Work First Family Assistance

Work First Applications Are Accepted By Appointmment Only. See Information Below on How to Apply for Details.

This is a cash assistance, employee-based program. Families found eligible receive a monthly check and Medicaid. Eligibility is based on household income and reserve. The program's purpose is to enable citizens to become self-sufficient by linking them with resources and slulls that help them secure and maintain employment. Families that receive a monthly check must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement, register with the Employment Security Commission, complete a substance abuse screening and actively participate in work-related activities leading to self-sufficiency. In addition, individuals are required to sign a Mutual Responsibility Contract. This states that they agree to:

• Get their children immunized
  
• Ensure that their children receive regular medical check-ups
  
• School aged children attend school regularly
  
• Teen parents must live at home and stay in school
  
• Seek employment, unless exempt

Sanctions are imposed for non-compliance with the Personal Responsibility Contract and non-compliance with Child Support.

Work First Employment Services

Employment services are provided to recipients of Work First Family Assistance when the parent is included in the grant. The goal of this welfare reform program is to move families from dependence on public assistance to economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. Support provided includes education and vocational training, day care, transportation cost stipend, evaluation of job skills and areas of interest, assistance with job search and job retention, and any other needs that are barriers to work.

The local department of social services develops an individual county plan that describes their plans for administering the program in response to local needs and situations. The Rutherford County Work First Plan for October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2009 can be found on this web site.

How to Apply

Effective April 1, 2004 Work First applications are taken by appointment only. All applicants except for child only cases must register for First Stop at the Employment Security Commission Office in Forest City before an appointment is scheduled. Once this has been completed the applicant may call or come in to our office and schedule an appointment. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 to 5:00. Applicants first talk with an Employment Social Worker and then the Work First Cash Assistance Worker.

For further information contact Gregory Osborne, Work First Supervisor at (828) 287-4044 or gregory.osborne@rutherfordcountync.gov.

Download: Download the Detailed Work First Plan