Finding the right job is rarely just about submitting applications. For many Minnesotans with disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) opens the door to career exploration, job preparation, placement, and follow-along support—often through a trusted community partner.

This guide explains how VRS job placement typically works in Minnesota, what a strong provider partnership looks like, and how L&S Consulting supports counselors, families, and job seekers across the Twin Cities metro and North-Central Minnesota.

What is Minnesota VRS?

Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), part of DEED, helps eligible people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep competitive integrated employment. Services are individualized and may include career counseling, training supports, job development, placement, and retention help.

Community providers like L&S Consulting often deliver authorized employment services under VRS when a counselor refers a participant for hands-on, community-based support.

The typical VRS employment pathway

While every case is unique, most employment journeys follow a familiar rhythm:

1. Eligibility and career planning

A VRS counselor helps determine eligibility and works with the participant to clarify employment goals, strengths, barriers, and needed supports.

2. Authorization of services

When community-based support is the best fit, the counselor authorizes specific services—such as discovery, job seeking skills, placement, job coaching, or benefits-related support.

3. Active job preparation and placement

An employment specialist helps with résumés, applications, interviews, employer outreach, informational interviews, job shadows, and job matches that fit the person’s interests and support needs.

4. On-the-job support and retention

After hire, short-term job coaching and follow-up help the employee settle in, build routines, and problem-solve workplace challenges so the placement lasts.

What counselors can expect from L&S Consulting

L&S Consulting is a CARF-accredited Minnesota employment provider serving:

• The Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and surrounding suburbs
• North-Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Brainerd, Baxter, Staples, Wadena, Fergus Falls, Little Falls, Nisswa, and Crosby
• Broader statewide needs when a good fit

When you refer to L&S, you can expect:

• Person-centered planning rooted in strengths, interests, and real workplace goals
• Flexible delivery (in-person and virtual) based on the authorized service and participant needs
• Clear communication with counselors about progress, barriers, and next steps
• Employment-focused outcomes—from discovery through placement, coaching, and retention
• Creative job development, including support for “dream job” goals whenever practical

What families and job seekers should know

A VRS referral is not a guarantee of one specific job—it is a structured partnership. Success usually grows when:

• The employment goal is clear enough to guide outreach
• Communication stays open among the participant, family/guardian (when involved), counselor, and provider
• Barriers like transportation, interviewing confidence, workplace accommodations, or benefits questions are addressed early
• Everyone treats the first weeks on the job as part of the service—not the finish line

How to start

If you are a VRS counselor, send a referral or contact L&S to talk through the best authorized service for your participant.

If you are a job seeker or family member, ask your VRS counselor about community employment services and whether L&S Consulting is a good fit for your goals and location.

Call/text: (651) 505-2250

Email: info@lsconsultingmn.com

Web: https://lsconsultingmn.com/

Helping clients achieve their career and life goals—one thoughtful placement at a time.