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state option allowed per 45 CFR 261.11(b) to apply a 90-day assessment deadline; however, the goal is to complete assessments within 30 days of eligibility determination. • Requires participation in job search activities for work-ready individuals. • Assigns participants who need additional support, skills, or work experience and/or those who do not find work in a job search activity, to paid work experience, subsidized employment, other work-like activities, or barrier removal activities as determined appropriate by assessment. Additional job search activities may also be assigned for a short length of time in these circumstances. • Provides employment services to help participants remain employed and to progress in skills and wages. • Provides educational opportunities, both in classroom settings and on the worksite. • Encourages continued alliance of state, local, and tribal government, business, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals, who dedicate themselves to helping families in poverty overcome barriers (RCW 74.08A.280(2)).
As the WorkFirst program has evolved, more emphasis has been placed on supporting families in overcoming barriers to employment, job retention, and reducing cycling on and off assistance.
(b) Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance to engage in work (defined by the State) once the State determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once they have received 24 months of assistance, whichever is earlier, consistent with the child care exception at 407(e)(2) (section 402(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act.
Washington State defines work activity to include: • Unsubsidized paid employment. • Subsidized paid employment. • Work experience. • On-the-job training. • Job search and job readiness assistance. • Life skills training. • Community service. • Vocational education including internships and practicums. • Job skills training related to employment. • Education related to employment for a parent who has not completed high school or equivalent. • Volunteering in a child’s licensed child care, pre-school or elementary school. • Participation in post-employment activities to the extent federally countable. • Participation in other services to become employable to the extent federally countable such as: o Mental health services. o Family violence services. o Substance use disorder services.