Los Angeles County announced today the launch of a pilot program that will connect low-income parents receiving public assistance with paid work experience, job training and career opportunities in high-growth industries.
The Transitional Subsidized Employment Plus Program, known as TSE Plus, is a joint effort by the county Department of Economic Opportunity and Department of Public Social Services and is now open for enrollment, according to the county.
County officials said the program will serve up to 200 participants in California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, or CalWORKs, through the county’s Greater Avenues for Independence program in southeast Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley.
Participants will be placed into one of three pathways based on their work experience and career goals, including paid work experience, job training and direct placement opportunities with employers. The program includes work-readiness training, financial and digital literacy instruction, career counseling and assistance obtaining employment
with family-sustaining wages, according to county officials.
Childcare, transportation assistance and other supportive services will also be available to participants. “Far too often, our workforce and public benefits systems operate separately, leaving families to navigate unnecessary barriers on their own,” Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement. “This pilot reflects a more coordinated approach that recognizes people should be able to pursue career growth without losing the support they rely on to care for their families.”
Supervisor Janice Hahn said the program is intended to create pathways into good-paying jobs in growing industries for CalWORKs participants. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a stable career and provide for their family, but too often our systems are not designed to help people take that next step,” Hahn said.
The program is funded through a $6 million investment from DPSS and the California Department of Social Services’ Expanded Subsidized Employment Program. Officials said interested GAIN participants in southeast Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley should contact their GAIN services worker to determine eligibility and request a referral.
More information about the program can be found at opportunity.lacounty.gov/TSE.
