What CalWORKs WTW programs qualify for my work requirements? Need options ASAP

There are actually quite a few WTW options available through CalWORKs! You don't necessarily have to attend a program in-person every day. Here are some of the approved activities that can count toward your 30 hours: - Job search and job readiness activities - Vocational education and training (up to 12 months) - Adult education (GED, ESL classes) - Job skills training directly related to employment - Work experience/community service - Self-employment - Subsidized or unsubsidized employment With your youngest being 4, you should be able to get free childcare assistance while participating in your WTW activities. The county should offer transportation assistance too if that's a barrier for you. Make sure you attend your WTW orientation - they should go over all this and help you develop your WTW plan based on your specific situation and goals.

thye dont tell u all the optins cuz they want u 2 just take whatever they got. MY WORKER NEVER TOLD ME I COULD COUNT SCHOOL as my hours!!! I found out 6 monts later from another mom at my kids school. ask specifcly about eatch program they have and DONT let them rush u into signing anything til u know ALL ur options. They willl try to push u into the job search programs first cuz its eaiser for them. but vocational training is wayyy better for long term. Also be warned - if u miss ANY hours they will try to sanction u and cut ur cash aid. happened to me for missing 2 days when my kid was sick even tho I had a docters note!!

have u tried calling your worker? ive found that sometimes u actually need to talk to them directly & ask all this. i swear they purposely dont tell u everything in orientation

If you don't have a high school diploma, I'd recommend looking into the adult education options. That's what I'm doing right now for my WTW hours. I go to classes 4 days a week and they count study time too. The best part is they have morning and evening classes so it's pretty flexible with kids' schedules. Also make sure to ask about the online options specifically - they definitely have some since COVID but the workers don't always tell you about them unless you ask directly. Each county offers different programs too, so what's available depends on where you live. And definitely apply for supportive services - they can help with: - Childcare costs - Transportation money - Money for work clothes/uniforms - Books and supplies if you're in education/training You have to specifically request these though - they won't automatically offer them!

Be careful about picking a WTW activitiy - some are WAY better than others. The job search program is terrible, they just make u fill out applications all day in this depressing room. My sister did the vocational training for medical assistant and now she has a good job with benefits. If u can get into one of the career training programs DO IT.

UPDATE: I finally got through to my worker today! She told me about a few options I hadn't heard about before. There's an online administrative assistant certification program I can do from home that counts for my hours, and they'll provide childcare assistance during that time. They also have a program where you can work at a non-profit for experience while still getting your CalWORKs benefits. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. I'm meeting with the education counselor next week to figure out which program is best for my situation. I feel so much less stressed now that I actually understand my options!

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure whatever WTW activity you choose gets properly documented in your case file! I did job search activities for 3 weeks but my worker didn't input it correctly and I almost got sanctioned even tho I was doing everything right. Keep copies of EVERYTHING and follow up to make sure your hours are being counted. And if u ever can't meet ur hours for any reason (like kids sick or whatever) tell them RIGHT AWAY and ask for an exemption for that time period.

So glad to see your update! The online administrative assistant program sounds perfect for your situation. Just wanted to add a few tips from my experience: 1. When you meet with the education counselor, ask specifically about the time commitment and whether you can adjust your schedule if needed. Some programs are more flexible than others. 2. Make sure you understand exactly how your hours will be tracked - some online programs require you to log in at specific times, others are more self-paced. 3. Ask about job placement assistance after you complete the program. Many of these certification programs have partnerships with local employers. 4. Don't forget to apply for those supportive services everyone mentioned - the childcare assistance and even help with internet/computer costs if you need it for the online program. You're making a smart choice investing in training that will give you long-term career options rather than just rushing into any job. Best of luck with your meeting next week!

Hey! I'm new here but wanted to share what I learned when I was in a similar situation last year. The WTW program can seem overwhelming at first, but there are definitely options that work for single moms with young kids. A few things that helped me: - Ask specifically about "concurrent activities" - you might be able to combine things like adult education classes with work experience to meet your hours - If you're interested in healthcare, many counties have medical assistant or home health aide programs that are in high demand and lead to good-paying jobs - Don't let them pressure you into just job search activities if that's not what you want - you have the right to choose education/training if it makes sense for your goals One heads up - make sure you understand the "good cause" exemptions for when you might need to miss hours (sick kids, lack of childcare, etc.). Knowing these upfront can save you from getting sanctioned later. It sounds like you're on the right track now with getting more info from your worker. The online admin program sounds like a great fit for your situation! Keep advocating for yourself - you know your needs better than anyone else.