Customized Employment Public Intern Project

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Montgomery County has developed a unique employment program designed to create flexible work opportunities in County government for individuals with significant disabilities. Since 2007, the Customized Employment Public Intern Project has created over 34 part-time jobs in County departments for individuals with significant disabilities. As an employer, the County recognizes that there are many job candidates with significant disabilities who have much to offer but have difficulty competing for traditional jobs with the government. Local and state governments are often challenged in providing employment to this population because their Merit Protection System prohibits them from creating jobs solely for any protected class, and people with little employment history have a difficult time competing for merit positions. This program was created in partnership with disability advocates, private agencies, the Montgomery County Office of Human Resources, the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, and Montgomery Works.