WTP - Career Central Orientation

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Welfare Transition Orientation

• Work Registration Orientation

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Center Locations

• Centers are located in
• Spring Hill Hernando County
• New Port Richey Pasco County
• Zephyrhills Pasco County
• Resource rooms at each site are filled with
  useful job search aids, computers, printers, fax
  copy machines to help you find a job. These
  services are at No Cost!

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Workforce Concept

• Meet the numerous needs of job seekers and
  employers in one location

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Job Seeker Services

• Employment Career Information
• Assessments Career Counseling
• Job Leads
• Mental Health Substance Abuse Referrals
• Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals
• Unemployment Compensation Information
• Veterans Services
• Educational Assistance
• Support Services

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The Welfare TransitionProgram

• In 1996, Florida made sweeping changes to welfare
  with the introduction of the WAGES Program.
• The federal government replaced AFDC with
  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  and time limits were instituted.
• The focus became Work First. It is mandatory
  for persons receiving cash assistance to
  participate in work activities.

First
Work
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The Welfare TransitionProgram (contd)
Receipt of cash assistance is NOT an entitlement,
it is a choice Factors of eligibility include
- Income - Assets - Immunization - Cooperation
with Child Support Enforcement - Work
Registration
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Requirement

• Applicants for Cash Assistance are required to
  work register with Workforce Connection and
  participate in employment and training
  activities. Work Registration includes
• Orientation
• Customer Profile Packet
• Group Session
• Secure Childcare

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Requirements

• Participate in and complete assigned program
  activities before cash opens.
• Participate in and complete all assigned program
  activities each week after cash starts.
• Respond to all contacts from Workforce Connection
  or other agencies when referred.
• Participation is Important

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What is the WelfareTransition Program?

• Designed to assist people eligible for cash
  assistance while they Transition to employment
  and Self-Sufficiency.
• Participation is mandatory unless a federal
  exemption is received from DCF.
• It is a Work First Program.

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Exemptions

• Child under 90 days
• Receipt of SSI / SSDI
• Caring for an incapacitated
  individual in your home that
  requires around the clock care
• DCF 1-888-762-2237

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Welfare Transition

• Each customer is required to
• Attend weekly / monthly appointments while
  receiving cash assistance.
• Report provide verification of any Employment
  to your Employment Consultant to DCF.
• Report good cause for not participating
  immediately.
• Report all changes in address, telephone number,
  and of needed services.

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Creating Your Future

• Enhance Job Skills with Training
• Career Exploration
• Training Certifications
• Career Pathways

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Benefits of Training

• Get a Better Job at Better Wages
• Increase your job-getting odds in a tough (very
  competitive) economy
• Improve your skills while you look for a job
• Capture the opportunity for a new career and do
  something youve always really wanted to do

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Work First Why Get a Job?

• More Money (Most assistance groups get an
  average of 300 per month cash plus food stamps.)
• Availability of Transitional Childcare other
  services
• The Earned Income Tax Credit
• Incentive monies education dollars may be
  offered
• Self Sufficiency to support your family!

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Earned Income TaxCredit

• Created by Congress in 1975
• Tax incentives for working families
• Why Get the Credit
• Catch up on bills rent/mortgage, utilities, car
  payments
• Upgrade your transportation
• Pre-pay expenses to improve monthly cash flow
  e.g. insurance
• Create a savings
• Put into Individual Development Account, often
  with additional incentives

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Unable to Find a Job?

• We have career enhancing activities such as
  Seminars, Directed Job Search, Worksite Training,
  GED, and other Education Training Programs.
• During the Planning Process, we review previous
  education and work experience, assess your skills
  and abilities, and counsel on options available.

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Acceptable Activitiesfor Participation

• A Job
• Vocational Training (School)
• Worksite Training
• Work Experience
• On-the-Job Training
• Job Search and Seminars
• GED and ESOL classes combined with activities
  above

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Weekly ParticipationRequirements

• Everyone is required to participate in
• Program activities 30 40 hours per week.
• Important!
• Documentation of hours for participation are
  always due on Monday.

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Assessment

• Career Specialist will conduct an assessment with
  each customer to determine
• Reading, Writing, and Math skills
• Potential careers that match your skills so you
  can make appropriate career choices

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Domestic Violence Services

• Victims of domestic violence are not exempt from
  participating in program activities, and may be
  assigned to alternative activities, depending on
  circumstances.
• Hotline [phone]

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Disabled Individuals

• Federal Regulations state Disabled
  individuals are capable of engaging in productive
  work activities and are included in the work
  participation requirements.45 CFR Parts 261,
  262, 263, 265

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Do You Need Supportive Services?

• Once cash is approved we may be able to assist
  you with support services in order for you to
  participate in work activities
• Each person MUST complete 30 to 40 hours weekly
  participation to receive support services.

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Opportunities

• Support Services
• Gas Cards Bus Passes
• Child Care
• Assistance with Car Repairs
• Work Attire, Uniforms
• Tuition
• Tools for Work

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Diversion Services

• Up Front Diversion- is a lump-sum payment in
  place of TANF.
• Relocation- cannot re-apply for cash for 6
  months, if you reside in an area with limited
  opportunity, and Must have a job offer.
• Cash Severance- Must be receiving cash
  assistance/employed, Remained employed for at
  least 6 months, Received cash assistance for at
  least 6 consecutive months and Earned income does
  not fully close cash benefits.

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Participating or NotParticipating

• While we want everyone to be successful, some
  choose not to comply. If you do not comply,
  there are consequences for not following the
  requirements of this program.
• You may lose cash assistance, food stamps, and
  support services

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The Penalty Process

• 1st Level Loss of cash assistance for at least
  10 days and possibly Food Stamps for at least one
  month.
• 2nd Level Loss of cash assistance for at least
  30 days and possibly Food Stamps for at least 3
  months.
• 3rd Level Loss of cash assistance for at least
  3 months possibly Food Stamps for at least 6
  months.
• Or until you comply, whichever takes longer.

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Transitional Services

• If you are deemed eligible for additional
  services, you may be eligible for up to 2 years
  of Childcare and other support services after
  going to work.

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The Clock is Ticking

• Remember, cash benefits are LIMITED. The clock is
  Ticking so it is important to act with urgency.
• Time to receive cash assistance is limited for
  adult recipients in Florida and all other states.
• Lifetime limit is 48 months

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Choosing Cash Benefitsor Not

• You may opt not to proceed with your
  application for cash assistance and simply let us
  help you find work.
• Did you know that most monthly benefits (for 3
  people) average 303.00 monthly?
• An average entry-level job offering the
  current
• minimum wage per hour will generate
  approximately
• 306 weekly or 1329 monthly
• 1026 more per month than cash assistance!

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Career Central Staff
We are professionals committed to outstanding
customer service! We always strive to listen
and assist you in becoming self-sufficient
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Congratulations!

• You have now completed the first step of Work
  Registration.
• There are additional steps that will need to be
  taken. As follows
• ESIGN
• Application and Forms
• Group Session