Assessment

Comprised of strengths, interests and skill identification surveys and work history and barriers to employment evaluations.

 

Employment Plan Development

Once income eligibility is verified, applicants are required to create an Employment Plan which is closely monitored by county staff.  The applicant’s Employment Plan may include enrollment in some of the following required activities:

 

SKILL CLASS – Offered in Blue Earth County only. The class provides hands on job skill training in the areas of customer service, keyboarding, basic and advanced computer skills, CPR/First aid training and certification, Business English and business math. More Information

 

 

INTENSIVE JOB SEARCH – Participant is required to seek employment for 30 to 35 hours per week, and must check in at 9:00 am with the Job Search Mentor. Job leads, tips and suggestions, job clubs and other workshops are provided each week as well as referrals to the classes at the area Work Force Centers.

 

 

GED/DIPLOMA OR ENGLISH CLASSES – Referral to classes offered through local partnerships with area Adult Basic Education program

 

 

VOLUNTEER / COMMUNITY WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM – Volunteer and community work sites are available to allow the participant to gain valuable work experience and a positive reference while helping out local nonprofit agencies with their missions.

 

 

PAID WORK EXPERIENCE OR WORK TRYOUTS – Some participants may be referred to our Placement Specialist who works with area employers to set up paid trainings for the job seeker. The wage subsidies offered through this service help to defray the cost to employers while the employee is being trained into a position.

 

 

INVOLVEMENT IN SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES – A licensed social worker works with the participant to help stabilize the family experiencing difficulties with housing, physical or mental health issues or other barriers to reaching their goals.

 

 

SHORT TERM TRAINING AND POST SECONDARY TRAINING SUPPORT – Some of our programs allow the participant to attend post-secondary programs to gain a marketable skill. The types, length and amount of support vary depending on each specific program.

 

 

On-Going Monitoring of Job Search Activities and Employment Plan

Applicants report to their Job Counselor on a regular basis which provides an opportunity to discuss any updates and progress. All applicants are required to submit daily or monthly proof of the current employment activities they are involved in. Applicants are required to prove “good cause” for not participating or following through with their Employment Plan.

 

 

Support Services to Applicants

Applicants may be assisted with transportation, daycare and other work related needs.

 

 

Job Retention & Follow-Up Services

Once an applicant becomes employed, Job Counselors, Case Aides and Training Consultants continue to provide ongoing encouragement and support services. These follow-up services are also available to employers for new employee orientations, intervention and mediation, trainings, and other job retention purposes.