Welfare-to-Work Program

What is the process?

WTW Orientation

The Welfare-to-Work (WTW) process begins with WTW Orientation where the participant will learn about the program, the process and their rights and responsibilities.

WTW Appraisal

For a WTW Appraisal, an applicant will meet with a caseworker to assess the participant's education, employment history, job skills, potential employment barriers and support they may need to go to work or training, like childcare, or transportation. If the participant has a crisis or situation that will keep them from being able to participate fully in the WTW program, they will be evaluated for an exemption or eligibility to the Family Stabilization Program.

WTW Assessment

If you require additional training or school, a participant will receive an Assessment. 
 
When you begin your Assessment, you will work with your case manager to talk in-depth about your work history, skills, and what types of jobs are available in the labor market where you live. You will go over what your ideas for your future are and what goals you have and the results will be used to write your WTW Plan.

WTW Plan

A WTW Plan is established based on the needs and goals of the participant that will outline what activities they will take part in to reach their employment goal. The WTW Plan is like a contract between you and the County, which will outline the activities you are expected to complete and how the County will help support you to complete these activities. You are always involved in helping to create your plan. Support is always available as you are working your plan

Who can use this service?

Only families approved for CalWORKs services are eligible to receive the Welfare-to-Work program.
To be considered eligible to CalWORKs, families must be under the state's income and property guidelines and include a child who has a parent that is either deceased, absent from the home, disabled or underemployed/unemployed. 

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

CalWORKs can be applied for online at BenefitsCal anytime or in person at the Social Services offices near you. Offices are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed on county-observed holidays).

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter