The document provides an orientation for a general assistance program that lasts 90 days. It is divided into 3 phases: STEPS workshop for job searching skills (30 days), job searching and workshops (30 days), and workfare volunteering (30 days). Participants must complete job contacts, turn in contact forms on Fridays, and may receive supportive services like transportation assistance. The goals are to help people find work and be self-sufficient through job skills training, job searching requirements, and work volunteering.

1. GENERAL ASSISTANCE Orientation Your Guide to the Program Activities

2. Introduction 90 days total per 12 months First 30 days : STEPS / Job Search (see calendar) Next 30 days: Job Search and Workshops on Fridays Last 30 days: WorkFare

3. What’s Next? S teps T oward E arnings P otential and S uccess (STEPS) Workshop Troubleshoot your application and resume Learn how to look and feel your best for interviews Practice answering interview questions Focus on potential employers Find the hidden job market

4. ARE YOU MOTIVATED ? Find work at one of our Staff is always on duty to assist you: See current job listings Access internet job listings Write a resume Put your resume online Fax resumes to employers Do career research JOB CENTERS

5. JOB SEARCH How the Employer Contact Form is to be completed (a.k.a. the “timecard”) 15 contacts per week in person 3 can be ONLINE No more than 5 per day All the information for each line must be completed

6. Employer Contact Form Information on the Employer Contact Form: 5 employer contacts/day only Potential Employer Date Contacted Contact Person (manager or staff) Telephone Number (so we can contact) Anything less than the above specified is incomplete

7. Employer Contact Form What if the form is not complete? What if there aren’t enough contacts? What if the contacts are just copied out of the phonebook? What if there are names missing, phone numbers missing and there are more than 5 contacts made in a day?

8. What happens….. The General Assistance check amount can be reduced: 10% first offense 50% second offense Discontinued third offense The GA FSET program is for people that are actually looking for work. If job searching is not completed then it is assumed that the GA grant amount and Food Stamps are not needed.

9. Employer Contact Form When is it due? When is it turned in? When does it have to be complete? FRIDAYS at the Workshop

11. Where Should I Job Search? Try: Small business types (Mom and Pop establishments) Restaurants that may not advertise openings due to the amount of applications they receive daily, and the fact that turnover occurs frequently. Auto-repair shops, gas stations, mini-marts Landscapers Don’t limit yourself to the Major Conglomerate Corporations in town…

12. Last 30 days WorkFare Volunteer work is done in exchange for the GA grant. It is calculated based on the amount of your grant (this varies from person to person) and State Minimum wage. Grant amount divided by $8.00 per hour (min. wage) = work to be done.

13. Ancillary Supportive Services Gas Vouchers or Bus Tickets can be issued up to $40.00 per component (30 day incremental activity i.e. STEPS/Job search, Job Search/Workshops, WorkFare) Usually issued $10.00 per week

14. Ancillary Supportive Services If you receive Food Stamps: If you qualify, you may receive up to $ 80.00 in transportation supportive services for the first 60 days. During WorkFare if transportation services are used these will be deducted from the GA grant and reimbursed to you after the program has been successfully completed.

15. Ancillary Supportive Services If you do NOT receive Food Stamps: Any ancillary benefit (Gas voucher or Bus Tickets) given to a GA recipient is deducted from their GA check. There is no reimbursement for this.

16. Clothes Closet Ask for access to the clothes closet across the street from the entrance to the main building here at Breslauer. On a donation basis clothes are brought in randomly. See if you can find an interview outfit that suits you.

17. What Do We Do From Here? Check your calendar, take note of your STEPS schedule Determine what date you will be back here for a Friday Workshop Be ready to use the program for the help and the needed encouragement to get back into the workforce successfully.

18. E mployer contact forms must be: Complete Legible Accurate For real Accepted by the GA facilitators REMINDER: