Wanting to work and knowing how to begin are different things. A person may be curious about a job, ready to apply, or already employed and facing a new challenge. Minnesota’s waiver employment services provide different kinds of support for these different starting points.
Exploration: make room to learn what work could look like
Employment exploration helps a person investigate community employment and make an informed choice. It can include learning about workplaces and discussing the kinds of work that might interest them.
A helpful first conversation goes beyond a job title. What pace feels comfortable? Does the person enjoy working with others or concentrating on a task? What surroundings make communication easier? Uncertainty is useful information to explore, not a reason to assume that work is out of reach.
Development: connect the goal to a job search
Employment development helps a person pursue competitive, integrated employment or self-employment. The support should connect to the individual’s needs rather than repeat a standard job-search checklist.
Before meeting a provider, describe what you want help with: explaining your strengths, preparing for an interview, or finding opportunities that fit your interests. Ask how the provider will learn about your preferences and communicate with you during the search. A useful plan should make the next action clear.
A job offer is not a guaranteed outcome of authorization. Employer decisions, available opportunities, and a person’s changing preferences all affect the process. Discuss how the team will review progress if the first approach does not lead to a suitable match.
Support: plan for what happens after hiring
Employment support is intended to help a person maintain community employment. Depending on assessed needs and authorization, this can include job coaching and help addressing workplace challenges.
Think beyond the first day. A new task, supervisor, or schedule might change the support a person wants. Ask how to request a review and agree on how the person, provider, and employer will communicate. The worker should understand what information is being shared and why.
For example, someone may want to practice asking for clarification when instructions change. This is an illustrative conversation starter, not a client story or a guarantee that a specific activity will be funded.
Questions that make employment planning more useful
Bring a few priorities to your case manager and prospective provider. The answers can help identify the right service and a workable next step.
- Am I exploring work, searching for a job, or seeking support in a current role?
- What interests, strengths, communication preferences, and access needs should the team understand?
- What schedule and transportation arrangements would I need to discuss?
- How will waiver services coordinate with other employment resources?
- Who can help me understand how earnings could affect my individual benefits?
Move from interest to a service conversation
DHS identifies employment exploration, development, and support among the services available through the BI, CAC, CADI, and DD waivers, subject to individual requirements and authorization. Ask your case manager which service fits your current goal and how to coordinate it with other supports.
Do not assume that everyone’s benefits will change in the same way when they work. Ask for individualized benefits guidance before making decisions based on a general example. Truwell can discuss employment-service referrals and provider capacity; we cannot promise a job, wage, or benefits outcome.
Common questions
Do I have to finish exploration before getting job-search support?
Not necessarily. If you already want to pursue work, discuss employment development with your case manager. The appropriate service depends on your goals, assessed needs, and authorization.
Can someone who already has a job ask about waiver employment services?
Yes. Employment support may be relevant for a person who needs help maintaining work. A case manager must review eligibility and the specific support being requested.
Explore related Truwell services
Availability depends on authorization, location, schedule, and staffing. Share your requested service through our referral form, or contact our team to discuss a possible fit.
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Official sources
These sources support the program descriptions above. Planning questions and examples are general suggestions, not determinations of eligibility or coverage. Confirm current requirements with your lead agency.