Introduction to Washington State’s WORKFIRST PROGRAM July 2012

1. Introduction to Washington State’sWORKFIRST PROGRAMJuly 2012

2. What you are about to learn: The objectives of this module are to give you: • An overview of the Washington partners in WorkFirst • Acronyms you will see and hear often • Links to valuable resources that are available • the WorkFirst Handbook • Local Planning Areas contact information • the WorkFirst Delivery Agreement (WFDA) • An introduction to SBCTC staff and their roles • The first steps you need to learn and do

3. What is WorkFirst? WorkFirst is Washington State's welfare reform program that helps people in low-income families find jobs, keep their jobs, find better jobs, and become self-sufficient. • Three main goals: • Reduce poverty • Sustain independence • Protect children and other vulnerable residents

4. What are some common Acronyms? http://www.dshs.wa.gov/acronym.shtml Partner Organizations: • SBCTC – State Board for Comm. & Technical Colleges • DSHS – Dept. of Social & Health Services • ESD – Employment Security Department • DEL – Department of Early Learning • COM – Department of Commerce (formerly CTED) Common Acronyms: • TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families • e-JAS – electronic – jobs automated system (reporting) • WFDA – WorkFirst Delivery Agreement • LPA – Local Planning Area • CBO – Community Based Organization

5. What tools are at the DSHS website?Two tools are the WorkFirst Handbook & WorkFirst A-Z The Handbook is a relational tool written for WorkFirst providers to keep them up-to-date on the rules and regulations of WorkFirst. It has the step-by-step instructions on how to do things. The following partner agencies each have a role in putting the handbook together and keeping it updated. • Employment Security Department • Department of Social and Health Services • The State Board for Community & Technical Colleges • The Department of Commerce • Workforce Development Councils • Department of Early Learning • Tribal Governments and other partners

6. What are the websites where I can get information about WorkFirst? • Here’s the link to the handbook http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ESA/wfhand/ • WorkFirst A-Z is an interactive, subject-directed tool that you can access at - http://www.dshs.wa.gov/manuals/eaz/#T • Here’s the interagency WorkFirst website: http://www.workfirst.wa.gov

7. What are WorkFirst Local Planning Areas?http://www.workfirst.wa.gov/programs/lpa_contacts.asp • Region 1 - Chelan/Douglas Co., Grant/Adams Co, Spokane/Lincoln Co., Okanogan Co., Tri-Counties (Colville), Asotin/Garfield Co., Benton/Franklin Co., Walla Walla/Columbia Co., Yakima/Kittitas Co. • Region 2 - Snohomish Co.; Skagit/San Juan Co & Camano Is.; Whatcom Co.; Whidbey Is.; King Co. (E), King Co.(S); and King Co. (N), Rainier/Capitol/ Belltown, White Center, Renton • Region 3 - Kitsap Co., Pierce Co., Clark Co., Clallam Co (W) Forks, Clallam Co (E) Port Angeles, Grays Harbor/Pacific Co., Lewis Co., Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Co., Mason Co., E. Jefferson Co., Thurston Co., Klickitat/Skamania Co.

8. What is e-JAS? • e-JAS access (to access e-JAS or reset e-JAS passwords) • College eJAS technical assistance • Nanette Angel • nangel@sbctc.edu • 360-704-4336 • Fax 360-704-4418 • Non-disclosure form (clickable link) that your supervisor signs and you forward to Nanette. • e-JAS technical assistance • e-JAS helpdesk • 360-664-4560 • jashelp@dshs.wa.gov

9. What is the WorkFirst Delivery Agreement? (WFDA) The WorkFirst Delivery Agreement is the SBCTC mechanism by which providers receive grant funds. There is lots of information about the current and past grants posted at the link below. http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/_e-wkforceworkfirst.aspx

10. WorkFirst Program was redesigned. What are the significant changes? The 2011-2012 WorkFirst Program was redesigned to move from participation that counts to education that matters, engaging students in career pathways that lead to self-sufficiency. Program changes include: • Greater emphasis on Vocational Education and student academic achievement • Increased participation in college level programs that integrate basic skills and vocational education

11. What activities are offered through 2011-2012 college WorkFirst programs? • Vocational Education • Vocational Education • Customized Job Skills Training • Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) • High-Wage, High-Demand Training • Degree Completion • Life Skills Training • Basic Skills – English-as-a-Second Language, High School Completion, and GED Preparation • Work-Based Learning/Work Study

12. Who can I talk to for help at SBCTC? • Rick Krauss, rkrauss@sbctc.edu or 360-704-4339 • Teri Echterling, techterling@sbctc.edu or 360-704-4341 • Nanette Angel, nangel@sbctc.edu or 360-704-4336 • Jacquie Armstrong, jarmstrong@sbctc.eduor 360-704-4358 A good source of ongoing and up-to-date information is the WorkFirst listserv: • http://lists.ctc.edu/mailman/listinfo

13. We hope this module was helpful. Have you done the following? If so, you are ready to go! • I visited the State Board WorkFirst website • I visited the DSHS website • I have a college e-mail address • I signed up for the listserv • I completed the non-disclosure form and faxed it to SBCTC (fax number is 360-704-4418 ATTN: Nanette) • I signed on to e-JAS at least one time to test my login. Congratulations!!! Close Presentation