Employment First Program Insert local picture here

T oday’s Presentation Please put cell phones on vibrate and put them away. Parking logistics and validation Bathrooms Refreshments available

Agenda Orientation 9:00 – 9:30 Break 9:30 – 9:45 Initial work activity 9:45 – 10:45 Schedule follow-up appt. 10:45 – 11:00 Transportation assistance

Paperwork completed today: Employment First enrollment form signed Assessment form, front and back Workfare initial site contract form, signed Follow-up appointment letter, signed

Supports your job search while keeping you eligible for food assistance benefits Employment First Delivered in partnership between Human Services and the Workforce Center

Employment First Free job seeking skills classes Free job search tools – phone, fax, internet, job leads, hiring events, personalized assistance Workfare opportunity Referrals to – GED, clothing, haircuts, food, medical Transportation assistance

Participate with Employment First until: Employed 30 hours or earning $217.50/wk Exempt No longer receiving food assistance

“Insert the title of your Workshop here (e.g. “Job Readiness Workshop”) Create applications that get noticed Discover the art of networking Create your individual job search strategy Learn to sell your skills and abilities at interviews Sharpen your customer service skills ADD PICTURE

Support to your community each month in exchange for food assistance Workfare

Workfare Benefits On the job experience Current reference Networking opportunities Enhance skills Help your community Employers Hire People Who Are Already Working!

Required workfare hours per month Entire household allotment $8.00 = hours required each month Example: $183/$8.00 = 22 hours each month $367/$8.00 = 45 hours each month

Workfare sites “Show a list of the types of worksites your county offers”

Other activities that meet the Employment First requirement  GED Preparation/Adult basic education  College/Vocational training  Vocational rehabilitation  Job search classes  Documentation of part time work

Transportation assistance is available for your ongoing participation

On-going monthly participation

What Happens If I Choose Not to Participate? You will lose your portion of your household’s Food Assistance Sanction

1 st time – lose benefits for ONE MONTH and must comply before receiving benefits again 2nd time – lose benefits for THREE MONTHS and must comply before receiving benefits again 3 rd time and every time after this point – lose benefits for SIX MONTHS and must comply before receiving benefits again

Sanctions are one, three and six months Once a sanction begins you will receive no benefits for the entire time period + Complete the comply requirements prior to receiving benefits Only a documented exemption will stop a sanction after it has started you must also

Comply Only a documented exemption stops a sanction This screen would need to be specific to county requirements

Good cause If you miss an appointment or do not complete your assignment you have 10 days to provide good cause

Exemptions – require written documentation Working 30 hours or earning $ per week Under age 16 or over 60 A complete list of exemptions should be included in each handout packet.

Applying for or receiving unemployment insurance Job attached – return to a specific job or company within 60 days Exemptions – require written documentation

Medical condition Exemptions – require written documentation Caring for child under 6 or incapacitated person

Pregnant Exemptions – require written documentation Applying for or receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Significant participation in drug/alcohol program Exemptions – require written documentation Applied for or receiving Social Security Disability (SSI or SSDI), Veterans 100% Disability or Railroad Disability

Exemptions – require written documentation Participating with Vocational Rehabilitation or attending school PRIOR to food assistance application

Exemptions – require written documentation Seasonal migrant farm worker Participating in Colorado Refugee Program

One hour of work – begins your participation for this month Transportation assistance Next appointment: Recap

Participate with Employment First until: Employed 30 hours or earning $ /wk Exempt No longer receiving food assistance

Paperwork completed today: Employment First enrollment form signed Assessment form, front and back Workfare initial site contract form, signed Follow-up appointment letter, signed

Office Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 am 5:00 pm 303-XXX-XXXX

Questions?

Now we will take a short break. Then we will begin your first assignment with Employment First! We are looking forward to working with you on your next job search opportunities!

Your Participation Begins Today! A picture or wording can be added showing the initial task