Finding a Job

Finding a job is hard. However, it is possible if you are patient and work hard at it. Here we will discuss some of the ways that you can look for a job.

Talk to People

The most common way to find a job is by talking to people. Talk to your friends, family, professors, and other people you know. Let them know that you are looking for work and what type of job you want. Ask them to let you know if they hear about an opportunity.

If you know somebody who has a good job, see if that person knows about job openings at his or her workplace. If you like a company or organization and want to work there, contact them! Even if they don’t have any job openings, you may be able to arrange an informational interview where you can learn more about the type of work they do and the best way to find a job in that field.

Job Listings

In addition to talking to people, there are also numerous websites that can help you find work. One simple way to look for work online is to simply search for “job listings” on an Internet search engine. Your search results will include links to many of the websites that specialize in jobs in your area.

A couple of particularly good websites for Minnesotans with disabilities are CAREERwise and MinnesotaWorks. These websites also have articles and information that can help you in your job search.

Job Programs

It can be difficult looking for and finding a job if you think you have to do it all on your own. Fortunately, there are some excellent organizations that can help.

• CareerForce locations provide the tools, resources, and services you need for your employment, training, and other work-related needs.There are about 50 locations around the state with knowledgeable staff to help you.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job. To be eligible for VRS, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for you to prepare for, get, or keep work. If you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on your disability, you are automatically eligible for VRS. Even if you automatically qualify, you need to apply for services and may be put on a waiting list.
• If you have vision loss, the Workforce Development Unit of Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job.
• Disability Hub MN provides free, statewide information and referral services to Minnesotans with disabilities regarding all disability-related questions. You can Chat with a Hub expert or call them at 1-866-333-2466.

Ticket to Work Program

If you are over the age of 18 and receive disability benefits from Social Security, the Ticket to Work Program can help you learn about job options and maybe give working a try. It helps you find a job and see if you like it without losing your health coverage benefits. If your disability gets worse and you need to stop working, you can easily get back on cash benefits.

Ticket to Work can help you with the following:

• Figure out what sort of job you would be successful at
• Get training
• Find work
• Receive job coaching
• Get continuing support once you get a job to help you be successful

To participate, you need to contact an agency that provides Ticket to Work services. A couple of examples are Vocational Rehabilitation Services and CareerForce locations. To learn more, see DB101’s article about the Ticket Program.

Customized Employment

Traditionally, individuals need to look for jobs that they are qualified for, apply for them in competition with others, and then perform the tasks that they are assigned. Customized employment approaches finding work from a different perspective. In customized employment, an organization or a person, like a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helps create a connection between an individual and a potential employer or employers. The counselor then helps the individual and the employer figure out what sort of work the individual could best do at the place of employment. Talk to your vocational rehabilitation counselor to learn more or Chat with a Hub expert.