Vocational Services Program Overview

Purpose for Vocational Services Program

The purpose of the VS Program is to provide employment assistance to eligible GA applicants/recipients who are employable and are out of work. The primary goal of this program is to immediately direct applicants/recipients towards the work field in an effort to achieve self-sufficiency. These activities are assigned based on EC's assessments and monitored for compliance.”

Program Overview

As a condition of continued GA eligibility, a recipient classified as employable (able to work) is expected to participate in the assigned activities and shall make a good faith effort towards obtaining and maintaining employment.

Who is Referred to Vocational Services (VS)

In most circumstances, all GA applicants/recipients classified as able to work (employable), must participate in the Vocational Services Program.

Persons Exempt from Vocational Services Program

An applicant or recipient who meets any of the following criteria shall be exempt from Vocational Services Program:

  1. Persons 18 to 19 years of age who are attending high school, including alternative high school on a full-time basis.
  2. Persons 65 years old or older, unless they volunteer to participate in the program.
  3. Persons who obtain employment and commence work, but are receiving aid pending receipt of their initial wages.
  4. Persons participating in a training or rehabilitation program approved by the Agency.
  5. Persons classified as employable who are determined by the Agency to be temporarily unable to participate in the Vocational Services program.

Other Exceptions

There are some other exceptions for which applicants/recipients should not be referred to Vocational Services. These exceptions include:

  • Clients receiving Employment/Training Commencement (ETC) Payments.
  • Applicants for Return to Residence (RTR). 
  • Public Guardian Cases.
  • Individuals who are entitled to Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) payments.

Services Provided by Vocational Services Program

The Vocational Service Program provides services to employable recipients receiving General Assistance. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Orientation program overview
  • Employability assessment
  • Deferral determinations
  • Good cause determinations
  • Referrals to appropriate activities
  • Provide supportive services

Related Topics

Vocational Services Program Activities