Vocational Services Program

The primary goal of the VS Program is to immediately direct employable GA applicants/recipients towards the work field in an effort achieve self-sufficiency. 

In order to achieve this goal, a variety of activities are assigned to Vocational Services participants based on EC assessments.

Persons Exempt from Vocational Services Program Participation

Exceptions include, but are not limited to the following situations: 

  • Persons 18 to 19 years of age who are attending high school, including alternative high school on a full-time basis.
  • Persons 65 years old or older, unless they volunteer to participate in the program.
  • Persons who obtain employment and commence work, but are receiving aid pending receipt of their initial wages.
  • Persons participating in a training or rehabilitation program approved by the Agency.
  • Persons classified as employable who are determined by the Agency to be temporarily unable to participate in the Public Works Program and/or job search requirements.

Other VS Participation Exceptions

  • Clients receiving ETC Payments. Refer to Payment chapter.
  • Applicants for RTR.
  • Public Guardian Cases.
  • Individuals who are entitled to CAPI payments.

VS Orientation

A VS Program Orientation must be scheduled for GA applicants after all eligibility factors have been cleared. A VS Orientation is also required for GA recipients whose employability status has changed from unemployable to employable. [Refer to "Vocational Services Orientation" in the DEBS BP].

Missed Orientation

If the applicant/recipient misses or appears for VS orientation on a day other than the day designated, he/she will be referred back to the referring EW for a cause determination and re-referral as appropriate.

  • If it’s determined that there was no good cause, for the applicant’s failure to attend the VS orientation session, the application will be denied. In the case of a GA recipient, the benefits will be discontinued. 
  • If it’s determined that the applicant/recipient had good cause, he or she will be re-referred to VS for orientation.

Note: EWs MUST use responsible judgment in determining good cause. Thorough documentation must be entered in a Journal Entry, and any documentation provided as verification of good cause must be scanned Imaging. 

Related Topics

Policies

Availability for Employment

Non-Compliance and Sanctions

Voluntary Termination of Employment

Students