Vocational Services
We help people with disabilities, mental illness, and behavioral health challenges prepare for, find, and keep jobs in their communities. Our services are designed for people who need more support than what’s typically available. Everything we do is person-centered and built around a customized employment approach.
Customized Employment means we focus on each person’s strengths, interests, and needs to find the right fit. At each of our programs, we work to:
- Get to know the person through everyday activities and conversations (discovery)
- Look for common themes like what they enjoy or do well
- Partner with employers to create or match job opportunities
- Measure success by how the work or role improves the person’s life — whether it’s a paid job, or volunteer position
This approach is part of all our vocational services — including waiver-based employment supports, Day Support Services (DSS), and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) — and works especially well for people with complex needs.
Employment Services
We provide employment services under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, including:
- Exploration Services that help people learn about work opportunities and environments
- Development Services that support skill-building, job-seeking, and soft skills development
- Support Services that provide ongoing supports to maintain integrated, competitive employment in community-based settings
These services are provided in alignment with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245D, and focus on community integration and long-term success.
Day Support Services
Day Support Services (DSS) are provided to people who are not yet seeking competitive employment but benefit from structured daytime activities that build skills, promote independence, and encourage community participation. Activities may include:
- Community exploration and volunteering
- Life skills development
- Social engagement
- Health and wellness routines
DSS helps individuals build the confidence, routine, and capabilities that often lead to greater interest in employment or other meaningful daytime pursuits.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), we provide employment services for people referred through DEED’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) program. These services include:
- Career assessments
- Job trials and job shadowing
- Job development and placement
- Work adjustment training
- Job coaching and on-the-job supports
- Internships and employment retention support
This partnership allows for a coordinated approach between county case management, state VRS counselors, and DCT employment specialists to support long-term career success.
Use of Assistive Technology
We work with individuals and teams to integrate Assistive Technology (AT) across all levels of vocational support. AT tools are used to:
- Enhance communication and self-expression
- Provide job coaching aids (e.g., video modeling, task reminders)
- Promote independence through customized devices or mobile applications
- Improve access to job search platforms, scheduling tools, and transportation apps
AT solutions are tailored to each individual’s needs and can be incorporated into both waiver-based and VRS-aligned services. We regularly evaluate and update technology supports to ensure people have access to the tools that help them succeed at work and in the community.