Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local employment specialist pitches supported work placements for residents with IEPs
Summary
Marilyn Van Grootheest of RCO (Luverne) asked the Jasper City Council to consider hiring program participants for snow removal and short‑term jobs, saying RCO can provide job tryouts, short‑term placements and internships and will subsidize wages initially while the city interviews candidates.
At the start of the Dec. 10 meeting Marilyn Van Grootheest, representing RCO of Luverne, told the Jasper City Council that her organization places people with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) into supported work opportunities. She described three program tracks — job tryouts, short‑term work for students and internships — and said RCO provides wage support while placements begin and works with the employer to implement on‑the‑job supports.
Van Grootheest asked whether the city might consider interviewing candidates for routine tasks such as snow removal and other public‑works support. She said the people served by RCO do not have severe disabilities but do need some support to start working and that prior placements (cited an example of Pizza Ranch in Luverne) show the model can succeed.
Council did not take a formal vote on the proposal at the meeting but gave Van Grootheest permission to pursue contacts in Jasper and said she should follow up with administration to discuss details, including any required supervision, training and wage arrangements. Council members and administration did not record objections in the minutes.
