Work First Employment Services

Overview

Work First Family Assistance (also called TANF) provides families with short-term training and other services to help parents with at least one child who is under 18 years old (under 19 if still in high school) become employed and move toward self-sufficiency. Families are assessed to determine their needs (education, training, day care and transportation) to obtain and maintain permanent employment.

At the time of application, applicants are assigned a Work First Employment Social Worker for intense employment services and are required to sign a Mutual Responsibility Agreement. The Mutual Responsibility Agreement outlines the activities and responsibilities agreed to be completed by the customer and the agency’s responsibility.

Supportive Services Provided:

• Short term high school equivalency and/or vocational training
• Job readiness instruction
• Childcare
• Transportation assistance
• Assessment and access to treatment for family issues, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues
• Budgeting earned income and taking advantage of tax credits
• Intensive job search and assistance with resume writing, completing job applications, and interview preparation
• Post-employment job retention services
• Short Term Cash Assistance

Learn More and Apply

Please visit any Orange County DSS location to learn more about Work First and apply. Additional information about the other services Work First provides, such as child care and cash benefits, can be found here.