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Available Programs for Employers

Work Experience Program

Local Investment For Employment - LIFE

 Work experience is a Welfare-to-Work unpaid training activity in the public and/or private sector in which the WTW client receives training in basic job skills, enhances existing job skills in a position related to his/her experience, and provides a needed community service which will lead to unsubsidized employment.  The assignment must relate to the participant's employment goals and traning plan.  All participants receive CalWORKs cash aid benefits.

A work experience job site can be developed by the participant through contacts in the community; such as a friend, a neighbor, or a fellow church member.  The County Self Sufficiency Services staff already has sites on file to select a good match for the participant.  Employers in the community, whether private or public sector, profit or non-profit, are encouraged to call Vicki Arce Career Employment Specialist Senior at (805) 614-1512 for Santa Barbara and Lompoc to find out how to become a work experience job site.  A work experience position may not be created as the result of, or may not result in, the displacement or partial displacement of current employees or be used to fill established unfilled positions.

The amount of paperwork is minimal.  There is an agreement between the County, the job site, and the participant, which explains the rights and responsibilities of each party.  The participant fills out a monthly time sheet, and the site supervisor completes a performance evaluation as requested by the County.  Work experience participants are covered by Workers' Compensation, and all needed forms are provided.  A Job Training Specialist is available to monitor the participant and help ease the way into the workforce by reinforcing work-appropriate behaviors.

Work experience is a win--win situation.  The participant learns valuable skills on the job, which will help when applying for unsubsidized employment.  Participants can use their experience to develop contacts, improve resumes, and develop confidence in their abilities.  The work site has the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a future member of the work force, "try out" a potential employee, and alleviate some workload problems.  We urge employers to participate in this program, which has provided many welfare recipients the opportunity to contribute to the community and therr own self-sufficiency.

LIFE Program:  Self Sufficiency Services is dedicated to partnering with local businesses and community organizations in providing work-based training and experience to CalWORK's participants.  The goal of the CalWORK's program is to assist individuals so they become self-sufficient.  During this period of time, participants will gain the skills and valuable experience needed to be successful in today's job market.

Employers in the community, whether private or public sector, profit or non-profit, are encouraged to call Vicki Arce Career Employment Specialist Senior at (805) 614-1512 for Santa Barbara and Lompoc to find out more about this program.