1. NAME OF PROGRAM: Work First Employment Program

2. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: The purpose of the Work First Employment Program is to provide a better service to clients who come to the Department to apply for a cash assistance check. It allows for a thorough assessment by a social worker to determine if there are more appropriate services available to them and their families, rather than just applying to receive a monthly check.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Anyone coming to the Department and requesting a cash assistance check will, first of all:

1. Be permitted to apply for Medicaid and/or Food Stamps on that date.
2. Be scheduled an appointment for an Orientation session for Work First. This normally occurs once per week.
3. During the Orientation, the work requirements of anyone who applies for and receives Work First are explained, as well as the benefits of being self-sufficient. After the Orientation, the potential applicant is scheduled to meet with and be assessed by an Employment Social Worker.
4. Anyone wishing to stay can do so. If someone is unable to stay to see the Social Worker, an appointment to return may be made. Anyone not wishing to stay and be assessed can choose to leave at that time.
5. The Social Worker assesses the full family situation to determine what assistance would be most beneficial to them. They are provided any available short-term assistance based on their individual situation. An Employment Security Commission staff person is available to aid them in locating a job.
6. If through this interview process, the Employment Social Worker determines that an application for Work First Cash Assistance would be the most appropriate plan for the client, they are permitted to apply for the cash assistance check.

4. OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS: The Work First Program is no longer an entitlement program, and counties can develop their own procedures, with the State's permission, to manage this program. It is through this, that the Work First Employment Program was developed. It provides for better and more appropriate assistance to families who comes to our Department in need.