Preparing for Employment

Choosing a future career can sometimes take exploration, experience and discovery.  In Maryland, there are programs, services, and resources to assist youth, including programs to gain work experience through exploration, internships, and summer jobs.  The more work experience a young adult can gain as soon as they turn 16 and are allowed to work, the more employable they will be.  Even setting up a small business, such as a lemonade stand, or selling things on Ebay can provide valuable experience and build a résumé.  And the first job does not have to become a career.  It is good for young adults to try different jobs and internships to get a better idea of what sort of career will be the best fit. 

The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) has created a website for youth called Be What I Want To Be.  This website highlights exciting careers, demonstrates what a student will need to accomplish in high school to be prepared for employment, and assists students in exploring their interests.

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Work Based Opportunities

In high school, there may be the opportunity for “work based learning” as part of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Work based learning means the opportunity to learn while actually performing a job in an employment setting, as opposed to sitting in a classroom.  Some work based learning opportunities may be short, such as job shadowing, visiting a work site and following someone to learn how their work day is spent.  Students may have done this when parents took them to work.  Students might also be given the opportunity to interview someone to ask them what they do at work.    This is called an informational interview and can also be a form of work based learning.  Some types of work based learning may be arranged through school, but parents and students should also see about developing their own opportunities.  Both parents and students should explore the network of adults they know to find out who works in the sorts of jobs the student is interested in, and then see if they would be willing to provide the student an informational interview or the chance to job shadow for a day. Students  should request that their IEP and Transition Plan include as many work based opportunities as possible, particularly if they are not planning to go on to postsecondary education.  All students should have a final résumé of their work and volunteer experience by the time they finish high school. Make certain to keep it in an easily accessible location and to update it often.  

Maryland Public Schools:  Transition services begin for students with disabilities at age 14.  Services include the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), career awareness and exploration work based on student skills, abilities, and interests, and work based opportunities. 

To prepare students for work, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and local school systems have developed Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs designed to help students make informed decisions regarding their future careers.  Whether a student is interested in entering the workforce upon graduating high school or planning to go to college, there are programs to meet the different career paths of students.  Programs include communications, finance, construction, hospitality and tourism, natural resources, health and bioscience, human resources, information technology, manufacturing and engineering, and transportation. For more information, please visit the MSDE's CTE Webpage or contact your local school system.

Youth Summer Job Programs
Summer jobs are one of the best ways to not only gain valuable work experience, but to also begin to earn money.  There are a number of resources to locate summer jobs, but students can also look for help wanted signs in their community and apply on their own.  Students that are interested in a summer job, particularly those listed in one of the resources below, should apply as early as possible.  Deadlines are not the same for all programs so students are encouraged to contact each program at the beginning of the calendar year to find out when applications are due.

Maryland One-Stop Career Centers are community centers that have many programs for training, education, and employment under one roof, including youth summer job programs. Summer programs will assist with the development of essential work skills that today's employers require as well as the discovery of future career interests. Click here to find out more about the youth summer job programs in your community.

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) can help students with disabilities prepare for the future.  Depending on the student’s skills and interests, DORS can possibly assist with finding and keeping a summer job.  Click here to find out more about how DORS can assist in locating a local summer job.

Internships
Internships are most often available to college students and can either be paid or unpaid.  Internships are particularly useful to get contacts and get experience in highly competitive fields, so they can be of particular importance.  Internships can also lead to employment after graduation from college, so it is important to take advantage of internships early and often while enrolled in college. The College Career Services office located on each college campus has information on a number of different internships in addition to the resources below:

  • Workforce Recruitment Program: (WRP):  WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects qualified college students with disabilities with federal sector employers nationwide.  The applications and interviews are hosted by each campus. Be sure to visit the Career Services office and Disability Support Services office on campus when you are looking at schools.
  • Emerging Leaders: Emerging Leaders is a competitive internship and leadership development program for college students with disabilities.  In the past, students have interned with Booz Allen Hamilton, MetLife, Microsoft, and JP Morgan Chase.
  • Entry Point!: Entry Point is a competitive program that offers internships in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business to students with disabilities.  Past internship organizations include IBM, NASA, Merck, Google, Lockheed Martin, CVS, NAVAIR, Pfizer, Infosys, Shell, and Proctor & Gamble.
  • AmeriCorps:  AmeriCorps offers over 75,000 opportunities annually for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference in their communities through a commitment to service.
  • National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP):  NSIP focuses on increasing the number of individuals with disabilities participating in community and national service with information for individuals, service programs, and providers. 
  • White House Internships: The White House Internship Program is a hands-on program designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. Applications are generally due 6 months prior to each intern session.
  • National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program: The NFB annually offers blind college students in the United States the opportunity to win one of thirty national scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000.

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Disability Employment Services

Searching for a new job is hard work…in fact, it can be the toughest “job” a person will ever have.  Employment services can be found in communities across Maryland to help in the search.  Depending on the type of disability, students may need some additional supports or services to obtain and maintain employment.  The following resources may assist, if an individual is eligible, with training, assistive technology, or even a job coach. Resources may be limited so parents and students must be certain to contact the appropriate agency and get an eligibility determination prior to graduation or completing school. 

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work or start their own business.

  • What can you expect?  Applicants will need to complete an eligibility process with DORS.  If found eligible, youth will then develop an employment plan of services to meet their needs.
  • What employment services are available?  DORS provides personalized support and employment services.  Youth may be eligible to choose from DORS programs and services such as career decision making, counseling and referral, vocational training, job search, placement and job-keeping services, supported employment, self employment, assistive technology, medical rehabilitation services, and other support services.
  • Where to start?  Interested applicants will need to complete a referral form and contact their regional DORS office. Click here for a listing of regional offices.

