WorkFirst Work Activities
The WorkFirst program offers a diverse menu of activities designed to engage parents full-time and prepare them for work. Depending on a parents previous work history, education and training needs, skills, and interests the most appropriate employment plan will be developed. The following are a menu of some of the work activities WorkFirst families can participate in to prepare for work.
Employment Related Services of packaged structured activities, usually provided by the Employment Security Department, that help parents find and keep jobs. Employment Services can be a first step toward self-sufficiency for many WorkFirst families, those services may include:
- Employment Preparation
- Job Search
- On-the-Job Training
- Career Services Program once a parent has exited cash assistance and is working 30 hours per week
Education and Training Programs opportunities are available to parents through your local community, technical or private colleges. Both mainstream educational opportunities and customized programs are offered, programs may include:
- Customized Job Skills Training (CJST)
- High Wage/High Demand, I-BEST, and/or Vocational Education
- Basic Skills, ESL and/or Skills Enhancement Training
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities include externships, clinical experiences, co-operative learning, and work study positions
Commerce Work Programs provide work experience opportunities for parents who need hands on experience combined with job readiness skills to go to work. These activities can be paid and un-paid and are available both full-time and/or part-time combined with other activities like basic skills, skills enhancement training and/or intensive services. Programs are available statewide and are provided by local contracted providers and include:
- Community Jobs
- Community Service
- Community Works
- Community WEX
- Career Jump
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway provides specialized services to WorkFirst refugees and immigrants with limited English skills to increase their employability and place them into jobs. In addition, the LEP Pathway program provides employment services to limited English proficient refugees who receive Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).
