Current Issues facing CalWORKs

In this workshop, attendees will learn about key changes made to the TANF program that will impact the California Community College and services to CalWORKs students. If you want to hear the latest on what is happening on community college CalWORKs issues, this is the workshop to attend.

Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about any new laws or county instructions that could affect CalWORKs students and will be updated on the status and report on the final work verification plan.

Mike Herald, Western Center on Law and Poverty

TANF Reauthorization: Soaring into Higher Elevation (Repeated in 7B)

This workshop provides a year in review of how California has responded to federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) changes. The TANF program was reauthorized through 2010 as a part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Reauthorization, however, came with a few surprises; federal requirements have elevated to new heights. States must overcome the challenge of meeting federal requirements under the new rules, or face fiscal penalties. Participants will also get an inside look at what the state has planned for the immediate future and a glimpse of what challenges may lay beyond the clouds ahead.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshp will learn about the changes and challenges resulting from TANF reauthorization and the passage of AB 1808. Participants will learn what the state and counties have done in response to federal and state changes, and what new strategies are being explored to help California meet federal TANF requirements.

Salena Chow, California Department of Social Services
Damien Ladd, California Department of Social Services

Breaking Barriers: Concrete Tools for Working with People and Families in Poverty

This workshop provides participants with the tools of oral and print culture to enhance communication skills necessary for reaching across poverty barriers. Most of our social service and education systems are set up to support people coming from a print culture orientation. Social services are often alienating to families from generational poverty that have an oral cultural world-view. How we get our information shapes how we relate to one another and how we experience the world. Many people from lower-class backgrounds get their information verbally, creating an “oral” culture thought process. Many people from middle- to upper-class backgrounds gain their information from reading, creating a “print” culture thought process. Understanding these different thought processes could improve communication across class barriers and increase success in the educational environment. Opportunities for improving communication and relationships are enormous when these concepts are understood and incorporated into every aspect of the service process.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will obtain techniques for understanding and valuing oral and print culture styles. Instead of focusing on problems, attendees will understand how to identify and build on the assets of oral culture people, explain how to overcome misunderstandings that can arise when diverse styles come into play, discuss why poverty and oral culture orientation are main determinants of communication breakdown, educational and workplace failures and discuss how to reach those struggling with the effects of poverty to increase their success in moving out of poverty. Participants will be able to apply concepts introduced to real scenarios for skill building in addressing class/poverty issues with sensitivity.
Donna Beegle, Communication Across Barriers

When YOU Are the Employer: Addressing the Challenges of Today’s Workplace

This workshop explores a number of workplace issues facing today’s organizations. Specific topics include generational differences/challenges in the workplace, employee motivation and retention in the face of resource constraints and changing organizational climates, integrating employee wants and needs into human resource strategies, and the impact of today’s labor market on organizational recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction efforts. Discussion focuses on demographic data and numerous techniques and tips for supervisors to identify and address such workplace issues.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn demographics of the U.S. workforce today and through the next decade. They will discuss myths and realities relating to generational differences and motivational factors in the workplace; what other agencies are doing to improve recruitment and retention of their employees; and good supervision and management practices that improve employee retention.
Judy Capaul, Merit System Services, CPS Human Resource Services
Tameka Usher, Merit System Services, CPS Human Resource Services

It’s a Woman Thing: Women, Addiction and Treatment

This workshop will focus on the unique needs and experiences of women with substance abuse disorders and gender responsive services which help them to overcome addiction problems, increase employment, and improve parenting skills. Women and girls initiate alcohol and drug use for different reasons than men and boys, experience different consequences of this use, have different intervention and treatment needs, and have different relapse risks and recovery support needs. Gender responsive services address the topics of trauma-informed, family-focused, relational, and strength-based differences and how they are provided in environments in which women feel safe and comfortable.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will gain an understanding of the reasons why women and girls initiate alcohol or other drug use, the impact of childhood trauma on women, and common characteristics of women with substance use disorders. Additionally, participants will be able to describe key components of gender responsive services.
Deborah Werner, Children and Family Futures

Permanent Supportive Housing: Charting the Course to Homes

In California, permanent supportive housing is still a relatively new and different path to ending long-term homelessness for families and service providers alike. However, California is also now in an accelerated mode of using Permanent Supportive Housing as an integral tool to end long-term homelessness. Permanent supportive housing as a strategy to end long-term homelessness is being validated by research across the nation and in the changed lives of individuals and families with special needs who have escaped the revolving door of homelessness. This workshop will introduce the work of the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a leading partner in developing the model of supportive housing and in demonstrating its effectiveness for individuals and families.
Learning Objectives: Participants will gain a working knowledge of the major components of permanent supportive housing. Participants will gain an understanding of the populations for which permanent supportive housing works best. Participants will understand the three financial components of permanent supportive housing. Participants will identify immediate next steps to further explore their role in providing permanent supportive housing.
Gabrielle Hooks, Corporation for Supportive Housing

