3000 SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTIVITIES
3000.1 Purpose - Work Programs are family centered, client driven services with the following goals:
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.