Connecting Work Skills and Opportunities

Background

The Department of Human Assistance has broadened our mission to also include fostering goals of economic stability and self-sufficiency among those we serve. Since the implementation of welfare reform in 1998, many innovative employment-related programs and job retention services are available to individuals seeking employment for the first time or returning to the work force. Today we are as dedicated to curtailing the cycle of poverty through education and job training as we are to meeting the basic needs of our residents.

Job Club/Job Search

Hands-on job training is available for CalWORKs participants through the Welfare to Work Job Club/Job Search program. These classes offer a variety of subjects, such as resume writing, interviewing skills and dress for career advancement techniques. To donate to DHA's Dress For Career Advancement Clothes Closet, call (916) 875-3330.

Business Information Center (BIC)

Our CalWORKs staff continually strives to find both work opportunities for recipients and qualified workers for local employers. At the Stockton Boulevard Business Information Center (BIC), our job professionals help would-be entrepreneurs start and manage their own small business. The BIC also works closely with the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC), in developing and supporting business opportunities for the Asian Pacific Islander business community.

JobLINK

The JobLink job development unit, part of DHA's Workforce Resource Division, connects employers with employees. Job Talk workshops offer referrals to current job openings, provides one-on-one job search assistance, and gives local employers an opportunity to personally talk to job seekers about current job openings.

Community Work Experience (CWEX)

The Community Work Experience Program (CWEX), also part of DHA's Workforce Resource Division, places participants in non-paid work experience with a public, private non-profit or private for-profit agency to obtain marketable job skills. Oftentimes participants transition from non-paid to full-time paid positions with that agency.

General Assistance

Specialized job training services are also available to General Assistance clients with literacy and/or learning disabilities. The basic life skills and job search techniques are offered in the BOOST program.

Vocational Assessment

Making Career Decisions that lead to self-sufficiency can be a tremendous challenge.

Vocational Assessment Counselors are available in Employment Services to provide Welfare to Work (CalWORKs) participants with vocational counseling and services to meet that challenge. Working together with participants, Vocational Assessment Counselors interpret vocational measures, guide vocational exploration, and facilitate career goal decision making. They also work with the participants to develop vocational plans that can lead to self-sufficiency and meet their vocational goals.

Q&A CONTACTS:

Jean Stover or Donna O'Ray-King