Employment Services
LSS provides job placement and retention
assistance to welfare participants who live in Hennepin County through the
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). Our programs help participants
overcome barriers to employment such as language and cultural, lack of
work experience, mental health issues, and chemical health issues.
Additional services include training, transportation, childcare, rental
assistance, and other supports. These programs often serve, but are not
limited to, refugees. Refugees on Public Assistance may also qualify for
the Self-Sufficiency Program.
MFIP
Employment Programs
MFIP Tier I: This program works with
MFIP participants, providing a variety of services that help the client to
become self sufficient. Counselors provide and initial assessment and
develop a Job Search Support Plan with the client. When the client finds a
job, the counselor will follow up in the interest of job retention and
further training. The program also allows for support services such as
childcare, bus cards, car repair, housing, and clothing.
MFIP Tier II: If MFIP Tier I clients
are unsuccessful in obtaining work after 12 months, they are eligible for
more intensive employment assistance provided by the Tier II program.
Counselors work closely with clients to identify barriers to employment.
Enrollment begins with a series of assessments. Based on the results, Tier
II counselors link participants to community resources and develop plans
to help them be successful in the workplace.
Other services provided under Tier II
include employment readiness training, life skills training, referrals to
educational and training programs, and assistance with transportation and
childcare services.
MFIP Supported Work Program: LSS
provides individualized training and employment services to job seekers
living in Hennepin County through the Supported Work Program. The goal of
the Supported Work Program is to help participants secure permanent
employment through on-the-job training and experience in a position suited
to the individual's skills and abilities. Employers are recruited to train
participants for 1-6 months, after which the trainee may be offered a
permanent position. The Supported Work Program offers employers who hire
participants a wage subsidy during the participant's training period.
Lutheran Social Service staff support both
the participant and the employer by providing orientation assistance,
interpretation and work site coaching as requested by the employer and the
employee. Lutheran Social Service staff will continue follow-up for 90
days following an offer of permanent employment.
For more information on MFIP Employment
Programs, contact Kim Pham at (612)
879-5237 or
Kim.Pham@lssmn.org
Refugee Employment Programs
Self Sufficiency Program: This is a
statewide program funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, in
collaboration with five Voluntary Resettlement Agencies (LSS, Catholic
Charities, International Institute of Minnesota, World Relief, Minnesota
Council of Churches). Many of the program staff are bi-lingual.
The Program helps refugees obtain permanent
employment with good pay and full benefits so as not be dependent on
Public Assistance. Examples of employment include manufacturing, clerical
and health care services. In order to reach these goals, the Self
Sufficiency program provides extensive training for clients about the
American work culture, how to get a job, keep it, and continue training in
order to get better jobs. The program also develops relationships with
local employers looking to hire new employees, and train them about.
For more information on
Refugee Employment Programs, contact Hamas Elmasry at (612) 879-5318 or
Hamas.Elmasry@lssmn.org
