2025 Session Last amended: 2013 session

§ 268A.13 — Employment Support Services for Persons With Mental Illness

Plain-Language Summary

This section directs the commissioner of employment and economic development, working with the commissioner of human services, to develop a statewide grant program for employment support services for people with mental illness who want to work. Funded projects must help clients find and keep competitive jobs, emphasize client preferences, ensure local agency collaboration, integrate services with mental health treatment, provide benefits counseling, and conduct rapid job searches. Funds may not be used for services in segregated settings like center-based employment programs.

Practical Notes
This section reflects supported employment policy that emphasizes competitive integrated employment rather than sheltered workshops. Priority for grant funding goes to organizations using evidence-based practices, and all applicants must include an evaluation protocol. People with mental illness seeking employment support can look to organizations funded under this section for individualized job placement and retention services.