The 2012 Make-It-Work Program

At-A-Glance

Fairfax County, Virginia

An Unique Opportunity

Fairfax County’s 2012 Make-It-Work Program has been made possible by generous funding through the 2011 CPSHR/IPMA-HR Innovation Grant.

Thank You!

What Is It?• A unique government/school

partnership that provides students an opportunity to acquire entry-level job skills leading to successful employment

Make It Work

Who Is Doing It?

A Government/School Partnership:

Fairfax County Department of Human Resources (Employment Division)

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Career and Transition Services (CTS)

AND

• Through each stage of the Make-It-Work Program, each partner fulfills unique roles that required ongoing coordination.

• Continuous communication fuels the entire program.

The Process—Coordinated Roles

Partnership Responsibilities

School • Work skills instruction• Job analysis • Job matching• Support and follow-up• Transportation• Student performance

evaluations• Disability awareness

training• On-going communication

and collaboration

Employer• Identify positions• Interview students• Provide training and

supervision• Evaluate student

performance• Provide on-going

communication and collaboration

Program Overview

• Total Grant Award: $25,000

• Grant Period: One calendar year (January 2012 – December 2012)

• 10 part-time positions (without benefits)

• 10 positions from Human Resource Department were deployed to hosting agencies/departments

Program Overview (cont.)• Hourly compensation: $9.00/hour

• Length of internships: Ranged from 6 months to 11 months

• Weekly work schedules balanced student availability with agency needs

• Typical # of scheduled work hours per week: 10 hours

• 21 resumes received from interested students representing 16 schools across the county.

• Of the 10 selected, seven of the interns were graduating seniors and worked through August. Three of the interns will work through December when the grant ends.

About Our Interns

The 2012 Make-It-Work interns were housed within the following departments/agencies across the county: •Community Services Board – Human Resources

•Community Services Board – Infant and Toddler Connection

•Dept. of Administration for Human Services – Alcohol Safety Action Program

•Dept. of Health – Environmental Health Division

•Dept. of Housing and Community Development – Human Resources, Rental Services

Where Were the Internships?

The 2012 Make-It-Work interns were housed within the following departments/agencies across the county:

•Dept. of Human Resources – Employment Division

•Dept. of Neighborhood and Community Services – James Lee Community Center

•Dept. of Public Works and Environmental Services – Capital Facilities Division

•Dept. of Vehicle Services

•Police Dept. – Administrative Support Bureau

Where Were the Internships?

Student Responsibilities

Arrive for work when scheduledPerform all duties as assignedAdhere to office policiesCommunicate with supervisorAsk questionsDress appropriately Participate in evaluation processAttend career enhancement workshops

Sample Job Duties

Assembling mailings Checking email Copying Data entry Filing Light automotive mechanics Reception desk coverage Updating Excel spreadsheets Updating Microsoft Word documents

Acquired Skills and Abilities

Ability to work on a team Communication skills Computer skills Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Task management skills Time management skills

Applied Life Skills• Building a

resume

• Applying for jobs with Fairfax County

• Interviewing skills

• Acceptance/ rejection

•Transportation logistics

•Bureaucracy of government agencies

•Evaluations

•Direct deposit

Partnerships Make It Happen

How Is It Working

“The Make-It-Work Program has been a wonderful opportunity to help our local high school students learn more about not only the business side of things, but the county as well. Our intern has been a wonderful representation of the Fairfax County school system. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”

- DPWES Capital Facilities Division

Making It Work

How Is It Working

“We are very pleased with our Make-It-Work intern. She has hit the ground running – very polite, courteous, helpful. She is a welcome addition to our staff. She is a great worker.”

- Alcohol Safety and Action Program

Making It Work

How Is It Working

“It’s a win-win situation. You are receiving help while also giving help.”

-Community Services Board - Human Resources

Making It Work

What the Interns Are Saying…

“It made me declare what I want to do after college. It also showed me what an office-based job looks like.”

“It gave me experience for my resume and gave me a lot of responsibility. It was a great experience.”

2012 Make-It-Work Program

“This is about people.”

--Fairfax County Host Agency 2012

We Made-It-Work

And So Can You…