• Becoming a Crew Member

  Clients on crews typically begin with Merrick's Utility Services on the workfloor, where staff can provide more direct support to help them develop skills needed to work effectively as part of a crew.

  1. Career Exploration Counselor: Merrick's Career Exploration Counselor brings clients from the workfloor to various worksites to see if they are interested in working as part of a crew. If a client is interested, the counselor along with the off-site team will determine which worksites would be a potential fit and schedule a 5-day trial period.
  2. 5-day Trial: The 5-day trial period allows the client to experience the work setting while working one-on-one with a job coach to ensure that they will be receiving the support they need in the new environment.
  3. Hourly Production Evaluation: If the trial was successful, the client will participate in an initial Hourly Production Evaluation (HPE). The HPE determines the wage they would be paid as part of crew and is performed every 6 months to ensure a fair wage is paid.
  4. Subbing on a Crew: Many clients further their work experience by subbing on crews. This provides clients with the opportunity to experience crew work, without committing to it. This also allows clients to work as part of a crew when there are no permanent openings. Clients may sub for a short time until they are able to permanently join a crew or may choose to remain as a sub working with crews as needed.
• The Crew Experience

  Clients working on a crew will spend most of their day at their worksite with a job coach. Typically, crew members work anywhere from 2–3 hour shifts. We have two different shifts, A and B shift. A shift clients arrive at Merrick between 7-8 am and leave between 1-2 pm. B shift clients arrive at Merrick between 9-10 am and leave between 2-3 pm.

• Business Partners

  Merrick works with various business partners to support the employment goals and encourage the independence of clients.

  • Kowalski’s Markets (5 crews)
  • Cub Foods
  • Hennepin County Medical Center
  • M Health Fairview Hospital
  • M Health Fairview Pharmacy (2 crews)
  • Warners' Stellian

Individuals typically use Day and Support Services (DSS) and Employment Support Services (ESS) units when working on crews. The funding is part of the various waivers that are offered through the state. Your case manager can provide more information on how to obtain and use these units.

Interested individuals may apply at www.merrickinc.org/admissions or schedule a tour. Clients working on a crew generally start in Prevocational Services. To learn more about prevocational services, visit www.merrickinc.org/prevocational.

• Engage

  The Engage stage, also known as waiver Employment Exploration, is designed to help individuals make informed choices about their future careers. During this phase, participants engage in activities such as:

  • Informational Interviews: These are conversations with professionals in fields of interest that provide insights into various careers and industries.
  • Job Shadowing: This hands-on experience allows individuals to observe professionals at work, gaining a better understanding of day-to-day job responsibilities.
• Plan

  The Plan stage, or waiver Employment Development, is focused on discovering personal interests and strengths while preparing for a job search. Key activities in this stage include:

  • Goal Setting: Helping individuals define clear, attainable employment goals.
  • Benefits Planning: Understanding how employment will impact benefits, ensuring informed decision-making.
  • Workplace Tours: Visiting potential workplaces to explore different working environments and industries.
• Find

  Once individuals have established their work goals, they move to the Find stage, which is part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). At this point, individuals actively seek employment opportunities with support from organizations like Merrick, a VRS Community Rehabilitation Provider. This stage is crucial for:

  • Job Searching: Actively looking for job openings that align with established goals.
  • Interview Preparation: Gaining skills and confidence to succeed in job interviews.
• Keep

  The Keep stage, or waiver Employment Support, is dedicated to ensuring individuals remain successful in competitive integrated employment. Support during this phase includes:

  • Job Coaching: Personalized guidance to help individuals navigate workplace challenges.
  • Skill Development: Training to enhance work skills and adapt to job requirements.
  • Developing Natural Supports: Building relationships with coworkers and fostering a supportive work environment.

To participate in the Engage, Plan, and Keep stages, individuals must have a waiver for one of the following:

• Brain Injury (BI)
• Community Alternative Care (CAC)
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI)
• Developmental Disabilities (DD)

Additionally, employment support services must be identified as a need in their coordinated services and supports plan (CSSP).

Eligibility for the Find stage is determined by VRS. It requires that the individual has a disability that presents challenges in preparing for, securing, or maintaining employment.

Admission inquiries regarding Merrick's Independent Services should be directed to Amy Jacobsen at (651) 789-6229 or amyj@merrickinc.org

Locate closest VRS office.

Your VRS couselor will connect with your support team, discuss options, review eligibility, and if applicable, authorize Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Inform your VRS Counselor that you want to work with Merrick, Inc. They will arrange an intake meeting to get started.