the general procedures to be followed for:
the registration of individual grievances, and
the three (3) levels of appeal for individual grievance resolution.
SCOPE:
These procedures apply to all Allies, Inc. programs and/or properties, including, but not limited to Residential, Day and Employment Services.
PROCEDURES:
A. Initial Grievance:
1. The regional director shall be responsible for receiving and processing the initial individual grievance, complaint, or recommendation.
2. The regional director or designee shall submit the individual grievance, complaint, or recommendation in writing to the Allies, Inc. Human Rights Committee within 1 business day if the grievance does not present as an emergency. If the grievance is an emergency, then it shall be submitted immediately and the HRC chairperson will be contacted.
3. Upon receipt of the initial complaint, the Allies, Inc. Human Rights Committee shall then investigate the grievance and give recommendations within 24 hours to resolve the matter.
B. Continued Grievance process:
1. If the grievance cannot be settled, the aggrieved individual may request that his or her grievance be reexamined by the chief executive officer, or a member of the Allies board. The grievance will be reviewed within 24 hours and the individual and guardian (where applicable) will be notified upon completion of the review.
C. An individual shall be protected from any form of reprisal or retribution due to the submission of the grievance.
D. An aggrieved individual may have an advisor (i.e., parent, legal guardian, attorney, etc.) with them at any point throughout the grievance procedure.
No retaliation will occur for grievances; advisors (e.g., guardians, advocates) may accompany participants.
Full participant rights: LINK to NJ DDD Participant Rights.
C. Program Termination
Participation may be discontinued if:
Safety Risks: Behaviors endanger the participant, staff, or others.
Non-Compliance: Persistent violation of attendance, conduct, or IPVP expectations.
Lack of Progress: Insufficient advancement toward goals after interventions.
Voluntary Withdrawal: Participant/guardian-initiated exit.
Termination requires 30 days’ notice (excludes emergencies) and a final ISP review.
V. Program Contacts
Direct Support Professional: Contact will be given upon enrollment
Program Supervisor: Contact will be given upon enrollment
· Vice President of Vocational Services:
· Luke J. Washack 609-218-0513, lwashack@alliesnj.org
Allies Inc. Headquarters: 1262 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road Building A, Suite 101 Hamilton, NJ- 609-689-0136
VI. Participant Rights and Grievance Procedures
A. Participant Rights
Participants have the right to respectful treatment, confidentiality, and access to their records.
Participants have the right to provide feedback and express concerns without fear of reprisal.
Participants have the right to be free from discrimination.
A complete list of participant rights is available at: NJ DDD Participant Rights.
B. Grievance Process
Initial Complaint:
Submit grievances to the Regional Director or designee.
Grievances are reviewed within 24 hours (emergencies are addressed immediately).
Appeal Process:
If unresolved, grievances may be escalated to the Allies Inc. Human Rights Committee (HRC) or CEO.
HRC provides recommendations within 24 hours of receiving the appeal.
Protections:
Participants are protected from retaliation for filing grievances.
Participants may have an advisor (e.g., guardian, advocate) present during the grievance process.
VII. Emergency Procedures and Contacts
A. Emergency Protocols
Participants and support networks will receive a detailed overview of emergency procedures during orientation.
Participants must provide two verified emergency contacts and update this information as needed.
B. Emergency Contacts
Direct Support Professional: [Name, Phone, Email].
Program Supervisor: [Name, Phone, Email].
Allies Inc. Headquarters: [Address, Phone, Website].
C. Incident Reporting
All incidents (e.g., injuries, behavioral concerns) are documented and reported to the participant’s support network within 24 hours.
VIII. Documentation Checklist
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, please use the following checklist to confirm all required documents are submitted:
A. From Support Coordinator:
Individual Service Plan (ISP): Current and complete.
Personalized Career Planning Tool (PCPT): Fully completed.
Service Detail Report (SDR): Updated and accurate.
B. From Participant/Guardian:
A Completed Emergency Contact Information:
Current Medication List: Includes all prescriptions and OTCs.
Liability Waiver: Signed and dated.
Emergency Consent Form: Signed and dated.
Transportation Agreement (if applicable): Signed and dated.
Medical Clearance: Updated (if required).
Kominos’ Law paperwork
C. Submission Deadlines:
All documents due prior to program start.
Updates (e.g., ISP changes, medication lists) Allies must be notified immediately of any vital health and safety changes. Failure to do so could result in discharge of the program.
Emergency Procedures and Contacts
A. Emergency Protocols
Emergency Contact Notification:
In the event of an emergency, the program will follow the emergency contact list provided by the participant/guardian.
Guardians will be notified promptly in compliance with NJ Kominos' Law.
If the situation requires immediate medical attention, 911 will be called. Then attempts to contact the emergency contacts will be made immediately within 1 hour.
An incident report will be documented within 24 hours.
Hospital Supervision:
This program does not have the capacity to accompany participants to the hospital or provide supervision during medical emergencies.
If hospital supervision is required, it is the responsibility of the home representative to provide immediate supervision.
Failure of the home representative to provide urgent supervision in an emergency situation may result in future discharge from the program.
On-Site Supervision:
If a participant requires supervision during an emergency at the program site, Allies staff will remain with them until a home representative arrives to ensure their safety.
B. Emergency Contacts
Participants and support networks must provide two verified emergency contacts upon enrollment.
