Minnesota Career Solutions

About Minnesota Career Solutions


Welcome to Minnesota Career Solutions! Started in September 2010 with one staff, and continuing to grow. We specialize in employment and career solutions that are customized to each job seeker’s skills, interests, preferences, and experience. Services are individualized to each job seeker and utilize a person centered approach for providing services. Our experience in building relationships with businesses enables us to offer individuals unrivaled access to the job market. Whether you are looking for a career, want to start a business, or gain access to qualified applicants our trained staff can help you meet your goals!


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We have been CARF Accredited since May 2011.

CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, and Opioid Treatment Programs. (888) 281-6531.


MISSION: To provide quality career services to individuals with barriers to employment.


VISION: To be a leader in the career services field and provider of choice for individuals with barriers to employment.

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SERVICES

What we offer

Job Placement

We utilize several approaches based on job seeker’s needs to assist with finding employment success. Our staff will tailor a plan to meet your needs, we can help with networking, creating opportunities for informational interviews, drafting and reviewing resumes, cover letters, and applications, preparing for interviews, uncover job leads and labor market information, business engagement, and negotiating employment.

Job Coaching

Many employees report struggles during the first 90 days on the job. With appropriate support, employees can remain employed successfully. We can help employees learn their new job duties and responsibilities, identify needs and accommodations, assist employees and businesses with solving work relationship problems, monitor the employment relationship to ensure satisfaction, and promote natural supports with employer partners.

Self Employment

Through a process of gathering information utilizing the Discover process, we specialize in weighing all options to see if starting a business is the right fit for you. Our Consultants can help with writing a business plan, including marketing and financial information and provide support after the business starts up.



Business Solutions

Hiring individuals with disabilities for employment is naturally part of the hiring process. With 20 percent of the population having health conditions classified as disabilities, understanding the benefits is important, which includes: reduced turnover and recruitment costs with individuals that tends to exhibit long-term loyalty; avoid productivity losses incurred from unfilled positions; create more efficient work processes through new perspectives and abilities; leverage tax incentives, when applicable, ranging from $2,400 - $15,000.

Career Exploration

Our service is designed to help job seekers find their career path, which includes person centered planning, job seeking skills training, labor market information, informational interviews, job shadowing, identification and verification of job seekers’ skills, interests, and preferences through a variety of ways.

Education Connect

We offer services for students as they begin the process of post secondary education through graduation. Services are individualized to each student from assistance in identifying appropriate schools based on individual education goals, registering for classes, manage their school responsibilities, schedules, and homework. MCS staff can act as a liaison between teachers and students, navigating their school campus; identify needs and accommodations, resources, time management strategies, organizational skills, and creating connections between chosen degree and career options.


MEET THE TEAM


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Justina Cloutier

President and Career Consultant

Justina started Minnesota Career Solutions in September 2010. She has worked over fifteen years in the field of vocational rehabilitation. Her expertise includes assisting job seekers with networking, interviewing, resume development, LinkedIn, creative career solutions, small business planning, and career retention services. Her friendly approach and overall interpersonal skills have helped her become an extremely effective networker with a reputation for providing excellent customer service and follow-through. Justina is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association and has served on the board of director for Minnesota Rehabilitation Association (President in 2009) and Job Placement and Development division. She graduated from University of Minnesota-Duluth with a BA in Sociology and Criminology.

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Kelly Kennedy

Career Consultant

Kelly joined Minnesota Career Solutions in April 2016. She has worked over 12 years in the social services field. Her experience includes providing situational assessments, job placement and program management. Kelly has a passion for serving individuals with disabilities and helping them find success through employment. She is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association and serves on the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association as President in 2019 and also serving as Job Placement and Development Board past President, Secretary and Metro District Representative. In 2011, JPD named Kelly Placement Person of the Year and in 2018 Kelly was awarded the Lori Sterner Placement in Excellence Award. In 2018, Kelly became a statewide Placement 101 Trainer. She graduated from Colorado State with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a concentration in Criminal Justice.


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AJ Herculeidez

Career Consultant

AJ joined Minnesota Career Solutions in May 2019. She hopes to work with a wide variety of individuals with disabilities in supporting them in searching, acquiring, and retaining competitive employment.  AJ has experience working with populations such as Blind, DeafBlind, limited vision, hard of hearing, D/deaf, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol syndrome, and personality and cognitive disabilities.  Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AJ received her bachelor degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) in Journalism and Mass Communication. This would be the place where she would also discover her love of American Sign Language (ASL). She would begin a career in Event Coordination, however in 2009 she made the decision to return to school and completed the ASL interpreting program at Saint Paul College.

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Noa Kanyas

Career Consultant

Noa joined Minnesota Career Solutions in January 2024. With 14 years of dedicated service in education. Her roles within schools extend from special education, counseling, parent engagement, coaching, and leadership. Noa’s passion lies in working with teenagers, guiding them towards early-life career paths, and assisting them with their individual goals. She is committed to fostering holistic development, believing in positive change and growth. Noa is known for her patience, empathy, listening skills, and easily develops rapport with others. She graduated from the Kibbutzim College with a B.Ed. degree in Special Education. She went on to further her education with a Master's degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Haifa in Israel.


Testimonials

"I would like to thank you for all the support you gave me throughout the job search process. I don't think I would have done it without you. Keep on doing what you do. You are good at it. Thanks again"
Job Seeker

"Minnesota Career Solutions Career Consultants are very knowledgeable and their ability to handle a diverse range of different disabilities, personalities, and job goals and be flexible to the needs of the consumers and the open communication with VR staff."
Referral Source

"Sending gratitude for your help with my business plan! My little business is cracking open."
Business Owner

"Thank you, You worked very well with my daughter and me. We have recommended you to others."
Team Member

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What area do you serve?

We serve the Twin Cities Metro and South of the Twin Cities area.

Where do you meet participants?

We meet participants in public places where it’s convenient for them, i.e. local work force centers, libraries, coffee shops, etc.

Does staff have area’s of specialty in regard to disabilities?

We have experience working with participants with a wide range of barriers and disabilities.

Are you able to serve individuals looking for professional or entry level employment?

Both! The participant’s goals are our goals!

Do you accept individuals with criminal backgrounds?

Yes. Each situation will be reviewed on a case by case basis

Do you provide Extended Employment services?

No, not at this time.

What makes us unique?

  • Dedicated, passionate, creative, and professional staff
  • Consistent and regular communication about your career goals
  • Over 15 years experience in the employment services field
  • Your career goals are central to our business success!
  • Small business that is mission focused
  • Focused on a win-win employment solution for you and the business

Do you have outcome information?

Yes, see this report HERE for detailed outcome information.

CONTACT

PO Box 381 New Prague, MN 56071

jcloutier@mncareersolutions.com