Alameda County Social Services Agency Department of Workforce and Benefits Administration (WBA) CalWORKs Public Service Trainee Program (CPSTP) Overview and Outcomes 1 March 5, 2018
Challenges • Challenging External Systems (Childcare, Forces Housing) • Stigma • Cost of Living Increase Internal Forces • Work-Life Balance • Lack of Soft Skills • Mental Health Concerns
CPSTP Training Themes 3 Self- Care Team Gaining Work Mastery Problem Solving
CPSTP Training Modules Job Readiness – Exam Prep, Interview, County Application, etc . Hard Skills – Microsoft Suite, CalWIN, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, CalFresh, GA, Professional Writing, etc. Soft Skills – Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Time Management, Email etiquette, Active Listening, Public Speaking, etc . Life Balance – Self-Care, Financial Management, Coaching, Mental Health First Aid.
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7 SOME OF CPSTP’S SUCCESS 15 participants have full-time jobs within Alameda County 1 has a full-time permanent management position in SSA as a Management Analyst. 1 has a full-time permanent management position in SSA as an Administrative Specialist II. 1 has a full-time permanent position in SSA as a Eligibility Support Clerk. 1 has a full-time permanent position as an Employment Counselor with SSA. 1 has a full-time permanent position as a Specialist Clerk with BHCS. 1 has a full-time permanent position in the Fatherhood Initiative with the Public Health Department. 1 has a full-time permanent position with the Board of Supervisors. 2 have full-time permanent positions with the Auditor- Controller’s Department. 6 have full-time permanent positions in SSA as Eligibility Services Technicians. 16 participants have permanent positions in the private sector. 10 participants are currently in full-time positions with Alameda County through the Temporary Assistance Pool (TAP) program. 68 % have maintained full-time permanent employment. 17% have resumed receiving government benefits. 14% have an unknown status. 9 current cohort participants are working on their AA or BA degrees as they complete the program.
A PARTICIPANT’S 8 Donnisha STORY 30 something single mom of 3 boys, 9 to 15, learning disability, long work history. Having a learning disability herself, Donnisha understands that specialized attention and instruction is sometimes needed to achieve success. Her son requires such attention and Donnisha has become an advocate for ensuring his well-being and success. Due to the extra needs of her son, Donnisha had to leave work often to tend to her son’s needs making it difficult to secure employment. From her struggles, she has learned to be diligent and pay attention to detail. As a result, the work she puts out is phenomenal and she displays a degree of strength that is hard to measure. She uses her skills acquired to be successful for her and her family. Donnisha is currently on aid as she continues to seek employment she can coordinate with her family’s needs.
9 A PARTICIPANT’S STORY Anonymous 20 something single mom, 1 year old child, placed at Central Human Resources. A participant came to us as a victim of domestic violence and stalking. The skills she acquired in CPSTP led her to leave her partner and provided her the financial security to obtain her own apartment. In addition, she says the program helped her have the confidence she needs to actively go through the necessary steps to protect herself and her son. She is enjoying her new found independence and security.
Teresa’s Testament 10 CPSTP graduate Teresa Gladney is proud to share her success story with the hope that she may inspire others. “People were asking if I wanted people to know (about her enrollment in CPSTP) and I was like, why not? This is my journey,” she said. “I want the program to succeed to get rid of the stigma behind being on aid.” Teresa has 17 years of professional work experience in the field of law, as well as a BS degree in Human Services. Misdiagnosed with a terminal illness in 2015, she took a leap of faith and quit her job to be close to her family. During that time, Teresa re-evaluated her life and decided to go back to school. While working towards her Master of Social Work degree, Teresa became unemployed and applied for CalWORKs assistance. She was invited to participate in the CPSTP program and never looked back. “CPSTP helped me to find myself,” Teresa stated. “I wasn’t sure which direction to go in. Most importantly, it built my confidence. I learned how to be my own cheerleader.” What Teresa found most helpful was the continuous support and encouragement from the program staff. She recalled a phrase told to her by Aishah Bashir, CPSTP program coordinator: “Once you see what we see in you, you will be great!” Teresa applied the skills she learned in CPSTP to secure full-time employment with the Alameda County Auditor Controller’s office as an Auditor Associate. Her ultimate goal is to own and run a non-profit organization that provides resources to women, children, and families. The year-long program has helped Teresa to overcome her fear of speaking in front of people, as well as manage the work-life balancing act. Her advice to the new program cohort is to “believe in yourself, pay attention, and job search. The program wants you to succeed. If you take it seriously and you want better for yourself. you will be successful.”
INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM 11 INSTRUCTION
CPSTP GRADUATES SHARE WITH CURRENT COHORT 12
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION: 13 FINANCIAL LITERACY
GROUP EXERCISES 14
GROUP EXERCISES 15
ON-THE-JOB ROLE PLAYING 16
MOCK INTERVIEW SKILLS AND 17 FEEDBACK
COHORT 4 PARTICIPANT SHARES HER 18 FEEDBACK
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION 19 WITH TACT
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING 20
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING 21
COHORT 4 PARTICIPANTS AND TRAINERS 22
GROUP 23 BUILDING
CLASSROOM GRADUATION 24
CPSTP PROGRAM 25
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