Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is MFIP?

A: MFIP is the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which is the state’s welfare reform program for low-income families with children. MFIP helps families move to work and focuses on assisting families to become self-sufficient. The program provides cash, childcare subsidies, food and medical assistance. When most families first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP. This is a four-month program that helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare.

Some families may be referred to MFIP when they first apply for assistance or after they finish four months of DWP. One way MFIP helps families transition to economic stability is by referral to outside agencies that offer job search support. HIRED is one of those agencies.

For a full description of MFIP services, requirements, and regulations, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website at http://www.dhs.state.mn.us, select “Topics A-Z” and go to “MFIP.”

Q: How can I learn more about HIRED’s MFIP programs

A: To obtain information about the services HIRED offers, contact the HIRED program manager for your area. Please remember that eligibility decisions and referrals are made by your Economic Assistance case worker, not by HIRED staff.

Minneapolis: Kari Felegy, 612-821-1704, e-mail

St. Paul and Ramsey County: Gretchen Wartman, 651-999-5646, e-mail; Di Vang, 651-642-0755, e-mail

Brooklyn Park: Renee Schissel, 763-536-6021, e-mail

Washington County: Kari Kraft, 651-275-8702, e-mail

Dakota County: John Klem, 651-999-5670, e-mail

East Bloomington: Kari Felegy, 612-821-1704, e-mail

Q: If I am not involved in the MFIP program, can I still work with HIRED?

If you are not enrolled in the MFIP program, you are not eligible to participate in HIRED’s MFIP services. You may, however, be eligible to participate in one of HIRED’s other programs. Please visit the web pages for HIRED’s Adult Services and Dislocated Worker programs to find out if one of these programs will provide the assistance you need.

Q: I need a job. Will your program give me one?

A: HIRED will partner with you to help you find a job. We will teach you job search skills, help you obtain necessary training and provide you with job leads and other resources, but HIRED is not an employment or job placement agency.

Q: What can HIRED’s MFIP programs do for me?

A: We will help you develop a personalized plan to find a new job. Your plan may include assessment of your skills and interests, job search skills training, vocational training, transportation assistance, job search assistance or other services designed to help you meet your employment goals.

Q: Will you give me job leads?

A: Absolutely. All participants in HIRED’s programs have access to Job Link, our own database of job openings developed specifically for our clients. You can search the system on your own or with the assistance of an employment counselor. You can also receive a daily e-mail with new job postings.

Q: What kind of training assistance can I get if I enroll in one of HIRED’s MFIP programs?

A: The amount of funding available for training assistance is limited. After working with your employment counselor and developing an employment plan, you may be eligible for a variety of certified training programs. Please consult with your employment counselor and refer to MFIP guidelines before entering a training program.

Q: I have not worked in this country. Can you help me with the job search?

A: We can help you with your job search and have a variety of workshops that will assist you with interviewing skills, resume writing and job search techniques. We also have several bilingual staff. We may be able to match you with an employment counselor that speaks your language.

Q: I don’t have clothes for work. Can you help me?

A: Yes, we may be able to assist you with clothing by referring you to a variety of community organizations offering clothing assistance or, in some cases, by purchasing clothing with program funds.

Q: Can you help me with transportation?

A: Yes. We can help you to identify transportation options and access mass transit.

Q: What kinds of job training can I get?

HIRED offers a variety of workshops and training programs, and provides referrals to programs provided by educational institutions. Referrals depend on each client’s individual needs. Training programs and classes include English as a Second Language or English for employment, occupational training, on-the-job training, internships, supported work experiences, unpaid work experiences and structured volunteer work.

Q: The training that I want to take is a two-year program. Will you pay for it?

A: Generally, the requirements of the MFIP program emphasize and reward job search activities that lead to immediate employment.

Q: How much money do I get?

A: MFIP participants receive their financial support directly from the MFIP program. HIRED does not provide any cash assistance directly to its clients. In some circumstance we are able to provide transportation assistance, work-related clothing allowances, and other support that helps you find and hold employment.

Q: What resources are available in your career centers?

A: HIRED’s career centers are open to the public for individual job search support. The career centers generally provide print and online labor market information and career and job posting resources. There are telephones, copiers, fax machines, computers with Internet access and office software applications for your use in searching for jobs and preparing your resume, cover letters and job applications.

Q: What is a Minnesota WorkForce Center?

A: A Minnesota WorkForce Center is a one-stop shop for all your employment-related needs. In a WorkForce Center, you will have easy access to unemployment insurance specialists, extensive job search and career planning resources, Veterans Affairs specialists and other state resources. HIRED has offices in three WorkForce Centers (Brooklyn Park, West Bloomington and North Minneapolis).

Q: What should I do to get started with HIRED?

A: If you are currently enrolled in the MFIP program, ask your MFIP counselor to refer you to HIRED for job search assistance. If you are not enrolled in the MFIP program, visit the web pages of HIRED’s other programs to learn if you are eligible for assistance. Then call or visit a HIRED office.