WPS prepares TANF recipients (referred by NH Employment Program) to enter the workforce by providing them with the skills, knowledge, experience, and support needed to obtain paid employment. The program offers a broad set of workforce development services starting with an in-depth vocational assessment process leading to a personal Career Plan.
WPS is funded by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and represents collaboration between the Division of Family Assistance and the New Hampshire Community Action Agencies to enable NHEP program participants to move from welfare to work.
Eligibility Requirements
- Receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Referred by NH Employment Program Counselor
Fast Facts
The Workplace Success Program offers:
Job Readiness and Job Search
Once individual career pathways are identified, participants typically engage in Job Readiness and Job Search workshops addressing preparation of job applications, cover letters and resumes, interviewing skills, Thank You notes and follow up, as well as appropriate dress, time management, career portfolio development, financial literacy, and balancing work and family.
Job Club
Job Club enables participants to practice mock interview skills, networking techniques, meet local employers and job search experts, research job prospects, and share job search experiences.
Embedded /Work Skills Training
Embedded /Work Skills Training is used to introduce and reinforce new skills needed in most jobs such as keyboarding, basic computer literacy, customer service, critical thinking, communication skills, stress management and other useful skills. Participants successfully completing these activities or demonstrating competency in these areas then become involved in work-centered activities beginning with Service Bureau.
Service Bureau
Service Bureau allows participants to perform work assignments that offer them the opportunity to learn new skills, obtain direct work experience, network with potential employers, and develop employment references. These community-based projects are performed both on-site and outside of the Career Centers.
Work Experience Program (WEP)
Work Experience provides participants an opportunity to improve their employability and gain the skills, knowledge and work habits necessary to obtain employment through supervised 16-week unpaid work assignments with participating host sites. These Work Experience positions develop new work skills, for 20-30 hours per week within a non-profit, business, or local/state government host site, often resulting in paid or partially subsidized employment (OJT). The host sites benefit by having extra personnel to assist with their organization’s work needs along with a no-risk opportunity to evaluate a participant for employment.
On the Job Training (OJT) Program
On the Job Training provides NHEP participants the opportunity to learn new skills while working. NHEP reimburses employers to offset some of the costs associated with supervising and training NHEP participants as newly hired full-time employees in their company workforce.
Employers receive a wage reimbursement up to 50% ($3,500 maximum) during the new employee’s contracted OJT training period (maximum 6 months). Participating employers can also benefit from a tax credit for up to $10,200 over 2 years through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for each NHEP participant who completes and remains employed through the end of their OJT training.
In an effort to stretch its resources and serve more participants, NHEP has partnered with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program to fund OJT opportunities for TANF recipients, whereby WIOA reimburses participating employers for training and NHEP provides OJT development and support services to its participating trainees.
Location
Statewide
Contact
If you are receiving TANF, speak with you Counselor about a referral to the Workplace Success Program.