Domestic Violence in CalWORKs Clients

In this workshop, the Kern and Los Angeles County welfare departments will present strategies and best practices used to address the serious and prevalent issue of domestic violence in CalWORKs clients. As one of its strategies, Kern County uses a domestic violence team that provides a coordinated system of interventions to address the needs of families where child abuse and domestic violence intersect, and the crisis and ongoing treatment that helps strengthen families in Welfare-to-Work that include: advocacy, counseling, safety plan, access to shelter, court accompaniment, assistance with restraining orders and Violence Against Women Act. Additionally, the team provides educational outreach using workshops for CalWORKs clients that address the characteristics of domestic violence and the healthy versus unhealthy relationships, joint home visits with emergency response Social Service Workers, billboards, and public service announcements. Los Angeles County provides similar services through collaboration between Department of Public and Social Services, Community and Senior Services, and a network of domestic violence service providing agencies.
Learning Objectives: Attendees in this workshop will understand that domestic violence has a high prevalence in CalWORKs families; the interventions and strategies that aid in the identification of domestic violence as a barrier to participation; and how a continuum of practice can result in improving client engagement and participation toward employment.
Sabrina Grays, Kern County Department of Human Services
Lola Nevarez, Los Angeles County, Department of Public Social Services
Natalie Rojano-Jenkins, House of Ruth
Dianne Rosso, Kern County Department of Human Services

If Not Now, When? Organizational Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Whose Job Is It?

This workshop will define organizational, cultural and linguistic competence. Attendees will explore how an organization can become culturally and linguistically competent. The workshop will also look at issues of equity, social justice, performance outcomes and the relevance of cultural and linguistic competence.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn the ability to effectively define factors toward becoming a culturally competent organization and understand some of the basic components and factors to consider when moving towards becoming a more culturally and linguistically competent system. Attendees will also be provided information concerning factors to consider in organizational self assessment. Finally, participants will learn how to gain equal outcomes and success across different population groups.
Rachel Guerrero, California Department of Mental Health, Office of Multicultural Services

A Tale of Two Counties: How a Small and Large County Have Customized Sanction Prevention and Re-engagement Strategies (Repeated in 7C)

This workshop will have the Los Angeles and Santa Cruz County welfare departments present a variety of strategies that they have used in the past year to prevent sanctions and to engage individuals who are sanctioned. Los Angeles County implemented the GAIN Sanction Home Visit Outreach (GSHVO) project in October 2005, and as a result, has seen the number of sanctioned cases decrease from approximately 23,000 in September 2004 to approximately 12,000 in August 2007. The project’s strategy involves telephone contacts, home visit appointment letters, home visits, and post-resolution follow-up activities by GSHVO staff. Santa Cruz County has revamped its orientation and assessment materials and developed client participation tracking systems to ensure that clients have complete information and that they do not fall through the cracks. The Sanction Reengagement Team uses similar methods with other counties including phone and letter contact, sanction clinics, and home visits. This team is led by the Social Work Unit and includes a self-employment specialist.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how two different counties have created and implemented sanction prevention and reengagement strategies that reflect their resources and client populations, including which strategies have improved participation rates and tools for specific populations of sanctioned clients.
Feliciano Alvarado, Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services, GAIN Program Division
Jim Narragon, Santa Cruz County, Human Services Agency

Facilitation Skills (Part I)

This workshop will explain the importance of facilitating skills in everyday functions, explain the importance of team development skills and demonstrate the basic tools needed to facilitate a project or meeting.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn the basic skills to perform as a facilitator at meetings, in natural work teams and on special projects.
Joy Allender, Employment Development Department

Leadership: How’s Your Influence? (Part I) (Repeated in 3I)

Based on Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, this workshop will cover three key leadership practices: model the way, inspire a shared vision, and encourage the heart. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to apply them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to increase their influence, establish people-based authority, and create a compelling vision.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Barriers to Employment (Part I)

This workshop explores the continuum of services that supports individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders to stabilize, address employment barriers and improve their lives. The continuum includes cultural and gender responsiveness, screening, assessment, integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment, and recovery support, along with on-going case management, community support and engagement services. In Part I, an introduction to co-occurring disorders and the continuum will be provided with a special emphasis on the needs of parenting women.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to describe a continuum of services for co-occurring disorders, integrated treatment and three effective case management practices for supporting CalWORKs recipients with co-occurring disorders.
Roland Williams, Bayside Marin

New Standards, Meaningful Plans, Measurable Student Success

This workshop is for participants that have a CalWORKs program that is in the beginning or advanced stages of Student Learning Outcome (SLO) development. This hands-on workshop will provide additional tools for composing and measuring SLOs. Learn about the background and basics of SLOs, as well as take a deeper look at implementation and measurement efforts.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will leave with two to three clear and measurable CalWORKs SLOs. This will be accomplished through a brief lecture on the background and basic guidelines for writing SLOs, followed by a supported hands-on work session where participants will be able to write a SLO for their CalWORKs program on their own and in groups.
Gabrielle Siemion, Student Learning Outcomes

From Placement to Partnership with Businesses!

