In his nine years as supervisor in the Maryland Disability Determination Services (DDS) fiscal unit, Joe Simonik has provided on-the-job experiences for over 30 interns with disabilities. They come from DORS field offices, WTC training programs, the local school system as well as specialized programs such as the Governor’s Quest Internship Program for Persons with Disabilities. According to Joe, most leave with more than just work experience.
"My biggest joy is helping people develop and reach their potential," says Joe. Joe and his team oversee accounts payable for DDS. The 11-member unit processes 12,000-13,000 payments per month for medical records, consultative examinations and claimant travel. When Joe interviews prospective interns, he lets them know that they will get a real-life work experience.
"Anyone who comes in is a member of the team and a co-worker," says Joe. His staff, he says, welcomes interns as well. "They are role models, a support group and a resource."
Joe concentrates on helping people develop marketable work skills, including invoice processing, filing, record-keeping and verifying numbers. "I tell people you’ll get a job because you can give an employer the skills and productivity that they need." He’s proud that former interns have developed their skills and moved into permanent positions in a variety of places.
Sue Page, DDS director, says that Joe is recognized throughout DDS as a fair supervisor who personally leads interns through experiences that develop their work skills as well as self-confidence.
"The time I spend with interns is well worth it," says Joe. "I have to believe that they are better people for being here."