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Additional Roles and Responsibilities

The role of each participant in a placement opportunity – employer/mentor, student, and teacher/coordinator – is defined below.

Except where indicated, these apply to all HCPSS Career Academy, Career Research & Development, Gifted & Talented, and Work Study placements at organizational sites.

Participants will be asked to indicate acceptance of these additional roles and responsibilities by signing a Howard County Public School System Student Placement Contract upon establishment of a placement agreement.

Employer/Mentor Responsibilities

  • Provide a variety of meaningful working experiences under direct supervision of qualified personnel.
  • Note the student’s work skills, progress, and professional attitude at the worksite. Complete a student evaluation form for each interim and final marking period and forward to the teacher. If applicable, evaluate the student project at the end of year.
  • Recognize that the student is a minor and is participating in a school sponsored program at the worksite.
  • Therefore, the mentor/employer agrees that all conduct and communication will be appropriate to a teaching environment.
  • Maintain communication with the teacher; with contact at least twice per quarter and additionally as needed.
  • Promptly contact the teacher regarding any questions, concerns, or problems (attendance, attitude, etc.)
  • Provide the student with safety instruction in work practices, safe equipment, and healthful facilities in compliance with OSHA, Federal and State law requirements.
  • Follow all federal, state, and local laws for the employment of minors, including those regulating hours of employment.
  • Student will be eligible for all company benefits under the State Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Laws.
  • If a non-profit organization, provide a copy of the organization’s volunteer insurance coverage prior to placement

Student Responsibilities

  • Comply with all HCPSS policies and regulations while participating in the program and all program-related activities. Note: Failure to comply with policies and regulations may result in loss of placement and dismissal from the program.
  • Observe rules of safety, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and business etiquette, while showing a desire to learn under the supervision of mentor/employer.
  • Meet expectations of punctuality, attendance, proper attire, and professionalism; notify worksite mentor/employer and teacher of any absence.
  • If applicable, provide own transportation to the worksite, and assume all transportation costs, including fuel and parking fees. If a student drives, provide automobile insurance carrier and policy number on the front of the contract.
  • Student work hours must overlap the teacher’s work schedule, as applicable. In some programs, student hours may extend beyond traditional school day to include evenings and weekends.
  • Complete the minimum number of work hours per week as indicated on the front of the contract to receive credit for Site-Based Work Experience. Student must be marked present for a full day of school to receive credit for daily work experience.
  • Maintain passing grades in all remaining school subjects and complete all assignments required by the teacher.
  • Notify teacher and mentor/employer of any change in work location, schedule, and/or internship status within 24 hours of the change. If paid, provide two (2) weeks written notice. (In case of failure to report termination, absence from school will be considered illegal from the date of termination.)
  • Notify HCPSS of any concern or complaint with the assigned employer placement and/or working conditions.
  • A parent conference is required in order for the student to withdraw the internship course.
  • Return a Site-Based Student Evaluation form for each interim and final marking period.

Teacher Responsibilities

  • Assist in identifying appropriate mentor/employer to match student’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
  • Assist student in arranging initial interview with potential mentor/employer if needed.
  • Visit the workplace and maintain open communication with the mentor/employer; with contact at least twice per quarter and additionally as needed.
  • Assist students in resolving workplace problems and concerns, taking appropriate action when warranted to remedy unsatisfactory situation. (Note: When necessary, action may include permanent or temporary removal of student from the worksite.)
  • Ensure that mentor/employer provides student safety instruction for work considered hazardous under child labor laws.
  • Secure all signed agreements and documents.
  • Evaluate student progress and collaborate with mentor/employer to assign grade (if applicable) at each interim and final marking period.