TransCen’s MD/DC office runs the Montgomery County Public Intern Project, Summer Youth Employment, and Youth with Disabilities program.
The Montgomery County Project (PM) focuses on the scopes of services in four specific areas, which are mentioned below.
First, serves as a resource/coordinator for the provision of transition services, which will facilitate the transition from the formal education system to work for Montgomery County residents with physical, mental, learning and emotional disabilities.
Secondly, will facilitate coordination with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery County Government agencies, the employer community, and interested parent, consumer and community groups to improve vocational services and increase community employment opportunities. Of special note, the (PM) and Director of Transitions Services for Montgomery County meet to discuss specific high schools that will receive TA services which include presentations on various topics ranging from dream building, self-advocacy to employment.
Thirdly, works with MCPS to assure that transitional activities provided as part of the school curriculum are consistent with employment training opportunities and services in the community.
Fourth, conducts public information and awareness activities as well as, provide technical assistance to the employment community, vocational/employment agencies, educational, parent, student and disability advocacy groups, and other community organizations as appropriate.
For more information, please contact Darrell Burns at dburns@transcen.org
The Montgomery County Public Intern Project was established in 2007 to create flexible and customized work opportunities in County agencies and departments for individuals with disabilities. All County departments have had the opportunity to work with a customized employment career specialist from TransCen to identify tasks and create part-time positions based on the department’s need. Our staff recruits and pre-screens potential candidates and works with County HR and medical departments to prepare the candidate to start work if the individual is a good fit. Initial on-site job coaching is provided by our staff and job coach training is offered to all those employees interested in supporting a candidate in the MCPIP. To date, over 85 individuals with disabilities have benefited from County employment through their participation in the program. A number of individuals have gone on to obtain County merit positions or other permanent employment opportunities.
The success of the Public Intern Project has been a catalyst for Montgomery County Government to enhance the County’s disability initiatives. With TransCen’s assistance and other county advocates, the county has established a disability hiring preference and a Non-Competitive Hiring Initiative. MCPIP continues to be a model for best practices, leading and inspiring other jurisdictions locally, nationally, and internationally by its example. Montgomery County was honored for the program in 2009 by the National Association of Counties and received an Achievement Award for MCPIP.
For more information, please contact Rachel Hoyles at rhoyles@transcen.org
TransCen currently has been working with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) since 2011. As of 2020, TCI receives referrals from DORs Counselors for students interested in participating within a Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE). The students range in ages from (14-21).
Our program operates throughout the entire calendar year for eligible youth residing in Montgomery, Harford and Cecil counties. The opportunity affords eligible youth to gain valuable work experience while exploring career interest through a six-eight week paid internship.
TransCen staff assist the youth with job search, placement, short-term job coaching services, outreach to employers, as well as, utilizes customized employment techniques to target employers based on each youth’s interests, skills, and abilities. Each youth will receive mid-point and final evaluations during the course of their work experience. Through the work, experience students will acquire new skills, which will serve valuable as they look forward to pursuing permanent employment.
For more information, contact Darrell Burns at dburns@transcen.org
