WORKFIRST PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Contact: Sandy Miller
Employment Security Department
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046
Telephone: 360.438.4135
E-mail: skmiller@esd.wa.gov

State Website: www.wa.gov/workfirst

Participation: Over 4,000 people per month were served by the Employment Security Department’s WorkFirst Program Employment Services during July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007.

Who is Served: Recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are eligible for Washington’s WorkFirst program.

Program Description: Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the partner agencies that administers the WorkFirst program. ESD provides employment services to eligible TANF parents to help them acquire the best jobs possible. Parents receive services in an atmosphere that is focused on making the best possible employment match based on a Work Skill Assessment and individualized services. Should parents require other services to help them meet their goals, they are connected with those services.

The federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requires states to report actual hours of participation and to show that all reported activities were counted, supervised, documented, and verified according to federal specifications. States also face new federal restrictions on the types of activities that can count towards participation. ESD, as a WorkFirst partner, is required to document and report participation in the activities it directly provides for those parents receiving employment services.

Other Program Characteristics: ESD started the WorkFirst Career Services Program July 1, 2007, as a strategy to meet federal participation requirements. The Career Services Program offers additional support as families transition from welfare to work. Under this program, a parent who exits WorkFirst and works at least 30 hours per week in unsubsidized employment may be eligible for up to six weeks of employment retention and advancement services.

Program History: WorkFirst went into effect in 1997 after the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act repealed and consolidated the Aid to Families With Dependent Children, Job Opportunities and Basic Skills, and Emergency Assistance programs into TANF. Underlying the WorkFirst philosophy is the expectation that everyone who is able to work should be working, preparing for work, or looking for work.

Planning Cycle: Annual.

Outcome Measures: Federal, state, and agency measures include:

• Entered employment rate.

• Wages at employment.

• Time returning to work after receiving a service.

Funding and Regional Division: ESD’s WorkFirst Services are distributed to 12 ESD WorkSource area directors to provide program services through local WorkSource centers, ESD affiliate sites, or Department of Social and Health Services Community Services offices.

State Funding: None.

Federal Funding: $28,111,000 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008), TANF Block Grant funds.

Statutory Authority: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Major portions of the Act are administered by the Department of Social and Health Services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the WorkFirst program.