Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What benefit is there to becoming a SummerWorks employer?

By becoming a SummerWorks Employer, you help area youth gain meaningful work experience and mentorship that serves as the critical "stepping stone" they need to increase their marketability in today's competitive job market.



What can I expect from my experience as an employer?

Throughout the duration of the Summer Works employment program, employers will be offered continuous support from program staff. Program staff serve as the primary point of contact for employers and are able to help navigate the program and create a positive experience for you as an employer. Human Resources will also be available to help troubleshoot issues that may arise. Employing a young person for the summer youth employment program is a rewarding experience! New situations may arise, but program staff will help you navigate them. Please note that this program is part of a county-wide partnership and employers will be required to travel for a small number of programmatic events.



What are the expectations for employers?

Employers are expected to provide at least 20 hours of work per week from [NEW DATE RANGE NEEDED] 6/17/19 - 8/23/19 at a rate of $10.00 or $12.00 per hour. Employers are responsible for compensation. Employers are required to attend Employer Orientation and Match Day. In addition there are several activities and events throughout the summer that employers are invited to attend. Employers are also expected to provide supervision and mentorship of youth employees during the employment period.



Can my business or organization offer more than one position?

Yes, you can request to hire more than one young person. Please be clear in the application if you will have multiple supervisors for the youth employees.



How much will it cost me to hire a youth for SummerWorks?

The hourly pay rate is either $10.00 or $12.00 per hour based on completion of a high school degree or equivalent, plus a small amount of taxes equating to roughly $0.78 per hour. The total employer cost is approximately $2,000-$2,400 per youth employee based on a 20-hour work week.



Do you provide stipends for agencies who want to participate, but are unable the full cost of hiring a young person?

If you are a business or organization who would like to participate but has limited funding, please fill out our application form and make note of your monetary limitations in the "additional information" section. While stipends do not currently exist, Summer Works is working hard to be able to provide stipends to organizations who are unable to meet the monetary contribution.



How are youth employees selected for the summer jobs program?

All youth ages 16-24 from Washtenaw County are eligible to apply. After youth are randomly placed into a U-M or Washtenaw County cohort, they will attend an interview day with employers from their cohort. This is an opportunity for both employers and employees to find best match for positions.



What kind of skills can I expect from a SummerWorks intern?

Every youth employee hired through Summer Works will have attended four weeks of "Soft Skills Academy" work-readiness training. Soft Skills Academy includes training in communication, conflict resolution, professionalism and networking to prepare youth to make positive contributions to your business. Youth employees come with a variety of skill sets and experiences; we encourage employers to be adaptable in terms of work for their employees, offering both support and more challenging work as needed. In addition to training, all youth employees will have reliable transportation and necessary identification for employment eligibility.



Who is the Employer of Record for SummerWorks?

If a youth is placed in a position on the U-M campus they will be employed as a temporary staff member at U-M. If a youth is placed at another agency within the county, Washtenaw County government will serve as the employer of record.



Will Washtenaw County cover the insurance for youth employees?

No, all employers will become contractors with Washtenaw County Government and are required to have proof of insurance as part of their contract. General and employer liability will protect the employer and County in the event of bodily injury or other damages resulting from any wrongdoing on the employer's behalf. Automobile insurance will protect youth who are required to be inside of a vehicle for any portion of their employment with a Summer Works employer.



What are the workers compensation insurance requirement and must I comply?

Employers are required to have workers compensation insurance that covers medical costs and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill on the job. All Summer Works employers must comply with workers compensation requirements. If you are unable to comply with these requirements please consider participating in the program through providing an in-kind donation. The donation is tax-deductible. To learn more, please email Cordelia Gonzalez at MI Works! cgonzalez@mwse.org



I've filled out the application, now what?

Once the application deadline has passed, you will receive a phone call and email to the number and email address you included in your application form, to inform you about your acceptance into the program and next steps for your participation. Please be sure to check your email and phone messages regularly during the three weeks following the deadline. If you have not heard from program staff by mid-april please contact: For Washtenaw County employers, contact Shana Collins at MichiganWorks! at scollins@mwse.org For University of Michigan employers, contact syesupport@umich.edu In the meantime, be sure to mark the important program dates on your calendar, as you will be required to attend all events if you are accepted into the program.



I am not on a bus line, will this exclude me from being a SummerWorks Employer?

No, Summer Works will make efforts to match you with youth employees who have a means of transportation to your work site. Based on your business location, on-demand individual transportation options may be made available to youth employees. Please be sure to include your work site location as part of your application form.



When should I expect to receive my invoices for employee hours worked?

Invoices will be paid in 3 batches. Each batch of invoices will cover 2 pay periods. The invoices will be sent out as stated on the table below