Work First
The Michigan Jobs Commission implemented the Work First Initiative October 1, 1994, to serve recipients of Temporary Aide to Needy Families (TANF); State Family Assistance and Food Stamps. The Work First Program provides education and training services to individuals on these public assistance programs. Services include such things as: Job Search activities, Job Readiness, Job Development and Placement, and On-The-Job Training. Through these services, the goal is to give qualified recipients the skills that they need to find employment and remove the need for public assistance.
Joint Orientation
The ETCS Group in collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS) will conduct joint orientations within five working days after the receipt of their application for FIP assistance. The primary focus of this orientation is to communicate the requirements of the clients to seek and obtain employment in the private sector and to participate in a minimum of 20 - 35 hours of activity. This activity includes employment, training, job search activities, or other activities to meet the DHS contract requirement.
The orientation will provide an overview of the rights/responsibilities of clients, DHS/ETCS. Clients will also be given information on supportive services.
Job Search Services
The Work First Job Club/Job Search component is a four week program which consists of structured job search and placement activities. Program participation in Job Club/Job Search is a minimum of 20 hours per week for a single parent and the second parent in a two parent household or 35 hours per week for the first parent of the two parent household. If at the end of the four week period the participant has not found employment, they will be reassessed and transferred to another component depending on assessment results.
Post Employment Training Services
Training will be for occupations that are in demand. This may be provided by the public schools, the intermediate school district, the community college, universities, or other vocational training facilities.
Supportive services, such as transportation may be provided as needed, so that the participant may participate in post employment training. Post employment training and supportive services will be discontinued immediately if the participant quits his/her job, or is fired because of negative reasons.
Other Employment and Training Services
In an effort to address the needs of the MWA's Work First population, a variety of programs and activities in addition to the Job Club/Job Search component described above. have been designed to address the needs of participants while operating in an efficient and effective manner.
Educational Activities below the post secondary level include high school completion or GED, adult basic or remedial education activities.
Job Skills Training Component Designed to provide participants with training in a particular trade or occupation.
Job Readiness Activities Designed to assist participants become familiar with general workplace expectations and learn behavior and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market.
Job Development and Placement Activities designed to provide intensive placement efforts to the job ready. May include marketing of participants and securing job interviews for participants.
On The Job Training (OJT) Designed to provide an opportunity for the Work First Participant to secure Employment in an occupation requiring hands-on training. The training is provided while the individual is employed.
Contact the ETCS Group for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
