AI Summary

The Vocational Services Program (Vsp) Provides Vocational Rehabilitation Services For Hennepin County Residents Who Experience Serious Mental Illness And/Or Substance Use Disorder. The Mission Of Vsp Is To Assist People With Finding And Keeping Jobs In The Community That Provide Stability, Lead Toward Self-Sufficiency, And Enhance Their Quality Of Life. All Individuals Participate Voluntarily And Are Referred By The Department Of Employment And Economic Development/Vocational Rehabilitation Services Who Purchases These Services Using ‘Professional And Technical Services Master Contract’ (P/T Contracts). In 2023 Vsp Served A Total Of 67 Individuals. Vsp Services Includes Career Counseling, Job Placement, And Extended Employment Assistance. Vsp Has Worked To Expand Services From 18+ To 16+ By Providing Early Intervention Services And Support Focused On Increasing Work Skills, Self-Advocacy, Career And College Exploration, Post-Secondary Supports, And More. Vsp Received 8 Referrals For The Transition Aged Population In 2023. This Board Action Request Seeks To Revise Contract Language And Contact Information, Update And Increase The Fee-For-Service Rate Schedule And Extend The Contract To June 30, 2027. Disparity Reduction The Program Supports The County’s Mission To Enhance The Health, Safety, And Residents And Communities In A Respectful, Efficient, And Fiscally Responsible Way. The Board Action Request Aligns With Hennepin County’s Disparity Reduction Efforts By Supporting Employment For Residents With The Goal Of Gaining A Livable Wage And Moving Out Of Poverty. Vsp’s Services Support Hennepin County’s Racial Disparity Reduction Goal In The Domain Of Employment By Increasing Hiring Opportunities And Career Advancement. Recommendation Recommendation From County Administrator Recommend Approval

• 5/14/2024: Board Of Hennepin County Commissioners

• 5/7/2024: Health And Human Services Committee