BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement A188967 with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Rehabilitation Services to accept grant funding for the Extended Employment Program, during the period July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, in the receivable amount of $170,235 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program if grant funds become no longer available.

The Human Services Department's Vocational Services Program (VSP) provides vocational rehabilitation services for Hennepin County residents who have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. VSP services include work evaluation, job placement, job skills training, and extended employment assistance. All clients participate voluntarily and are referred by the Minnesota Rehabilitation Services Office or a Hennepin County Adult Behavioral Health operated case management team.

The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development—Rehabilitation Services provides an annual Extended Employment Grant to VSP, as well as the annual Wage Incentive Grant which is based on the number of clients who have been placed in jobs that pay the federal minimum wage or higher. This BAR accepts the Wage Incentive Grant payment of $170,235. Funds are awarded according to the clients’ actual work hours that were paid at or above the minimum wage.

For Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017) of the 113 participants in VSP, 82 were placed into employment with an average wage of $15.65 in the last quarter. 83% of participants working in the community achieved 90 day retention and 61% of participants working in the community achieved one year retention.

This BAR is submitted after the grant contract start date due to the time necessary for the state to determine the amount of funds available after the end of the fiscal year, analyze contractors' performance, and calculate subsequent allotments.