Employment Services
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Tasks Unlimited’s Supported Employment services help participants with mental illness find workplace success. We prioritize participant voice and choice across a continuum of three programs: Jobs Training, Job Placement, and Job Retention.
“At other jobs I had, they didn’t understand mental health. The supervisors, coordinators, and everyone here are so understanding. I know that when I’m going through something, I can reach out right away and they’ll understand and relate.“ – Alisha, long time Jobs Training Program participant and employee
JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM
Our Jobs Training Program (JTP) provides paid on-the-job training (janitorial track), independent living skills support, career pathway services, and mental health management skills.
The program now has a two-track structure to give participants flexible pathways based on their goals and interests:
- Gaining skills through Tasks’ janitorial services
- Pursuing a job search outside Tasks in the broader community
Participants engage in employment search, paid employment (janitorial track) and support services in a 12 week program. Participants enrolled in janitorial services are able to access up to 20 hours per week of paid vocational training, getting at or above minimum wage.
A key component of JTP is peer support, with peer groups helping participants work through barriers and challenges such as:
family issues | financial problems | conflict resolution | stress management | social skills training | mental health stressors
Participants have access to Tasks’ other services to help them meet mental health and employment goals: Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) and Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)| mental health & vocational support | psychiatry | chemical health support
JTP also provides: recreational activities | benefits management | Illness Management and Recovery (IM&R) groups | case coordination
ELIGIBILITY:
- 18 years of age or older
- Diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness
- Hennepin or Dakota County resident
JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Tasks’ Job Placement Program (JPP) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and stabilize employment in the competitive workplace. A contracted program funded by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), JPP gives people the opportunity to supplement their disability income and access services, from resume writing to one-on-one counseling and more.
If you are ready to work in competitive employment, see your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at any workforce center to get a referral to Tasks Unlimited.
JPP SERVICES
- Career assessments/matching
- One-on-one counseling
- Referrals to resources
- Resume and cover letter workshops
- Weekly job club
- Online application assistance
- Job retention services
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
- Interviewing
- Keeping a job and growing with your employer
- Meeting and exceeding employer expectations
- Time management
- Setting up voicemail and email
- Negotiating salary, benefits, and position
PLACEMENT SUCCESS
JPP participants have found stable work in: transportation | office/administration | healthcare | education | human resources/business | information technology | security
ELIGIBILITY:
- Referral from your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor
- Verification of disability
JOB RETENTION SERVICES
Do you have trouble keeping a job? Tasks’ Job Retention Services will help you:
• Communicate effectively with your employer
• Identify barriers and provide support
• Help your employer keep you working
Examples of support services:
- Communicating with you about what you need to succeed
- Helping you express your needs and interests at your job (e.g., change in work schedule, negotiating a raise)
- Job coaching on how to do your work well and learn new skills
- Training for co-workers so they can support you on the job
- Managing work-life balance
Enrolling is easy! Start by contacting one of our admissions counselors. We will then meet with you on a regular basis to help you meet and advance your career goals.
ELIGIBILITY
- 18 years of age or older
- Diagnosed with a disability