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) believes that all people with developmental disabilities can work, and contribute to their community, when given opportunity, training, and supports that build on their strengths.  Transitioning Youth comprise a special category of eligibility and priority for services.  Through the Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative (GTYI), DDA is able to fund supported employment opportunities for eligible graduating students.

  • What can you expect?  Youth are encouraged to apply to DDA by the age of 14 to determine eligibility even though youth are not eligible for transitioning youth services until the age of 21.  If found eligible, and funding is available, an individual plan will be developed to meet the needs of the youth.
  • What employment services are provided?  Services include supported employment, employment discovery and customization services, community learning services, traditional day habilitation, and medical day services.  The services are provided through an array of community providers.
  • Where to start?  To apply, families will need to contact their regional office or visit DDA’s website to download an application form. Click here for a listing of regional offices.

Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) creates and manages a coordinated, comprehensive, accessible, culturally sensitive, and age-appropriate system of publicly funded services and supports, including supported employment services, for individuals who have psychiatric disorders.

  • What you can expect?  Applicants will need to complete an eligibility process. If an applicant is found eligible, they will then select a community service provider.  
  • What services are provided? Services include supported employment, case management, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, crisis services, housing and residential rehabilitation services, psychiatric treatment and medication management, assertive community treatment and mobile treatment, respite, transition age youth services, and traumatic brain injury services.
  • Where to start?  At the local level MHA has Core Service Agencies to assist children and adults seeking mental health services.  Click here to find a Core Service Agency near you.

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Job Seeking Resources

Whether or not someone has a disability, no one is going to hand them a job.  Youth are going to have to seek out job openings and apply for them. Again, this is a good place to access personal networks and that of friends and family, since they may know of openings.  In addition, youth should to take advantage of the resources listed below, to find job openings and to apply for them.  Job seekers will need a résumé and know how to prepare a cover letter. Youth should ask other adults to assist in practicing for interviews, including making eye contact during the interview. Research the company ahead of time and be certain to send a follow up thank you.  If an individual needs accommodations for the interview or wants to know how and when to disclose a disability, this fact sheet titled Disclosure can offer some guidance. There are a number of other fact sheets that might be of interest in the Job Seeker section of the Maryland Department of Disability’s website.

Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program oversees state approved apprenticeship programs and provides information on the numerous apprenticeship programs in Maryland.  Apprentices work full time and receive training from a sponsoring organization.  Most programs take 3 to 6 years to complete leading to a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.

  • What can you expect?  The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program does not work individually with youth in providing employment services.  Instead the Program provides individuals with information on researching a trade and locating participating apprenticeship programs in the state.
  • What employment services are available?  Once a trade has been selected, applicants must contact program sponsors directly to ask about their application requirements and hiring schedule.  Applicants will need to submit their application directly to the sponsor they have selected. Click here for a list of apprenticeship sponsors.
  • Where to start?  Review the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Programs step-by-step instructions on How to Become an Apprentice, starting with researching and selecting a trade.

Maryland One-Stop Career Centers are community centers that have many programs for training, education, and employment under one roof.  One Stop career services are available to ALL Marylanders. 

  • What can you expect?  Most One-Stop Career Centers offer workshops on interviewing, résumé writing, and other career-related skills.  Job openings are also listed on the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) with information about what skills and education are needed for specific jobs and assistance in creating resumes.  Eligible youth may also qualify to receive funding for training for a specific job
  • What employment services are available?  Services vary at each One-Stop Career Center, but most centers offer all job seekers easy entry to services such as job listings, referrals to employers, and placement assistance.  Other services that may be available are career and skill assessments, youth services, and training services.
  • Where to start?  Find a Maryland One-Stop Career Center in your community or visit America’s Service Locater to find a One-Stop Career Center nationally.

Postsecondary Higher Education Career Services offices assist the college community in the areas of career exploration and employment.

  • What can you expect?  Individuals can contact a Career Services office and make an appointment to meet with a Career Counselor.  Meetings will be individualized to what services, information, or resources are needed.
  • What services are provided?  Individuals can receive assistance, information, and resources about the career decision making process, linkages with the surrounding business community, labor market statistics, employment trends and training requirements, job preparation and readiness, and lifelong learning.
  • Where to start?  Click here to find an Career Services office in your community.

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Working While Maintaining Benefits

Social Security has rules called “work incentives” that let individuals earn even more and still keep benefits.  As part of Social Security’s work incentives, youth you are planning to, or are currently, receiving SSI and Medical Assistance can also earn money (often up to $1,432 a month) and still keep some of their SSI check.  For youth who earn too much money to keep SSI, they can usually keep Medical Assistance if their income is under $38,000 a year.  Almost everyone who receives SSI and Medical Assistance is better off financially working than not, and work usually improves a person’s physical and mental health.  For more information, view the Don’t Panic! Your Son or Daughter Can Work and STILL Keep Benefits fact sheet or view the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Students webinar.

Many youth become eligible for SSI once they turn 18.  Before age 18, children are often ineligible for SSI because their parents’ income and assets count against them.  Once they turn 18, only the youth’s own income and assets count.  To apply for SSI, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.  Once a person qualifies for SSI, he or she can take advantage of work incentives to keep SSI and/or Medical Assistance while working.

Youth who receive SSI are encouraged to take advantage of available benefits counseling. Youth receiving services from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) should ask their rehabilitation counselor about this service. Youth who are not receiving services with DORS should contact their local Center for Independent Living or call Benefits INfoSource at 1-888-838-1776.

For more information on applying for disability benefits please visit the Social Security Administration’s Disability Benefits website.  

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