The emergence of subsidized employment as a strategy to help the hard to employ may seem surprising, given that national unemployment rates are relatively low. Yet a growing number of policy makers, government leaders and funders around the nation have turned to subsidized employment strategies in response to the challenges faced by the hard-to-employ TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) recipients. Washington State continues to be a leader in creating thousands of subsidized transitional jobs for these WorkFirst participants.
The Washington State Community Jobs (CJ) program is a component of Washington State's WorkFirst Program. CJ is the first and largest program in the nation to provide comprehensive, paid work experience plus training opportunities for the hard-to-employ - combining subsidized work, training and a continuum of supports and mentoring. Community Jobs builds participants work and life skills. Participants improve the quality of their communities through their work in community, government, tribal and business organi- zations.
How does it work?
Private community-based contracted partners provide participants with 20 hours of work per week, a paycheck and intensive one-on-one support to resolve barriers to employment. Program participants are enrolled for up to nine months, long enough to gain both substantial work experience and an opportunity to deal with life situations beyond crisis management. During their time in CJ, participants develop a platform for genuine job advancement and quality of life improvements.
Participants are eligible for the Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit, receive the Washington State's minimum wage while on their CJ worksite, and receive a 50% earnings disregard. Together these income supports boost participants' income well above welfare grants.
GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY JOBS PROGRAM
The goals of the Community Jobs program are not only to provide services to the hard-to-employ WorkFirst participant, but also to directly benefit local communities.
Increasing Family Income
The Community Jobs Program increases income for TANF clients.
Gaining Current Professional Training And Work Experience
The Community Jobs Program is an excellent opportunity for WorkFirst participants to gain new professional skills while training on the job. In addition, most Community Jobs participants meet the employment criteria for Washington's Work-Based Learning Tuition Assistance. This allows participants to access education, at no cost to them, within Washington's Community and Technical Colleges.
Raising Self-Esteem And Dignity Of Participants
Participants in the Community Jobs Program are doing real work and investing their time in jobs that benefit themselves and their community. They gain confidence from working for a paycheck rather than collecting welfare.
Creating A Bridge To Unsubsidized Employment
By providing a supportive employment experience and intensive case management, Community Jobs Program serves as a stepping-stone from welfare dependence to unsubsidized employment and self-sufficiency.
Addressing Unmet Community Needs
Community Jobs participants fill the need of public and private sector non-profit organizations who are unable to fund necessary positions within their organizations. CJ participants are not displacing employees, but rather working where a need exists but a salary may not.
Developing A Trained Workforce With Private Businesses
Community Jobs Program options include a modified program, called Career Jump, with private employer partners. Career Jump provides participants permanent unsubsidized employment with essential training and career ladders. Employer partners who have critical workforce needs are able to access specific skill training for entry-level workers. Within Career Jump, participants do not displace current employees, but instead are placed in open entry-level positions. Career Jump offers the ability to adapt each training program to meet the needs of participants, private employers and industry sectors.