MSSA (Minnesota Social Service Association)

Nominate an Exceptional Adult Foster Care Provider for MSSA’s Excellence in Adult Foster Care Award! Do you know an adult foster care provider who goes above and beyond? MSSA's Excellence in Adult Foster Care Award honors those exceptional individuals who create stable and supportive environments where adults can truly thrive. Nominations close August 1! https://ow.ly/hmtc50Srisp

Agency Member Spotlight! Reach for Resources (Reach) is a nonprofit located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They empower people of all abilities to reach their full potential by providing individualized services that maximize independence, boosts community engagement, and improves physical and emotional well-being. As an organization, they believe the community is a better place when it is inclusive and every individual and family, regardless of ability, has the chance to be successful. Their services include • Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion • Case Management • In-Home Supports • Housing Stabilization Services • Employment Supports • Mental Health Services • TRAIL Transportation • Counseling. While they serve individuals throughout Minnesota, the majority live in the seven-county metro area surrounding Minneapolis. In 2024, they relaunched their counseling services, offering in-person and virtual individual and group therapy to anyone in need of emotional support. They strive to help clients share their personal struggles, develop awareness of their emotional patterns, understand the function of emotions, and build effective emotional coping strategies. They currently have a variety of full-time and part-time positions available. To learn more about Reach, their services, and job openings, please visit reachforresources.org.

Advertise with us! MSSA offers a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of health and human services professionals. Our members work in all areas of health and human services, including mental health, chemical health, aging, children's services, disability, housing, and more, and come from for-profit, nonprofit, and state and local government sectors. https://lnkd.in/g-GD2WHm

Research Study Participants Needed This research survey will gather information on how job characteristics and well-being influence innovation at work. To be eligible to participate in this research, you must: 1. Be at least 18 years of age 2. Reside in the United States, 3. Currently work in healthcare and/or human services, and 4. Currently work in a role in which you are actively providing care or services to patients/clients. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and your participation is voluntary. After completion of the survey, you will have a chance to enter an email address if you would like to be entered into the drawing for one of 25 $20 electronic gift cards. There are no foreseeable risks associated with participation, as no identifying information will be collected. This research study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Minnesota's Institutional Review Board (IRB ID: STUDY00022467). Survey open until August 25. https://lnkd.in/gs-iAPqB

Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference Gain valuable strategies to foster teamwork across generations and engage in culturally responsive practices. Celebrate excellence at our awards ceremony, enjoy a delicious meal as you network with other health and human services professionals, gain valuable resources from our exhibitors, and stand a chance to win an exciting door prize. Thursday, September 26, 2024 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Redwood Falls, MN https://ow.ly/Rfiu50SriBe

AGENCY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! The Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University offers both accredited BSW and MSW programs and a Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Fellowship for eligible BSW and MSW students. The mission of the Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University is to use an anti-oppression lens, with a focus on race, class, and gender, to inform both its educational environment and educational programs. Faculty, staff, and students commit to an experiential and transformative educational process that will challenge them to think critically and analyze systemic inequalities in the United States and the world. This process will prepare professional social workers to work as change agents in a diverse world. Students can engage in service learning through the Social Work Student Association, participate in Project Homeless Connect, which is an annual event for homeless and housing insecure individuals and families in the Saint Cloud in which they receive free community resources, and eligible students have an opportunity to study in Mexico for a semester. They invite you to explore their website to learn more about the ways in which MSSA members can engage with the Department of Social Work at St. Cloud State University. It's a great way to get a deeper understanding of their programs and initiatives. Project Homeless Connect is another excellent way MSSA members can support and engage with the SCSU Department of Social Work. Please visit their website for further details. https://lnkd.in/gVMF6TE2

Nominate an Exceptional Child Foster Care Provider for MSSA’s Excellence in Child Foster Care Award! Do you know a foster care provider who makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of children? MSSA's Excellence in Child Foster Care Award celebrates those who create stable and supportive environments where children can grow and flourish. Nominations close August 1! https://ow.ly/FsLK50SrinY

Upcoming Regional Conferences! MSSA’s regional conferences are opportunities for you to connect with other MSSA members in your area and earn high-quality and low-cost CEUs! Upcoming regional events include: 🟡 MSSA Region 9 Fall Conference: September 19 📍North Mankato 🟡 MSSA Regions 6 & 8 Fall Conference: September 26 📍Redwood Falls 🟡 MSSA Region 7 Fall Conference: October 4 📍Big Lake 🟡 MSSA Region 4 Fall Conference: October 23 📍Fergus Falls 🟡 MSSA Metro Region Fall Conference: October 24 📍St. Paul More information, including session descriptions, detailed schedules, and registration, is coming soon to mnssa.org.

Throughout her 32-year career at McLeod County Health and Human Services, Karen served as a Rule 185 Developmental Disabilities Social Worker for 30 years and a Rule 185DD Lead Worker for 2 years. Her impact on both staff and the individuals she served was profound. Karen was a strong advocate for the individuals under her care, consistently employing a person-centered approach. She encouraged active steps to increase independence, improve the quality of services, and enhance overall quality of life. Karen's collaborative spirit with professionals and service providers led to improved outcomes for those she worked with. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Karen's legacy lies in the mentorship and impact she generously shared with others. Her knowledge, support, and experience continue to resonate with her colleagues. Karen's work on MSSA Region 6’s board furthered her impact, contributing to positive legislative changes for the human services field. Karen was known for going above and beyond in her case management role, particularly in assisting individuals through short-term hospital or nursing home stays. She advocated for their return to community living or alternative residences that met their needs in the least restrictive way. Karen's dedication extended to honoring individuals' wishes, especially in their end stages of life. She worked diligently to ensure that those with terminal illnesses could remain in their homes for as long as possible, coordinating with residential providers to meet their needs and minimize hospital or nursing facility stays. The MSSA Outstanding Retiree Award is a testament to Karen Kohler-Nelsen's legacy and the mark she has left on McLeod County Health and Human Services and the greater community.

These funds will support much needed updates to our state's social service information system. This modernization will help improve efficiency and bring our social service system into the 21st century! #mnleg