Moorhead, Breckenridge, Fergus Falls & Detroit Lakes: (701) 388-4865
Fax: (218) 258-0627

Our Mission

Transitional Supported Employment of Minnesota, also known as Tran$EM, is an agency focused on serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Individuals who have been diagnosed as having serious and persistent mental illness have often suffered an interruption in their adult employment history, or have been unable to acquire necessary skills and work habits that lead to successful long term employment, thus the development of Tran$EM. Tran$EM is set up to assist the individual with this disability to enhance their lives through competitive employment out in the community. It encourages the individual to be the best that they can be while living with their disability.  It makes the transition into the job market as agreeable as possible for both the consumer and the employer.

This is accomplished through a team effort.

Tran$EM partners with Lakeland Mental Health Center to provide vocational services and works in collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Becker – Clay – Otter Tail – Wilkin County Social Services and other mental health agencies in the surround communities.

Tran$EM provides many services. It assists the individual to utilize employment interests, education, experience and skills to allow them to make decisions about their career choices. It assists in the development of individualized employment strategies to assist the individual in finding appropriate employment. Tran$EM encourages the individual to use what skills they have and to be involved with the process as much as possible. It gives the individual the chance to secure employment in areas that is agreeable to the consumer. Tran$EM locates and assists in securing employment through establishing contact, setting up interviews and providing assistance during the interview and job coaching when needed.

Tran$EM also offers post employment follow-up and supportive services. These services are unique to each individual in that it could mean weekly or bi-monthly contact to ensure the success to each client we serve.

The follow-up support is the key to helping the Consumers keep and stay employed.

Client Success Story

Rick was a frustrated worker in a job that made him unhappy. Feeling stressed was a daily emotion. Both Rick's physical and mental health were deteriorating. While talking with his Case Manager at Solutions, it was learned that he could be referred to Tran$Em for support in obtaining alternative employment. In the past, Rick has always taken any job offered to him due to financial obligations. This time, he knew he wanted to work in food service and was not going to accept anything less than his dream. With the assistance of his Employment Specialist, Rick gained interview and social skills as well as a resume that scored him an interview at Concordia right away. Rick surpassed expectations at his interview and was offered a job as a Food Service/Prep Cook. Rick describes his job as serving and prepping lunches for students while following the food and drug administration guidelines. Rick's supervisor has appreciated his work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to do whatever is needed. Rick enjoys providing the students a healthy meal every day. Rick continued to receive supports from his Employment Specialist even after he started work by obtaining assistance with reporting his income to the Social Security Administration. Rick feels this job has given him the ROLL COBBS! freedom to express himself with food and utilize his creative side. He is able to make suggestions and voice his opinion. Rick is hopeful for the future and what opportunities he has as an employee of Concordia.