Work First intake orientation groups

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Over the last few years, Mecklenburg County has experienced an increase in the number of customers applying for Work First Family Assistance (TANF). Unlike the other eligibility programs, the Work First program requires that customers complete certain steps and take specific actions (such as registering for work with the Employment Securities Commission) before an application can be approved and benefits issued. The county found that a number of customers were not interested in the program after learning about the requirements in the interview, and therefore they did not follow through and their applications were denied. The Work First Intake Orientation Groups project allows customers to receive important, necessary information about the Work First program requirements and regulations prior to an application being taken, so that an informed decision can be made as to whether or not to continue the process. There are five of these groups per day, so customers do not need to wait long for one to begin. At the end of the session, customers are asked if they would like to continue with the process. Those who are interested are then assigned to a Work First intake worker to complete the full interview. Those who are not interested apply for Medicaid and/or FNS if they choose to do so, and then to not have to waste time going through a full Work First interview.