Minnesota is an Employment First state. As a state, Minnesota wants to ensure everyone who wants to work in competitive, integrated jobs can do so with the supports they need.

DHS – Employment First provides information about competitive, integrated employment, including:

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) seeks to help people succeed in competitive, integrated employment. It increases opportunity for and access to employment, education, training and support services. It also limits the use of subminimum wages.

For more information, including guidance for lead agencies, refer to CBSM – WIOA.

DHS asks each lead agency to appoint at least one staff person to serve as their employment liaison. Employment liaisons serve as the main point of contact to help build a coordinated system for people on waivers to meet their employment goals. They build regional collaboration capabilities by working closely with Vocational Rehabilitation Services/State Services for the Blind (VRS/SSB) and employment service providers. They also build internal capacity by ensuring lead agency staff and contracted staff are aware of new processes and have resources and tools to help them in their work.

For information about the role and responsibilities of employment liaisons, refer to CBSM – Resource: Lead agency employment liaisons. To establish or change your lead agency’s liaison, use the Add or update E1MN employment liaison form.

Policy

CBSM – Employment exploration services
CBSM – Employment development services
CBSM – Employment support services
CBSM – Prevocational services

Guidance documents

CBSM – Resource: Guidance for employment services authorization
CBSM – Resource: Lead agency employment liaisons
CBSM – Resource: Transportation and day and employment services

Other resources

Add or update E1MN employment liaison form
DEED – People with disabilities (Vocational Rehabilitation Services [VRS] unit)
DB101 – Work & benefits
DB101 – Success in employment (PDF)
Disability Hub MN – Benefits planning toolkit
Disability Hub MN – Informed choice toolkit
Disability Hub MN – Work toolkit