An assessment is the process of gathering information related to employability.

The assessment process begins at the first meeting between the participant and a job counselor and continues throughout participation in Employment Services. The information should:

· Identify both the participant’s strengths and challenges.

· Inform strategies for addressing issues that interfere with employment.

· Make connections to needed resources.

· Determine whether the participant qualifies for Family Stabilization Services. See Chapter 8 (Family Violence Waiver).

The information gathered serves as the basis for:

· The initial Employment Plan.

· Updates and revisions to that plan.

Assessment is an on-going process that happens formally and informally.
At each meeting with participants, assess their current situation and revise the employment plan if necessary.

These on-going assessments should help determine whether core supports are in place, such as:

· Transportation.

· Child care.

· Training, or job seeking skills.

Assessment policies and tools created by the Minnesota Department of Human Services:

Mandatory tools	Non-mandatory tools	Mandates for a particular scope of assessment, but no state created tools
· Chemical and Mental Health Self Screening. · Special Learning Needs Screen. · Employability Measure.	· Observation Checklist.	· Initial Assessment. · Comprehensive Review.