Supported Employment

Supported Employment provides gainful employment, independence, and community integration to adults with disabilities. The services offered are job development and placement, assistance in developing resumes, on the job training, follow up services, support on or off the work site, and coordination with employers. Winona ORC staff will identify goals, assist in maintaining the position, and problem solve as needed.

Scope

Supportive employment has two main components to it. First, clients are placed in a direct hire position in the community and secondly, Winona ORC staff provides follow up services once the client is hired by an employer. Retention is also measured in this area. Program hours are based on the employer’s needs and could be any time during a 24 hour period. The frequency of services is determined by the client, their support team, and the needs of the employer. 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 supportive 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 are open to 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 a program has funding source changes, 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 client when openings become available.

For more information, contact our Director of Client Services, Stephanie Kraus at 507-452-1855, ext. 119  skraus@winonaorc.org.