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Scott Key Center
Scott Key Center provides employment training and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We foster community integration through empowering the employees to work within their range of abilities, and to be included and valued as members of the community.
Individual Employment
Individual employment is where one of SKC's employees (clients) is hired with your organization/company, and is paid from your payroll. This client is then supported through job coaching through an initial period, and through drop in support as needed thereafter. A SKC staff person is also available to be present whenever any supervisory meetings are needed.
- Does the Scott Key Center currently have clients seeking individual employment opportunities, and if so what are some examples of what the clients are seeking? Yes, some examples may include, but are not limited to, kitchen help, general labor, housekeeping, fast food, greenhouse/ landscaping.
- How do you find individual placement for your clients seeking such an opportunity? Search want ads, networking, cold calling, personal contacts, referrals.
- If a prospective employer was interested in hiring one of your clients, how would they do so? Contact the Director Sean M. Lore by calling 301-600-1600.
- Once they have contacted the Scott Key Center or decided to hire one of the clients then what?
- Job development specialist sits down with employer
- Develops a plan for on-site job coaching and on-going communication
- Reviews expectations with client that the employer shares with client
- A start date is determined
- What have been some of the barriers to helping find clients individual employment? Competitive job market, transportation, limited natural supports, public perceptions.
- Why should I hire one of the Scott Key Center clients instead of someone else?
- Improved employee retention
- Quality job performance
- Lower absenteeism
- Lower turnover and training costs
- Tax credit assistance
Mission
Scott Key Center's mission is to provide creative and meaningful employment for employees with developmental disabilities within the Frederick Community.
Vision
Scott Key Center will be a leader in Frederick County by empowering adults with developmental disabilities to be included and valued as members of the community. We will foster community integration through employment and public awareness.
Each Scott Key Center employee will have the opportunity to work within their range of abilities in order to function at their highest potential.
The Scott Key Center will promote creativity in order to develop meaningful employment within the community, through enhanced training and educational opportunities for staff and employees, while supporting each employee to identify, plan, and achieve his or her own personal dreams.
Values
Respect & Dignity
We respect our employees, staff, co-workers, and customers by treating them with dignity, listening to and accepting their ideas by valuing their opinions, accepting diversity, fostering self-worth, and allowing opportunities for people to take risks.
Empowerment
Through training and support in making decisions, each individual will achieve increased self-worth with each opportunity.
Integrity
We will continuously strive to uphold the highest standard of conduct and moral behavior, adhering to the highest level of ethics, in all our interactions.
Teamwork
Staff will contribute their skills and expertise to fulfill our mission by collectively working together to accomplish high standards of operation.
Commitment
Scott Key Center will exhibit commitment by:
- Being present
- Taking risks to improve systems, selves, and the organization
- Continually evaluating existing goals and meeting individual needs
- Providing a quality vocational and employment program
- Individual (competitive) job placements
- Janitorial services
- Supported employment
Interns or Volunteers to Assist in a Variety of Activities
The Scott Key Center is currently seeking interns or volunteers to assist in a variety of activities.
Schedule is flexible, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. Activities include:
- Assisting with various special projects
- Instruction of recreation and leisure skills activities
- Supported employment crews
- Vocational training
This would be excellent experience opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing career in special education, social work, psychology, communications or general business.
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Maryland Works, Inc
- Insurance Program for Workers With Disabilities Debuts
- The Arc of Frederick County
- United States Department of Labor
- Vocational Rehabilitation of Maryland State Department of Education
History of the Scott Key Center
Scott Key Center began operations in March 1966. SKC provided services for all ages, children and adults. The passage of Public Law 94-142 shifted responsibility for children with disabilities to the Board of Education and, as a result, the Scott Key Center became an adult developmental center in 1978.
Scott Key Center began with 3 clients and 1 instructor at the Staley Park Field House off of Motter Avenue. Several months later a move was made to the old emergency hospital behind the Montevue Home. Six years later, Scott Key Center moved to the B wing of Rock Creek School and in May 1981 moved to present location at 1050 Rocky Springs Road.
In December 1979 the Scott Key Center Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the Frederick County Commissioners to make the Center a county agency under the Health Department.
Work Activity Center
In 1982 the Scott Key Center obtained a license from the United States Department of Labor to operate a work activity center. For the first time, Scott Key Center was able to provide vocational and employment services for all clients and, most importantly, pay them wages based on their productivity. During this time a commercial greenhouse was erected to provide horticultural training and sheltered employment.
