OUTSOURCING FOR BUSINESS
COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT
Individuals who are ready to work independently in the community can take part in Penn-Mar’s competitive employment program. Participants typically enter the program out of Penn-Mar’s supported employment program.
Currently, 23 individuals from Penn-Mar are working independently in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Most of the workers have years of experience in their job fields, some with up to 19 years at a single company. They work in a wide variety of jobs, including cleaning, customer service, child care, office work, and loading groceries. Each person has different vocational abilities and interests.
The competitive employment coordinator searches for job openings at area businesses to find the best job match for each prospective employee and employer. The coordinator then helps the prospective employee go through the interview process. Once an individual is hired and accepts a position, the coordinator assists the individual in becoming oriented to his or her new job as well as learning the expectations of the job and how to complete required tasks.
After training, the coordinator visits the individual monthly, or as often as needed. The coordinator maintains contact with the employer and receives updates on the employee’s progress. If the employer feels the individual needs more training, the coordinator again will work one-on-one with the individual to ensure high-quality work.
For more information, please contact Stacy Hieber at Penn-Mar Human Services:
(410) 343-1069, ext. 238
