Community Based Employment

This program is designed to provide employment training and rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. This is a team approach where clients work in small groups at local businesses under the guidance of a job coach. Clients have the opportunity to work in a variety of employment settings to enhance and improve their vocational skills and explore career options. This service is also used as a transition into competitive employment.

Scope

Community based employment is one area where clients can develop work skills and focus on their desired employment goals and outcomes. Program hours are provided Monday through Friday. In the community, the time of day is based on the employer’s needs. This could be early mornings, regular working hours, or evenings and weekends. The frequency of services is determined by the client, their support team, and the job sites that are available.  Services are paid by federal, state or county dollars.  There may be clients that are self pay in this program. Referrals are made by Winona County or other counties in Minnesota, residential homes, schools, the local hospital, mental health facilities, family members, or by the client themselves.

Entry Criteria

The Community based employment program serves clients 18 years of age or older. Disabilities range from developmental disorders, mental illness, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities, and chemical dependency.  All clients need to have three areas of functional limitations.  These are set by the state of Minnesota and documentation of disability is needed in order to be eligible.

Transition Criteria

Clients can transition to another program within Winona ORC. Clients must meet eligibility requirements within that program in order to be considered for entry.  Winona ORC staff will assist in making an inter-office referral.

Exit Criteria

The client can choose to discontinue services at any time.  A written discharge summary will be completed and mailed to the client, their support team, the referral source if applicable, and one will be placed in the case file.

Service Modification

Winona ORC is committed to providing services to the clients enrolled in the program.  In the case that the program funding sources change, the client would be placed on a waiting list.  The waiting list would operate by order of acceptance.  The Director of Client Services will contact the clients when openings become available.