The document discusses strategies for improving employment pathways during economic downturns, emphasizing the need to utilize existing resources effectively. It highlights successful employment programs such as individual placement support, sectoral employment programs, and subsidized jobs, along with their key elements and evidence of success. Additionally, it suggests tapping into non-employment focused programs and enhancing job search effectiveness through partnerships and targeted support.

1. Improving Pathways to Work When
the Economy Is Weak
Liz Schott
National Conference on Ending Family and
Youth Homelessness
February 9, 2012

2. Improving Pathways to Work During
a Weak Economy
With high unemployment and limited resources, it
is critical to maximize use of existing resources
• Shift employment and training resources to models with the
best chances of success
• Tap into programs not focused directly on employment that
contribute to employment success
• Improve existing job search programs
• Create partnerships with agencies in a position to apply for
funding for demonstration projects
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3. Shift Resources to Programs with
Evidence of Success
• Not all programs are created equal
• When jobs and resources are
limited, important to shift resources to
programs with clear records of success
• Three examples:
• Individual Placement Support
• Sectoral Employment Programs
• Subsidized and Transitional Jobs
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4. Individual Placement Support
Key elements:
• Rapid job placement (competitive employment)
• Individualized job placement – requires strong focus on job
development
• Combines Intensive support (including mental health
treatment) with work
• Estimated costs: about $3500 per participant
Evidence:
• Significant increases in employment (as much as twice as
other employment models) for individuals with mental health
conditions
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5. Sectoral Employment Programs
Key elements:
• Industry-focused and employer-linked short to medium-term
training
• Varied industries –
manufacturing, construction, healthcare, paralegal, informatio
n technology
• Opportunities: Health Profession Opportunity Grants (already
awarded but in the planning phase)
Evidence:
• Impressive results: significant increases in employment;
participants more likely to earn higher wages and to have
benefits
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6. Subsidized and Transitional
Employment
Key elements:
• Wages paid with public or foundations funds; puts money
directly in the hands of people in need, but is costly to
implement
• TANF Emergency Fund demonstrated the feasibility
• Provides a positive starting point for people who may not
otherwise find employment for a very long time
• Need to identify funds that could be redirected (e.g., TANF) or
encourage foundation investments
Evidence:
• Significant increase in employment while in a transitional job,
but not in unsubsidized employment – suggests a need to
focus more on transition when the subsidy ends 6

7. Tap Into Programs Not Explicitly
Focused on Employment
Example: Home Visiting Programs
• Home visiting programs usually are focused on improving
health and parenting-related outcomes, but can impact
employment
• Major effort underway through health reform ($1.5 billion over
5 years); focus on at-risk pregnant women and children from
birth to 5
Evidence:
• Building Nebraska’s Families with a focus on teaching life
skills significantly increased earnings for the most
disadvantaged TANF recipients
• Other home visiting programs often show improved family
self-sufficiency (Early Head Start –Home Visiting, Healthy 7
Families America; Nurse Family Partnership)

8. Improve Effectiveness of Job Search
Programs
Context:
• Job search is the most common service provided to
unemployed individuals –important to maximize its
effectiveness
• The odds of success are daunting: four individuals looking for
every available job
Strategies to Increase the Chances of Success:
• Develop direct linkages with employers; focus on good
matches
• Ensure individuals have strong cover letters, resumes,
applications and job search plans
• Provide support to help individuals sustain their job search 8
efforts in the face of constant rejection

9. Create Partnerships With Agencies
Positioned to Apply for Demonstration
Grants
• Workforce Investment Act Agencies: Career
Pathways Innovation Fund Grant Program ($122
million)
• Health Career Training Providers: Health
Profession Opportunity Grants ($67 million) and
Public Health and Prevention Fund Workforce
Grants ($253 million)
• Maternal and Child Health Agencies: Home
Visiting Programs ($1.5 billion over five years)
• Almost certain, more to come….
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