The Vocational Services Program (VSP) provides vocational rehabilitation services for Hennepin County residents who experience serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. VSP services include work evaluation, career counseling, job placement, and extended employment assistance. All individuals participate voluntarily and are referred by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)/Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) or by the Hennepin County Adult Behavioral Health operated case management team.

In 2021, 80 individuals were referred to VSP, with an average of 65 active participants. 25 individuals were placed in employment, earning an average wage of $16.49 per hour, and 40 individuals were provided Extended Employment (EE) services to assist them in maintaining employment. The program supports the County’s mission to enhance the health, safety, and residents and communities in a respectful, efficient, and fiscally responsible way. DEED/VRS purchases services for individuals in the VRS program through ‘Professional and Technical Services Master Contract’ (P/T Contracts), which includes the services VSP provides such as career counseling, job placement, and job coaching. The P/T contract will allow VSP to receive referrals from VRS and bill for those services.

Disparity Reduction: this request aligns with Hennepin County’s disparity reduction efforts by supporting employment for residents with the goal of gaining a livable wage and moving out of poverty. Over the course of the last contract cycle with VRS, VSP clients consisted of 20% of people who identified as Black or African American. As part of its disparity reduction efforts, participants at VSP receive a cultural assessment to help with planning, goals, and job placement. VSP’s services support Hennepin County’s racial disparity reduction goal in the domain of employment by increasing hiring opportunities and career advancement.