Adult, Family and Children's Services Programs
Employment Services/VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment not
Welfare)
Employment Services
The Employment Services/VIEW Team guides welfare recipients in
transitioning from welfare to work by providing training in job
seeking and job retention skills. Employment Social Workers ensure
that customers comply with the work requirements of Welfare Reform
(VIEW). Sanctions (loss of benefits) are imposed for those who do
not comply. Supportive services are arranged, such as transportation
and child care for a limited time when necessary to enable an individual
to work. In addition customers who may be experiencing domestic
violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues in their lives
are offered additional assessment and supportive services.
VIEW
VIEW is the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare, also
known as Welfare Reform. The VIEW program, which contains work requirements,
allows TANF recipients to earn more money and keep their TANF benefits.
VIEW limits TANF to twenty-four months in a sixty month period.
Individuals who receive TANF must register with the VIEW program
unless they are exempt for one of the following reasons:
- Youngest child on the TANF grant is under 18 months old and
not a "capped" child
- Individual receiving TANF is under age 16 or over age 60
- Individuals who have a medical condition that prevents them
from working (the condition must be documented by a doctor or
nurse)
- Individuals who are not the natural parent of the child for
whom they receive TANF benefits
Individuals who are exempt may volunteer for VIEW. A volunteer
participant receives the same advantages as a VIEW registrant. Volunteers
must meet the same requirements and are subject to the same sanctioning
as VIEW registrants.
After registration a VIEW customer meets with an Employment Services/
VIEW Worker within thirty days of registration to evaluate skills
and education. This is called the Initial Assessment. After the
Initial Assessment, VIEW customer will usually be assigned to job
search for thirty days. Job Search means the customer must complete
employer contacts during a thirty-day period. Employer contacts
include a submitted application or resume, or a face-to-face interview.
Participants will also participate in Job Readiness activities to
learn how to seek and prepare for employment.
Participants who are not successful in finding employment after
completing the Job Search and Job Readiness programs will be placed
in Work Experience. VIEW participants who do not find paid employment
must participate in Work Experience. Work Experience positions
are volunteer placements located in non-profit organizations such
as schools, churches or government offices. Participants who are
placed in Work Experience can build valuable employment skills
and often move quickly to paid employment.
To learn more about the VIEW program or any other program you may
call the Chesterfield - Colonial Heights Department of Social Services,
(804) 748-1100, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays.
Resources/Links/Contacts Virginia Department
of Social Services Programs:
|
