CAREER SOLUTIONS
for Deaf, DeafBlind and
Hard-of-Hearing Communities

The MEC team collaborates with Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing people of all work backgrounds to discover new skills, explore career opportunities, and find meaningful employment.

Get Career Support
Find Employer Services

How MEC Can Help

job-seeker

Find a Job

Get support as you take the next step in your career with goal setting, the job search, and on-the-job development.

support

Get Ongoing Support

Get help to secure accommodations, advocate for your needs, and improve your mental health at work.

promotion

Build Your Career

We’re here to support your employment goals – today, tomorrow, and years down the road. There’s no limit to your success!

Who is eligible for MEC Services?

The Minnesota Employment Center team supports people both in-person and remotely depending on your personal situation and preferences.

Currently Employed

We can help you with…

  • Getting accommodations from your workplace
  • Mental health concerns related to your employment
  • Career advancement, change, and/or transition within your current field
Get Career Support

Not Employed and need a job?

If you are not currently employed and don’t have a Medicaid waiver, you’ll need a referral from an outside agency to work with us.

Deaf And Hard-of-Hearing Referrals
DeafBlind Referrals

Our Career Support Services

MEC is here to unlock your potential, from your first job search to ongoing job coaching and support when you need it. Our team is made up of both Deaf and hearing staff who have a rigorous level of fluency in ASL that equips them to provide technical occupational support in any professional setting.

  • Resume and cover letter development
  • Job searches and contacting potential employers
  • Interviews, job shadowing and company tours
  • Job customization and support to fit your needs
  • Employer training and communications setup
  • Ongoing job coaching and training to help grow your skills
Get Career Support

MEC’s Personalized Process

Whether you’re employed and looking for support in your current position or need help finding a job, MEC is here to help.

I Have a Job and Need Support

  • 1

    Get in Touch

    Our Program Manager will guide you through the intake process and match you with an Occupational Communications Specialist in your service area.

  • 2

    Make a Plan

    Your Occupational Communications Specialist will help you create a personalized plan based on your needs and goals.

  • 3

    Build your Career

    There’s no expiration date on your services at MEC. Our team offers ongoing support to help you grow and thrive in your career, on your timeline.

Get Started

I Need Help Finding a Job

  • 1

    Get a Referral

    Unless you have a Medicaid waiver, you’ll need a referral from an outside agency to work with us.

    Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Referrals

    DeafBlind Referrals

  • 2

    Get In Touch

    Our Program Manager will guide you through the intake process and match you with an Occupational Communications Specialist in your service area.

  • 3

    Make a Plan

    Your Occupational Communications Specialist will help you create a personalized plan based on your needs and goals.

  • 4

    Build your Career

    There’s no expiration date on your services at MEC. Our team offers ongoing support to help you grow and thrive in your career, on your timeline.

Success Stories

After years of seeking a job with limited support from providers who were not fluent in ASL, Bill grew frustrated and hopeless with his job search. His situation changed when he connected with MEC and began working with an Occupational Communications Specialist (OCS).

With support from his OCS, Bill was able to find a job as a dishwasher at Moose Lake's Redneck Meats BBQ, where he works daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., focusing on adjusting to a daily work schedule, building confidence in himself and his abilities, and communicating with managers and staff who are hearing.

After having an affirming, accessible, and constructive experience at Redneck Meats BBQ, Bill now has the confidence and optimism needed to keep moving forward on his employment journey. Because MEC's supports don't end when someone finds a job Bill's OCS continues working with him as he plans to advance in his career, explore changing industries, and seek out additional training. With ongoing support, Bill has set a goal to operate machinery, like a forklift, and may pursue a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the future.

Bill

Dishwasher - Duluth

Looking for a career change, Ellen sought out MEC career guidance and job placement services. Her MEC Occupational Communication Specialist (OCS) coordinated a job try-out at Home Goods and they were very impressed with her job performance, which led to her hire. MEC helped the Home Goods’ managers with Ellen’s on-the-job training and continued to follow-up once a week to make sure that things were going well. Given her success on the job, MEC now only visits twice a month.

Ellen

Home Goods

Ade, a native of Nigeria, loves his chef job at Hilton Garden Inn, where the menu features a pasta dish named after him. Despite the language and communication challenges, he is an award-winning member of the Hilton staff. Ade was even featured in an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which highlighted his great work and the support he receives from MEC. He uses a system of notes, gestures, and lip-reading to communicate with his coworkers. Guests especially enjoy his made-to-order omelets, which Ade likes to deliver to the table in person.

Ade

Hilton Garden Inn

About MEC

For over 30 years, Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) has been providing career solutions and customized support for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing communities in MN. MEC is a collaboration between Rise Incorporated and ThinkSelf, with support from the State of Minnesota.

Meet Our Team