In December 1985, the division of Vocational Rehabilitation of Maryland State Department of Educationaccredited the Scott Key Center. Scott Key Center was one of the original 10 members of what became known as the ''500 club". These 10 organizations each paid $500 to enable the Maryland Association of Workshops, now known as Maryland Works, Inc. to hire a part-time staff person.
Growth
This organization has grown tremendously over the years and now works cooperatively with the Maryland State Government to manage the preference-purchasing program, which makes it possible for organizations serving persons with disabilities to have preference on some State contracts. Maryland Works, Inc. is also involved with advocacy and lobbying efforts in Annapolis. Scott Key Center is proud that they played an instrumental role in the development of this organization.
In 1986, Scott Key Center began a supported employment program with the help of the Maryland Supported Employment Project affiliated with Kennedy Institute. Scott Key Center was one of 5 organizations statewide to form a focus group which would give guidance and leadership to the Supported Employment Project's Manual for agencies making the transition to more community-based employment model.
Achievement Award
Scott Key Center received a Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in 1987 for success in integrating persons with developmental disabilities into the work force. In the same year one of Scott Key Center's employees, Charles Boller, received a Citizenship award from the American Association on Mental Retardation for outstanding achievement in employment in service to the community.
In Summary
Scott Key Center is celebrating It's 40th year in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently Scott Key Center either employs or support to 113 the area including Buckingham's Choice, Board of Education, Roy Rogers, Fort Detrick, JC Penney Company, Griff's Landing, Lintini Pizzeria and others. Custodial services are provided under contract to Frederick County Government. This program has grown to include almost 20 buildings per day and is good source of employment for approximately 43 individuals.
Scott Key Continues in Helping Shape Futures!
From Gettysburg, PA and points North
Take Route 15 South towards Frederick. Take exit #14 / Rosemont Avenue. Turn left onto Rosemont Avenue. Proceed approximately 1 mile. Turn left onto Rocky Springs Road. Scott Key Center is the first building on the left.
From Washington, D.C.
- Take Interstate 270 North towards Frederick
- Follow signs for Route 15 North. Take exit #14 / Rosemont Avenue
- Turn right onto Rosemont Avenue. Proceed approximately 1 mile
- Turn left onto Rocky Springs Road
- Scott Key Center is the first building on the left
From Baltimore, MD
- Take Interstate 70 West towards Frederick
- Follow signs for Route 15 North
- Take exit #14 / Rosemont Avenue. Turn right onto Rosemont Avenue
- Proceed approximately 1 mile. Turn left onto Rocky Springs Road
- Scott Key Center is the first building on the left
From Hagerstown, MD and points West
- Take Interstate 70 East towards Frederick
- Take Route 15 North exit. Follow signs to Route 15 North
- Take exit #14/Rosemont Avenue. Turn right onto Rosemont Avenue
- Proceed approximately 1 mile. Turn left onto Rocky Springs Road
- Scott Key Center is the first building on the left
A Message From the Executive Director
Since 1966, Scott Key Center has been providing support to people with developmental disabilities. The Scott Key Center has been a division of the the Frederick County Health Department since 1982, and provides services to residents of Frederick County who are ages 21 and over with developmental disabilities. Employment opportunities are provided to meet the person’s individual needs, whether it is employment that is competitive, supported employment, or vocational training.
Employment opportunities are provided are the Scott Key Center are at various businesses throughout Frederick County. Businesses employing people from the Scott Key Center include Hood College, McDonalds, Wal-Mart, Sleep Inn, Lintini’s Pizzeria Glade Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation, Roy Rodgers in Frederick and Brunswick, Frederick County Public Libraries in Brunswick, Middletown, and Walkersville, Buckingham’s Choice, JC Penney, SAIC, Griff’s Landing, Gemini Hair Salon and Weis Markets.
Janitorial services are provided to 22 county government facilities and 8 private entities. The Scott Key Center also produces goods and services that can be purchased. These goods include Marvel welcome mats, prints and cards from art-work, bulk mailing, toner cartridge remanufacturing, document shredding, and horticultural services.
Scott Key Center is licensed and accredited by the Maryland State Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Maryland State Department of Education and the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Through innovative and creative approaches, the Scott Key Center strives to provide more customized employment for people. This approach includes refining the job development process, taking a legitimate look at self-employment as a career option.
By taking calculated risks, and implementing new ideas to provide more work options for people, the Scott Key Center will Continue to be driving force in advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
Sean M. Lore, MA
Executive Director