WorkFirst Programs
The WorkFirst Program is Washington State’s welfare-to-work strategy. It is
based on the belief that everyone has abilities needed in today’s workforce with
work as the foundation building block to assist families to get off welfare.
Washington initiated the WorkFirst Program in August 1997 to help low-income
families become self-sufficient by providing employment services, training,
child care, and other support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep
a job and move up a career ladder.
WorkFirst parents will have opportunities to gain job skills and experience
through a variety of work readiness programs including:
Community Jobs (CJ) Program
Provides paid work experience and educational opportunities for TANF parents who
are seeking work.
Community Jobs is a full-time WorkFirst activity that provides paid temporary
employment to parents who have multiple barriers. This a great program for
parents who need time to stabilize their lives while preparing to go to work.
Work assignments are 20 hours per week and provide opportunities for parents to
gain job skills in a structured, supervised work environment.
Parents will also
attend 10 hours of educational activities that are designed to help build basic
skills or prepare for the GED; attend job training classes or participate in
approved life skill classes.
The Community Jobs program also provide case
management to ensure parents gain access to services that will lead to
unsubsidized employment.
Career Jump
Private sector job placement. Wages paid
during initial training on the job.
Career Jump is an expansion of Community
Jobs and includes private sector placement options to support the career
interests of WorkFirst parents. The design of the program includes a commitment
from the employer to hire the parent after approximately 6 weeks of experience
and training on the job
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