3000 SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTIVITIES

3000.1 Purpose - Work Programs are family centered, client driven services with the following goals:

• To provide the opportunity for clients  to expand their skills and knowledge to maximize income potential,
  
  
• Encourage the formation of stable families by empowering parents through self-sufficiency,
  
  
• End client dependency on government support  by promoting job preparation and work and
  
  

• Provide support services that enhance the client’s ability to obtain and maintain employment.
   

The Welfare Reform Phase II changes augmented the previous approach which concentrated on work first approaches. The Phase II changes included emphasis on the post-employment needs of TANF clients and former clients and in developing strategies to accomplish four goals:

• Help more current TANF and former TANF clients retain their jobs
   

• Reduce the amount of time clients and former clients spend between jobs
   

• Help more TANF and former TANF clients advance in their jobs by providing access to training/education opportunities for career advancement
   

• Increase the number of former TANF clients who continue to access the food assistance, medical and child care assistance for which they are eligible.

The following work program concepts are integral for case manager and client success:

• All clients have strengths and solutions
   

• People can change
   

• Focus on client success    
   

• Case manager should empower the client
   

• Leaving welfare is a process, not a single event
   

• We must respect and value cultural differences.

The EES case manager and the client will work in collaboration to identify and achieve the agreed upon outcomes.