Employment for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities deserve to find meaningful work that meets their personal interests and goals.
Our employment specialists assist with many components of an individual's career journey, including resume and cover letter creation, job applications, interview preparation, benefit analysis and planning, accommodation assistance, follow-up support and other needs that are specific to the individual.
Community Employment
Our Community Employment program serves adults in the five-county Twin Cities metro area who are ready to find work. Participants must be referred from Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). Once referred, participants are paired with an employment specialist who works closely to coach them in employment readiness, job preparation, employment applications, interview practice, wage negotiation and much more! Our employment specialists help participants to keep their job and often recommend that once someone is working, they transfer into our Extended Employment program
Employment First
LSS Employment First services works closely with individuals to match their preferred work environment with the right employer. Our work starts with an exploration of interests, strengths and overall desires for employment. We can work with individuals at their home or in a place they feel comfortable for a relaxed conversation about their employment goals. Following this discovery process, LSS works with the individual and their support team to create a plan for obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
Extended Employment
Our Extended Employment program serves adults with disabilities who meet program criteria, are working in competitive employment, and want support from an LSS employment specialist to help them retain their job and progress in their career. Extended Employment participants submit their pay stubs to their designated LSS employment specialist every month and receive guidance, support and advocacy while in our program. Participants can stay in the program indefinitely, as long as they continue to satisfy program requirements and meet with their LSS employment specialist twice per month.
LEARN Program at Ramsey County Mental Health
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s Employment and Recovery Network (LEARN) program works with adults in Ramsey County who have significant mental health challenges. We assist people to attain meaningful employment in the community. Our LEARN team works directly with Ramsey County therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical nurses and certified peer recovery specialists at the Ramsey County Mental Health Building. This program is designed to fit individual needs and uses the IPS model and principles.
Partnering for Jobs - Located at Canvas Health in Washington County
LSS’ Partnering for Jobs program operates in partnership with Canvas Health, Washington County Targeted Case Management and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Our clients are referred to us by Canvas Health therapists and must live in Washington County. Our goal is to support individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) looking to obtain and maintain competitive employment in the community. We meet this goal by utilizing the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Our employment specialists assist with many components of an individual's career journey, including resume and cover letter creation, job applications, interview preparation, benefit analysis and planning, accommodation assistance, follow-up support and other needs that are specific to the individual.
For more information on these programs, email [email protected].