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Portland JOBS Training Program

An Effective Practice

Description

JOBS, which operated in Portland, Oregon in the mid to late 1990s, was a mandatory welfare-to work program for single-parent welfare recipients whose children were over one year in age. Two central features of Portland JOBS that distinguish it from other welfare-to-work programs are: (i) the program placed participants deemed to be job-ready in structured job search services, and those with little work experience or education in short-term education/training to improve their employability; and (ii) staff encouraged participants to take high quality, stable jobs (i.e., jobs paying 25% or more above minimum wage, with benefits and potential for advancement), even if it meant turning down lower quality jobs.

Goal / Mission

The program’s main focus was on moving welfare recipients quickly into the workforce.

Impact

There was a sizable increase in employment rates and job earnings, reduction in welfare dependency, and savings to the government.

Results / Accomplishments

There were 25% higher annual job earnings per person at the 5-year follow-up. There was also 23% lower annual receipt of welfare payments, 21% more time employed, and 11% lower annual receipt of food stamps. Due to these savings, the government saved $2.89 for every $1.00 it invested in the program.

About this Promising Practice

Topics
Economy
Education
Community / Social Environment
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Portland, OR
For more details
Target Audience
Adults