WorkFirst HandBook

Engaging Parents in WorkFirst

1.4 First WorkFirst Engagement (Orientation)

The First WorkFirst Engagement (Orientation) section includes:

• 1.4.1 What is the WorkFirst engagement (Orientation)?
• 1.4.2 What happens during the first WorkFirst engagement?
• 1.4.3 What is covered during the first WorkFirst engagement?
• 1.4.4 eJAS/ACES codes
• 1.4.5 First WorkFirst Engagement – Step-by-Step Guide

1.4.1 What is the first WorkFirst engagement (Orientation)?

Orientation has changed. We call it the first WorkFirst engagement now and it isn't a one-time event. It’s not group sessions in most Community Services Offices (CSOs). WorkFirst engagement is all about building a rapport with each parent, one on one, and getting them directly involved in making decisions. This is when you start sending a consistent, positive message about what WorkFirst can offer, and how the choices they make now can affect their grant and their ability to move on to a better future. Let parents know you want to support them in activities so they can earn a living for their family.

A powerful WorkFirst engagement:

• Builds a positive working relationship.
• Engages and motivates.
• Shows “what's in it for you” and how they are responsible to take advantage of what the program offers.
• Demonstrates how employment, the comprehensive evaluation and participation are important responsibilities and opportunities.
• Gives information (like a choice to not participate can result in no cash grant) so the parent can be an active, informed partner in making decisions.
• Stresses that welfare is temporary and that work is the best avenue to provide a better life for them and their children.

1.4.2 What happens during the first WorkFirst engagement?

The WorkFirst Program Specialist/Social Worker conducts the first session after WorkFirst cash assistance approval to provide a broad overview of the WorkFirst Program. Subsequent contacts with the person will provide other opportunities to engage the person in WorkFirst activities.

When presenting WorkFirst opportunities:

• Establish a positive rapport with the person you are working with—make a human connection.
• Ask open-ended questions and encourage the person to share his or her thoughts and feelings about what they want to do.
• Incorporate ‘Talking Points' to focus on each person's strengths, responsibilities, and the consequences of their decisions, while addressing barriers.
• Give local resource information, in writing, for future reference.
• Encourage the person to call you any time if they have questions or concerns.
• Discuss WorkFirst expectations in a positive manner and be open about the consequences should they choose not to participate.
• Invite partners to share their messages and what they have to offer.
• Get parents into activities as soon as possible for as many hours as possible.

1.4.3 What is covered during the first WorkFirst engagement?

As shown in the chart below, there is some basic material that should be covered.

The first WorkFirst engagement includes…
An Introduction to WorkFirst	Everyone participates and does the best they can! A job, a better job, a better life Work pays! WorkFirst = Options Work pays! Supports are available
Comprehensive Evaluation	All newly approved WorkFirst applicants will receive a personalized comprehensive evaluation that will be given by an interagency team of professional and caring staff. This evaluation provides the framework for future activities in WorkFirst.
The Employment Pathway & How Work Pays	Give a written and oral demonstration, including a description of child care, support services and other benefits (like EITC) available to working families. See “Talking Points”
WorkFirst Time Limit	Information and a reminder about the five-year time limit (Possible WorkFirst Cash Assistance Extension at 60 months)
Rights, Responsibilities & Consequences	Explanation of the person’s rights, responsibilities, participation requirements & sanction. The key message here is that WorkFirst offers many supports and services to help get through a temporary situation, but parents must participate in the program and take advantage of the supports designed to help them find and keep a job. It is important for them to understand that if they chose not to participate, they risk losing their cash grant.Explanation of the person’s rights, responsibilities, participation requirements & sanction. The key message here is that WorkFirst offers many supports and services to help get through a temporary situation, but parents must participate in the program and take advantage of the supports designed to help them find and keep a job. It is important for them to understand that if they chose not to participate, they risk losing their cash grant.
Working Relationship	Emphasize that this is a working relationship and that open communication can help the parent succeed sooner and avoid problems like sanction.
DSHS Responsibilities	The department must provide appropriate support services and child care while the person is in required activities
Post-Employment Services	Introduce people to the types of services available once they are working 20 hours or more per week (WorkFirst & post-WorkFirst)
Post TANF Employment Services	The WorkFirst Career Services Program provides cash payments and services to families who leave TANF/SFA and are working at least 30 hours a week. Specific types of services and information may vary from office to office but should include: Opportunities for accessing training – skills upgrade. Mentoring, coaching, and employment counseling. Resource information for accessing: Money Management classes Work Skill Assessment Labor Market Information Community Resources – Food Banks, Utilities Assistance, Community Action Programs Parents are paid to participate. Here's what they get: $50 a month for up to 6 months post-WorkFirst, plus $150 bonus when they enroll, plus $100 bonus when they meet with a WorkSource Employment Counselor during their 4 th and 6 th month post-WorkFirst. Total payments possible are $650.
Local WorkFirst Services	Let people know what types of programs and services are available in your area
WorkFirst Opportunities Brochure (DSHS 22-1125)	A required publication which provides an overview of the WorkFirst program, as well as local community resources.
Q&A	Give people a chance to ask questions

1.4.4 e-JAS/ACES codes

There are no WorkFirst engagement e-JAS or ACES codes.

Resources

Related WorkFirst Handbook Sections

• Introduction
• 1.1 Engaging Parents in WorkFirst - Overview

Forms & Other Resources

• WorkFirst Engagement Talking Points
• WorkFirst Opportunities brochure DSHS 22-1125 [PDF]

Please note that WorkFirst Opportunities brochure [DSHS 22-1125] replaces all the other required list of publications that were required for WorkFirst parents. The only exception to this rule is the Open the Door brochure [22-265], which will continue to be a required WorkFirst publication.