CWES Assessment - When to Refer for Assessment

In-House Assessment Referrals

A referral for a CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES) In-House Assessment may be made when a client:

• Does not obtain employment after completing any pre-assessment job service activity.
• Discloses a mental, emotional, physical, medical, or illiteracy that negatively impacts the client’s ability to obtain and/or retain employment. This includes, but is not limited to, domestic abuse, mental health, and/or substance abuse (drug and/or alcohol).
• Does not read or write in English or in their native language and this limitation negatively impacts the ability to obtain or retain employment.
• Displays irregular behavior patterns that staff or service providers feel may negatively impact the ability to obtain or retain employment.
• Fails to benefit from, or make progress in, the assigned activity due to significant barriers.
• Requests that a change be made in the Welfare-to-Work Plan Activity Assignment (WTW 2) because ALL of the following apply:
  • The WTW 2 is no longer appropriate
  • Time on the 60-month clock remains, and
  • The Associate Employment Counselor/Employment Counselor and Supervisor concur.
• Attends an adult education program and the service provider recommends In-House Assessment.
• Declares that a referral has been made to, or services are being received from the State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).
• Is a child aged 16–17 who is not enrolled in, and regularly attending, school and has a CalWORKs penalty imposed.

Refer to School Attendance [EAS 42-719] for more information.

• Is employed full-time and that individual needs or is requesting skills upgrades or other job advancement services.
• Client wants to participate in WTW Plan activities beyond the Domestic Abuse Services.
• Requires changes to their WTW Plan due to Domestic Abuse services and vocational goal changes.
• Receives recommendation from DOR.
• A student wants to change his/her Self-Initiated Program (SIP) goal.
• Is interested in pursuing further education, but is unsure/undecided and seeks additional guidance to help clarify their options.   
• Student is interested in attending Gavilan Community College's short-term certification program.

Refer to Referrals to Gavilan College for additional information.

SIP Changes Greater Than 30 Days

A SIP change is not allowed if greater than 30 days from the date the WTW Plan was signed. A participant who requests a change to their SIP must be referred to In-house Assessment (group testing) for the development of a Post-Assessment WTW Plan, which includes:

• An evaluation of the participant’s request,
• Work history,
• Education and training background,
• Employability, and
• Current SIP status.

Note: During the plan revision, the participant is required to participate in their SIP. Once the WTW Plan is revised, it becomes a Post-Assessment WTW Plan. The participant’s SIP status is ended. The Post-Assessment WTW Plan will include WTW activities that meet the federal core and weekly participation requirements.