Minnesota Statutes § 268A.13 - EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

The commissioner of employment and economic development, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, shall develop a statewide program of grants as outlined in section 268A.14 to provide services for persons with mental illness who want to work in supported employment. Projects funded under this section must: (1) assist persons with mental illness in obtaining and retaining competitive employment; (2) emphasize individual client preferences; (3) ensure interagency collaboration at the local level between vocational rehabilitation field offices, county service agencies, community support programs operating under the authority of section 245.4712, and community rehabilitation providers, in assisting clients; (4) ensure services are integrated with mental health treatment; (5) provide benefits counseling; (6) conduct rapid job search; and (7) involve clients in the planning, development, oversight, and delivery of support services. Project funds may not be used to provide services in segregated settings such as the center-based employment subprograms as defined in section 268A.01. The commissioner of employment and economic development, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, shall develop a request for proposals which is consistent with the requirements of this section and section 268A.14 and which specifies the types of services that must be provided by grantees. Priority for funding shall be given to organizations carrying out evidence-based practices. Each applicant for funds under this section shall submit an evaluation protocol as part of the grant application.