WorkFirst Employment Programs for TANF Parents

Transitional jobs provide a supportive work environment to build job skills and help make connections to other services. These programs operate on the premise that the most effective pathway out of poverty is a well-paying job, and that the best place to learn workplace skills is in the workplace.

The Community Jobs Program supports participants who want to work, but lack skills or work history and have employment barriers. This program provides up to six months of paid job training. YWCA Employment Specialists help resolve issues and overcome barriers, provide employment-focused case management, and provide access to resources. A YWCA Instructor provides job skills training which allows participants to begin preparing and searching for employment before a job training position ends.

The Career Jump Program offers employment opportunities with an employer who has agreed to hire the participant when the training period ends. Career Jump also offers an opportunity to build references, develop networking connections, and demonstrate work skills directly through employment within a chosen field.

Benefits for participants

• Learn marketable employment skills
• Reinforce soft skills for job retention
• Gain confidence and employment history
• Enhance résumé and develop references
• Gain valuable work experience in a chosen field
• Gain valuable work experience while completing a GED or vocational training