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What is Ohio Works First?
Ohio Works First (OWF) is the name of the program that offers time-limited financial assistance and employment services to Cuyahoga County families while they are working toward full-time employment and economic self-sufficiency. If you qualify, your assistance will be based on the number of people in your family and your family’s income. It’s important to note that OWF cash benefits are limited to thirty six months. You will receive the benefits through the Ohio EPPICard program. Other benefits such as children’s health insurance, food assistance and subsidized child care may still be available to you and your family after the cash assistance stops.
You will be required to participate in activities that will help you get ready to find work. Your caseworker will connect you to a wide variety of programs to help you find a job, improve your skills and find a better job. These activities may include volunteer work to help you develop a work history and good job references, looking for a job, school or a job training program. We will develop a plan with you and ask you to sign a self sufficiency contract that explains your and your workers responsibilities. If you don’t attend your program everyday, your assistance may be stopped.
Do I qualify?
OWF is available to families living with at least one minor child or pregnant women. Your eligibility is determined by your household income and by the number of people in the family.
You are not eligible if you are: single individuals who are not pregnant, families with no minor children, non-U.S. citizens or non-qualified aliens, fugitive felons, and those convicted of program fraud – where repayment has not yet occurred.
How do I apply for OWF?
You may apply for OWF cash assistance in person at any one of the seven Neighborhood Family Service Centers, by calling for an application, or by downloading an application from our website. Your appointments will be scheduled at the Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Center at the Virgil Brown Building located at 1641 Payne Avenue.
You can call (216) 987-7000 to have an application mailed to you or complete the application form by downloading the Request for Cash, Medical and Food Stamp Assistance Form
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Applying for OWF is a two step process.
Step I: The Pre- Employment Screen Appointment
You will be scheduled to meet with a licensed professional who will talk to you aboutyour career goals, interests, and job skills. They will talk with you about any challenges you may have going to work and help you develop a plan to overcome them. They will also give you information on community agencies that can support you while you look for work and if possible, how to get along without cash assistance so you can save it for a real emergency.
If you are applying for benefits as a two-parent household, both parents must complete the screen. The screen lasts approximately 60 minutes and must be completed before seeing your worker to determine if you qualify for cash assistance. If you are currently having trouble using drugs or alcohol or have problems with your emotional health, you may be scheduled for another appointment to discuss this in more detail with a specialist in this area.
Step 2: The Intake Appointment
You will be scheduled for an intake appointment with your worker after your preemployment screen appointment. You will receive an appointment packet with the information you need to bring with you including a list of verification documents so we can process your application as quickly as possible:
• Original documentation to verify your eligibility
• A completed Employment Inquiry Form
• A completed Verification of Residence/Household Composition
• The JET Intake Appointment Letter
• Photo ID
You will need to arrive early for your appointment(s). A licensed childcare provider is here at our office if you need to bring your children. Late arrivals may be rescheduled.
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OWF Programs and Services
In addition to receiving the cash assistance check, OWF offers a wide variety of programs to help you find a job, improve your skills, and find better employment.
Job Readiness/Job Search
Basic Job Readiness/Job Search (JR/JS) is a program to help you find and keep a job. The program includes upfront “readiness” activities like resume writing, interviewing, time management, and life skills training as well as ongoing support once you get a job. If you want to work but need extra help to “get ready”, some programs include help with math and reading skills, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, volunteer work or short-term training in office work, hospitality, customer service, or construction.
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational education and training is available in high demand jobs if you have a high school diploma or GED and can demonstrate an 8th grade math and reading level on the Test of Adult basic Literacy. You will attend a two day orientation to explain the program and develop a plan based on your career goals. There are many different kinds of training available including computers, general/medical/dental office, nursing assistant, building trades/maintenance, customer service, construction, machining, and truck driving.
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Work Experience Program (WEP)
If you want to work but -do not have a recent work history or positive letters of reference from other employers, the work experience program would be appropriate for you. WEP provides 3-6 months of unpaid work experience, generally in non-profit or government agencies. You should have a good understanding of basic workplace skills such as getting to work on time, professional appearance, good customer service, problem solving, and getting along with others. Expectations of WEP employers are no different than employers paying a wage.
Subsidized Employment Programs
Assisted Employment is a three month, full-time program that combines job readiness, paid work experience, and GED preparation for those with no high school diploma or GED who are motivated to work and go to school. Once “work ready”, you will get help finding a permanent job. You must be able to test at the 7th grade level in math and reading level and have be able to demonstrate basic workplace skills such as being on time, attending every day, looking neat and well groomed, getting along well with others.
You will be required to take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) prior to starting the
program.
Temporary Part-Time Employment is a three month, part-time subsidized employment for those already working or going to school and need additional hours of activity to meet your participation requirement. Part time employment uses a variety of both public, nonprofit and private sector employers. Following the subsidized employment program, you may receive help if you are interested in long term, permanent employment. Employment Connection Cuyahoga County and Cleveland One-Stop Centers The Employment Connection offers a comprehensive array of job services including job match, internet job search, career exploration, resume preparation and training. The seven Neighborhood Family Service Center’s Career Centers are “access points” to the Employment Connection and provide a variety of employment and training services to low income individuals.
Customer may access information about EFS programs and benefits at the One-Stop Centers or one the web at www.employmentconnection.cuyahogacounty.us
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Specialized Services
Intensive Case Management (ICM) is a case management program geared toward individuals who are unable to participate in employment or training activities due to a significant barriers(s) to employment. These barriers may include long-term physical disabilities, drug or alcohol problems, mental health issues, or severe learning disabilities. Individuals referred to this program work intensively, one-on-one to identify and remove the barriers to employment or to assist participants in securing Social Security benefits, if eligible.
The Home Visitation program is for families who have lost their benefits due to OWF time limits or have been sanctioned. Home visitors meet with referred families in the home, assess their current level of functioning and stability, and identify issues that might prevent them from participating in work program activities and/or becoming financially independent. Home Visitors also provide neighborhood based information, resources and referrals for families.
Refugee Social Services
are available for eligible refugees to help address challenges to employment and to assist you in moving towards economic and social self-sufficiency. Services include job readiness activities like resume writing and interviewing skills, job skills training, adult basic education, English language training, interpretation/translation services, health related services and transportation assistance.
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