Bakersfield (Main Office)
100 E California Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6000
all locations
I live paycheck to paycheck. But I have a future.

Employment Services

Welcome to the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program

The information contained here will help you understand how the Welfare-to-Work Program works for you.

How Can the Welfare-to-Work Program Help Me?

The purpose of the Welfare-to-Work Program is to help you prepare for work and find a job. Finding a job will help you become self-sufficient and your family will enjoy a better way of life. Your job will help position you as a positive role model for your children, increase your self-confidence and build your future.

The Welfare-to-Work Program has been designed with each individual in mind. You can succeed.

Welfare-to-Work helps you find the employment necessary to support yourself independently. If necessary, you can improve your job skills or learn new skills to help you get a job in today's workforce.

Welfare-to-Work Employment Social Services Workers are with you every step of the way, and will assist you with important supportive services such as child care, transportation, and work or training related expenses.

What are CalWORKs Behavioral Health Services?

There are many things that make returning to work or new employment difficult. With a referral from your Employment Services Social Service Worker, trained behavioral health counselors will work with you to help make positive changes in your life. Available services include: Individual and Group Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Domestic Abuse Counseling and LIfe Skills Classes.

What Should I Know About CalWORKs Time Limits?

As of January 1, 1998, there is a five year (60 months) total lifetime limit on cash aid for adults. This limit does not apply for children.

What is my Welfare-to-Work Plan?

Your Welfare-to-Work Plan is very important. The Welfare-to-Work Plan outlines your employment goals, which Welfare-to-Work activities you will participate in and the specific steps you are taking to become self-sufficient.

What are Supportive Services?

We understand that you may need help with childcare, transportation, and work or training expenses to participate in you Welfare-to-Work activities. Your Employment Services Social Service Worker will discuss your need for supportive services and explain how we may help pay expenses such as childcare, transportation, work or training needs (ancillary payments). We can assist with work or training related costs that are required for your job or to participate in your assigned Welfare-to-Work activities. These costs may include books, tools, uniforms or other special clothing.