Any changes to emergency contact information must be reported to program staff prior to them coming to program.
D. Program Appropriateness:
Guardians, home representatives, and support networks are responsible for evaluating whether this program is appropriate for the participant’s needs.
If the participant requires ongoing supervision or medical support beyond the program’s capacity, alternative services should be considered.
Possible example Schedule:
§ Participant 1 interns 8:30-12:00, M, W, F (10.5 hours)
§ Participant 2 interns 1:00p-4:30p M, W, F (10.5 hours)
§ Participant 3 9:45a-3:00p T, Th (10.5 hours)
Workplace Readiness Internship Program: Admissions Criteria
Program Overview
This 12-week workplace readiness internship is designed to prepare individuals to function independently and professionally within a major healthcare organization. Interns must meet high standards of professionalism, reliability, and independence to succeed in this setting. The internship emphasizes real-world expectations in a public-facing environment and reflects both the healthcare partner’s standards and New Jersey Department of Labor’s workplace readiness priorities.
⚠️ Please note: This program does not provide any direct care, or care in the bathroom. This includes toileting, medication administration, behavioral assistance, or mobility support.
Interns are expected to represent the healthcare organization’s values, mission, and community reputation with integrity. Participants must be capable of handling themselves professionally and safely without compromising patient experience, workplace culture, or public trust.
Minimum Admission Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet all of the following:
Independently manage toileting, hygiene, and personal care
Self-administer all medications, including PRNs, without staff prompting or supervision
Function safely in a community workplace without behavioral intervention or direct care
Have consistent, independent transportation to and from the internship
Accept constructive feedback and demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply guidance
Present themselves professionally in appearance, demeanor, and communication
Maintain composure in public-facing and high-stress situations
Applicants who do not meet these minimum criteria will not be eligible for admission, regardless of support coordination or referral status.
Admissions Evaluation Criteria
Applicants who meet minimum requirements will be evaluated across 15 core workplace readiness indicators. Admission is based on a holistic review of the individual’s ability to succeed independently and professionally in a healthcare setting.
1. Punctuality & Time Management
Demonstrates consistent on-time arrival, meets deadlines, and adheres to schedules without reminders. Strong personal accountability is expected.
2. Professional Communication
Uses respectful and appropriate language in verbal and written interactions. Active listening, appropriate tone, and interpersonal maturity are required.
3. Teamwork & Collaboration
Works cooperatively with peers and staff, contributes to group tasks, and respects different roles and perspectives.
4. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Identifies issues, considers possible solutions, and takes initiative to address problems with minimal prompting.
5. Adaptability, Feedback & Teachability
Demonstrates resilience in changing environments. Accepts constructive feedback, adjusts behavior as needed, and shows a desire to grow.
6. Responsibility & Work Ethic
Follows through on assignments, takes pride in work, and displays reliability and integrity in all aspects of performance.
7. Professional Appearance & Behavior
Maintains dress, grooming, and demeanor appropriate for a healthcare workplace. Displays maturity, respectfulness, and self-awareness at all times.
8. Technology & Digital Literacy
Independently navigates email, digital forms, and other basic workplace technology. Can follow digital communication protocols.
9. Career Interest & Goal Orientation
Shows a genuine interest in work readiness and understands how this opportunity aligns with long-term personal or professional goals.
10. Civic Engagement & Leadership Potential
Preference may be given to applicants who have demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, or community involvement, reflecting initiative and readiness.
11. Workplace Independence
Performs tasks and manages daily responsibilities without requiring frequent redirection, coaching, or 1:1 supervision.
12. Workplace Readiness Baseline
Functions safely in real-world settings. Individuals requiring toileting assistance, behavioral intervention, medication prompting, or close monitoring are not eligible.
13. Professionalism & Public Representation
Interns must be able to represent the healthcare organization positively and maintain appropriate behavior in interactions with patients, staff, and the public—even in challenging or stressful situations.
14. Prior Experience
Work, volunteer, school-based, or structured experience is preferred. Applicants without prior experience must demonstrate exceptional readiness in all other categories.
15. Transportation Reliability
Must have independent, consistent transportation with no daily reliance on agency or program staff to attend shifts.
Admissions Determination Policy
Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of readiness, not solely on referral or interest. The program is time-limited, high-accountability, and operates in a regulated, professional setting. For this reason, admission is:
Competitive: Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee acceptance
Capacity-limited: Space is restricted; slots are not guaranteed regardless of prior involvement
Readiness-focused: Admission is granted when the participant demonstrates the ability to succeed safely and professionally without disrupting workplace operations
The agency reserves the right to deny admission if participation is determined to be misaligned with:
The safety and success of the applicant
The standards of the healthcare partner
The integrity of the program
Non-Discrimination Statement
Admission decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state civil rights laws and are not based on disability, race, gender, age, or any other protected category. All decisions are based on documented functional readiness, independence, and ability to meet workplace expectations without direct care support.
Employment Disclaimer
This internship is an unpaid, educational experience and does not guarantee future employment or continued placement through the healthcare partner or sponsoring agency. However, individuals who demonstrate excellence may be referred for continued vocational services or potential interviews at the healthcare partner’s discretion.
*Transportation Disclaimer*
Transportation to and from this program is required by the participant, and or home representative. Allies Inc. Vocational Department is not providing transportation for this program