Item Description:
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Amd 2 to Agmt A2211239 with MN DEED to provide employment services and supports to individuals with mental health challenges, adding an eligible expense for services building job seeking skills, no change to dates or amt
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 2 to Agreement A2211239 with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for the provision of professional and technical services to individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders, adding an eligible expense for providing services building job seeking skills, during the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, in the receivable amount of $4,000,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amended agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse the funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funds for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
The Vocational Services Program (VSP) provides vocational rehabilitation services for Hennepin County residents who experience serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. VSP services includes career counseling, job placement, and extended employment assistance. All individuals participate voluntarily and are referred by the Department of Employment and Economic Development/Vocational Rehabilitation Services or by the Hennepin County Adult Behavioral Health operated case management team who purchases these services using ‘Professional and Technical Services Master Contract’ (P/T Contracts),
This Board Action Request seeks to change the language to add Benefits Coaching Hourly Services, Benefits Coaching-Benefits Report, Group Rates for Pre-ETS Services and Customized Employment Discovery Services as eligible expenses. Adding these services to the VSP contract will allow for reimbursement for the services VSP Staff are providing individuals served. In 2022, 98 individuals were served by VSP.
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