State of Minnesota expands mobile app to connect workforce customers to services and benefits

The State of Minnesota has expanded a new mobile application, called Workforce One Connect, that provides customers of employment and economic support programs with quick and easy access to their counselors and caseworkers using a smartphone or tablet. Using the app, customers can sign in securely and directly message their staff. They can also take a photo of a document and send it in an encrypted message without having to fax or deliver them to a local office, and can find resources in their community for food, housing, child care, and more. The app is now available in four languages: English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

Together, employment and economic support programs provide critical resources that help Minnesotans achieve their employment goals. Keeping customers connected to these programs gives them the best opportunity to succeed.

"I love the app because I can send documents directly to my case worker and job counselor," shared one Workforce One customer. "And it's nice to be able to message them, too."

"We know our employment and career services programs help Minnesotans most when people can easily stay connected to us. The app creates an efficient new channel of communication between our customers and their program counselors," said Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove. "Now, if someone accesses several state programs at once, they won't have to send multiple emails to various people across state agencies – all of their information and services are in one place that's easy to access. This modernized communication is part of our larger effort to transform service delivery to Minnesota job seekers and focus on our customer."

The app serves state workforce employment program customers participating in 20 individual programs over two state agencies, including those participating in select economic support programs. Programs that use the app include Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), Adult Career Pathways (ACP), State Services for the Blind (SSB), MFIP, SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E & T), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and many more.

The Workforce One Connect app was developed by the State of Minnesota's IT agency, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) in collaboration with the State's Departments of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Human Services (DHS). The app launched in 2021 and continues to rollout statewide as more counties and nonprofits begin offering Workforce One Connect to their customers.

"We know that for many Minnesotans enrolled in our programs, keeping up to date on the paperwork required can be a challenge. The app allows direct and easy communication and document delivery any time of day or night, from anywhere. We're in the business of helping Minnesotans move forward, and the app will make that much easier," said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.

"Minnesotans expect to find the information and resources they need in a convenient and accessible way. That frequently means online and on their phones. We are proud of the work with our partners at DEED and DHS to meet the digital service needs and improve outcomes for the people we serve. We will continue to work across state government and with stakeholders to build out digital connections for government services," said MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes.

To learn more about accessing and using Workforce One Connect, individuals can contact their state, city, county, and nonprofit employment and training providers.

DEED

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on Twitter.

DHS

The Minnesota Department of Human Services helps provide essential services to Minnesota's most vulnerable residents. Working with many others, including counties, tribes and nonprofits, DHS helps ensure that Minnesota seniors, people with disabilities, children, families and others meet their basic needs and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The department serves Minnesotans in all 87 counties and 11 tribes. More than one million Minnesotans receive some sort of help from our department. For more information, visit the department's website at mn.gov/dhs.

MNIT

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state's Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota's executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,300 people across 90 physical locations. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State's IT infrastructure, applications, projects and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by supporting digital operations and connections to the state network (MNET) for more than 375 public sector partners. MNET connects all 87 counties and 1,500+ locations that serve cities, public safety, health care, Minnesota's tribal nations, K-12, education consortiums, and 200 public education and higher education campuses including the University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state's information systems and the private data of 5.7 million