Revised on: September 20, 2021
WorkFirst program staff at Economic Services Administration (ESA) of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) primarily wrote this handbook. Others contributing to the contents of this handbook include:
Handbook chapters cover the following topic areas: | |
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Tools | The tools we use to process cases (such as Individual Responsibility Plans and eJAS screening/evaluation) |
Supports | The supports we provide to participants (such as child care and support services) |
Engaging Participants in WorkFirst | How we introduce participants to the WorkFirst program |
The Pathways |
The pathways participants may take to self-sufficiency include:
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Each section of the WorkFirst Handbook may have:
The use of participant and parent/caregiver are interchangeable throughout this handbook.
The use of WorkFirst staff is used interchangeably throughout the WorkFirst Handbook to refer to either Case Planners or Social Service Specialists, as many major program components are supported by both roles. For situations when a program component is handled solely by the Social Service Specialist, the term Case Manager is used.
This page contains useful desk aids. Policy and procedure changes will result in revisions to this information.
Date |
Chapter Title |
Chapter Revision |
Topic |
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9/17/24 | Participating While Resolving Issues | 6.3.9 | Updating criteria for FSC. |
9/17/24 | Community Jobs | 8.3 | Updated budgeting to include Family Earnings Disregard and WFPS to Case manger or WorkFirst staff. |
9/6/24 | Disabilities and Exemptions | 6.6 and 6.8 | Updating WorkFirst staff references and updating links to updated desk aids. |
6/5/24 | Career Scope | 4.1.13 | Updating step-by-step for life skills |
5/31/24 | Substance Use Disorder | 6.7 | Updated WorkFirst staff references |
5/9/24 | Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Reviews, Pregnancy to Employment | 3.6.1, 3.6.2, 5.1.19 | Updating new infant, toddler and post partum TLE exemptions. |
5/03/24 | Support Services | 2.2 | Updating WorkFirst staff references and Resources. |
4/30/24 | Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS) | 3.5.1 | Updating WorkFirst staff references |
4/26/24 | Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) referral and assessment process | 6.2.6 | Updating PWA process |
3/25/24 | Participation While Resolving Issues | 6.3.11 | Adding new section 6.3.11 Coordinated Entry |
3/15/24 | Support Services | 2.2.1 | Adding reference to OAR program |
3/7/2024 | Participating While Resolving Issues | 6.3 | Updating language removing for Case Planner and Case Manager, updated FCS language. |
3/7/2024 | Time Limit Extensions | 3.6.1 | Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP |
3/7/2024 | Time Limit Extension Reviews | 3.6.2 | Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP |
2/1/2024 | About the Handbook, Comprehensive Evaluation, Pathway Development Tool | About the Handbook, WFHB 3.2.1, WFHB 3.2.3 | Updating changes to support transition for WorkFirst reorganization |
1/01/2024 | 2.1.2 Supports Overview | WFHB 2.1.2 | Expanding Transitional Food Assistance to sanctioned families. |
11/1/2023 | 7.2 Vocational Education | WFHB 7.2 | Updated HWHD step by step |
10/18/2023 | 3.6.1.5 What are the time limit extensions categories? | WFHB 3.6.1.5 | Update examples of mixed households, ineligible parent and recipient parent |
10/2/2023 | 6.5.12 What is the Address Confidentiality Program | WFHB 6.5.12 | Updates information related address confidentiality program. |
9/8/2023 | 3.6.2.1 Time Limit Extensions | WFHB 3.6.2.1 | Updating examples related to no longer qualifying for a TLE |
9/1/2023 | 3.2.1 Comprehensive Evaluation | WFHB 3.2.1.3, WFHB 1.6.4 | Updating partner access note for PDT. |
8/8/2023 | 3.5.1 Entering NCS | WFHB 3.5.1.9 | Updating lack of childcare clarification |
8/7/2023 | 3.5.1 Entering NCS | WFHB 3.5.1.11, 3.5.1.12, 3.5.1.17 | Mandatory text on staffing results letter |
7/31/2023 | 2.2 Support Services | WFHB 2.2.10, 2.2.17, 2.2.18 | Updates to remove BOA card process |
7/25/2023 | 3.6.1Time Limit Extensions | WFHB 3.6.1.16 | Clarifying information on letter for individuals that waived TLE notice |
7/21/2023 | 3.5.1 Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS) | WFHB 3.5.1.10 | Adding information related to undefined hardships that would reasonably prevent participation |
6/29/2023 | WFHB 3.6.1, WFHB 3.6.2 | Removing time limit requirements for ineligible parents. | |
5/18/2023 | 6.2 Assessments | WFHB 6.2.2, 6.2.3 | Assessments for In Loco Parentis caregivers |
5/1/2023 | 3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions | WFHB 3.6.1 | Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process |
5/1/2023 | 3.6.2 Time limit Reviews | WFHB 3.6.2 | Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process |
4/7/2023 | 2.2 Support Services | WFHB 2.2.11 - 2.2.15 | Updating support services, removing Pearson Vue and DOL |
3/30/2023 | 6.8 WorkFirst Exemptions | WFHB 6.8.1, 6.8.9, 6.8.10, 6.8.11 | Updating WorkFirst exemptions and mandatory activities |
2/1/2023 | 1.2 Required Participation & 6.8 Exemptions | WFHB 1.2.9. 6.8.8 | DVR Referrals |
1/1/2023 | 2.2 Support Services | WFHB 2.2.18.3 | Support service audits |
12/1/2022 |
Strategies for Success Update |
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12/1/2022 |
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Home Visiting Expansion |
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11/1/2022 |
WFHB 5.2.4 |
Update PU from PRUCOL to Lawfully Residing Individuals |
|
8/9/22 |
WFHB 3.2.3 |
Clarification on completing the PDT |
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6/17/22 |
WFHB 1.2 |
Updating Sentencing Alternatives … Desk Aid Name |
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5/19/22 |
WFHB 5.2 |
Updated RCA time limit reference from 8 to 12 months. |
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4/18/22 |
WFHB 6.4 |
Clarification based on staff feedback. |
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04/11/22 |
Extension of Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/23 |
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02/01/22 |
Ineligible Parent Time Limit |
Survivors of Certain Crimes |
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01/20/22 |
WFHB 2.2 |
End of TI and expansion of PETSS statewide, increase of annual support services limit to $5000 |
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12/10/21 |
TLE Supervisory/Designee Review Process Automation |
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12/01/21 |
WFHB 5.1 |
IE/TE counter updates, but TE counter not functional. |
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11/15/21 |
Personal Pathway Tool |
Suspension of the use of the PP tool until further notice |
|
09/01/21 |
PDT and Integrated Interview
WF Reengagement |
WFHB About the Handbook, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.6.1, 3.6.2, 3.7.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 7.2, 7.3, 9.3 |
Implementation and launching of the Pathway Development Tool and the Integrated Interview
Return to pre-COVID participation requirements |
07/01/21 |
Non-Compliance Sanctions |
WFHB 1.2, 1.6.3, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4, 3.7.2.8, 5.1, 7.6.2, 8.4.2, 9.4.6 |
Implementation of 2441 effective 07/1/21. |
07/01/21 |
Implementation of 6478 (McKinney-Vento) and Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/22 |
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03/16/21 |
WFHB 2.2 |
Expanding DOL online services statewide & mailing of BOA |
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02/02/21 |
WFHB 4.1 |
Updates to RB Process |
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01/05/21 |
WFHB 6.6 |
Updated Medical Evidence Documents (no changes to chapter text) |