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4 <br />Work First Demonstration Grant Proposal <br />Orange County Department of Social Services <br />October 6, 2006 <br />Summary <br />Orange County Department of Social Services requests $270,838 for the implementation <br />of a Subsidized Employment and On-the-Job Training program, Work Incentives for <br />participants, and a Job Coach to build strong life management and work skills for Work <br />First participants. <br />Department staff continues to complete the initial screening of Work First applicants for <br />program eligibility, possible diversion options, and the need of supportive services. Most <br />recipients are first referred to job search and 47% will fmd employment within six <br />months. Of those remaining, significant barriers to employment include poor life <br />management skills, insufficient support systems, personal fears regarding work, low self- <br />esteem, and transportation issues. This population could benefit from a combination of <br />on-the- job training, work incentives, and job coaching services to be successful. <br />Program Description and Goals <br />Orange County averages 150 able-bodied Work First participants and averages two to <br />three two-parent families on a monthly basis. To impact our work participation rate, we <br />need to invest in employment opportunities and work supports. The goal of this grant <br />will be to increase available jobs for Work First participants, expand support systems for <br />participants, offer incentives to encourage participation, and improve job retention. <br />The County is in the process of building a stronger job readiness component where every <br />recipient will be referred and taught .work place norms, communication skills, and time <br />management skills to help manage demands of work and family responsibilities and <br />introduce them to the culture employment. Graduates from the job readiness program <br />will .either transition to employment, vocational training, work experience, subsidized <br />employment, or on-the job training. This grant will give them an opportunity to practice <br />the teachings in a safe and nurturing work environment to build employability skills, <br />enhance their marketability and sustainability. <br />Outcome Measures <br />These outcome measures will be used to evaluate the program over the three-year period. <br />• Number of Work First clients placed in a subsidized employment or OJT position. <br />• Increase in employers who hire Work First participants. <br />• Number of tax credit certificates. <br />• Exceed 50% all parent participation rate. <br />• Exceed 90%two-parent participation rate. <br />Orange County DSS <br />4 <br />