This workshop will address achieving greater success through establishing businesses as partners and viewing them as an arena to make placements, as opposed to doing traditional job development. This business-oriented session is for managers and staff. It will provide a plan for how to go beyond hiring into the world of joint projects, business advisory boards, access to private sector training, recruiting business volunteers for your program, fundraising with businesses and a whole array of other partnership activities. These concepts will take your organization far into the world of the private sector as your real partner!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will obtain new ideas about how to work closely as partners with private sector businesses. Participants will get examples of partnership activities, best practices, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls that can block the partnership process.
Larry Robbin, Robbin and Associates

Flying in Formation through County/Advocate Collaboration

Migrating birds work together, supporting each other’s mission by flying in formation. The “V” formation allows birds to travel nearly 70 percent farther than birds flying alone. Counties can strengthen their flying techniques through collaboration. At this workshop a county administrator and an advocate will discuss their successes and challenges in developing and nurturing a relationship without losing sight of their common goal—self-sufficiency of CalWORKs recipients. They will share experiences developing their relationships and sustaining those relationships through regular meetings, policy consultation, communication regarding individual clients’ issues, and generally maintaining a good line of communication. With scarce resources, a certain level of trust is required and it is important to find effective methods of problem solving that are time-efficient. Ultimately students will understand the benefits of collaboration between welfare advocates and county welfare departments, gain an understanding of the challenges and successes of a county/advocate partnership in developing a strong and productive relationship, and learn about the pay-off associated with this collaboration.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how beneficial it is to have structures in place that will allow for ongoing dialogue between welfare departments and advocates about specific cases and broader policy issues.
Denise Boland, Santa Clara County Social Services Agency
Kate Meiss, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Christine Webb-Curtis, California Department of Social Services

Best Practices for County Work Participation Rate Data Collection

The E2Lite data collection system was implemented in October 2006 to assist county welfare departments in reporting Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) work participation data to the State. This presentation will share information that will help participants understand the federal TANF data reporting requirements. More specifically, participants will learn basic information about county-specific federal data reporting requirements. In addition, counties will share best practices that have been developed for collecting, verifying, documenting, and reporting data necessary to determine whether TANF work participation requirements are being met.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn more about the federal data reporting requirements. In addition, they will be provided tips for maximizing time and minimizing effort in reporting E2Lite data. These clues are helpful for counties and samples of any size.
Raul Aldana, Santa Clara County Social Services Agency
Lee Macias, California Department of Social Services
Kathryn Mauer, Santa Cruz County

Substance Abuse? Basics of Screening, Engagement and Intervention

This workshop offers an introduction to alcohol and other drug abuse. The workshop includes signs and symptoms of use, an overview of the continuum of substance abuse, and the concept of addiction as a brain disorder. The presentation also includes a discussion of screening, engagement and interventions that can help CalWORKs recipients address substance abuse barriers to employment. A particular focus will be placed on the skills necessary to screen and make appropriate referrals for further assessment and treatment.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop have three primary learning objectives. Participants will learn about signs and symptoms of possible substance abuse among clients. Second, participants will develop an understanding of the continuum of substance abuse and the nature of addiction. Lastly, participants will understand effective interventions and the skills necessary to intervene and make appropriate referrals.
Celia Aragon, Behavioral Health Services
Deborah Werner, Children and Family Futures

CalWORKs Indian Health Clinics Project: Building Partnerships with County Social Services Agencies

This workshop will discuss the importance of creating collaborative relationships between CalWORKs county workers and the CalWORKs Indian Health Clinics (IHC). The workshop will offer information about the purpose and the need for IHC programs and the specific cultural needs of Native Americans. The session will also provide a discussion of the successes and challenges of the CalWORKs IHC Project. This workshop is designed as a response to the following questions: What is the CalWORKs IHC Project? Where are the 36 CalWORKs IHC programs in California? What benefits and services are available from the IHC programs? How do the counties benefit from the IHC Project?

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about the 36 CalWORKs IHC programs and how they are related to and differ from one another; better understand the CalWORKs IHC programs and the need to continue to provide services that are culturally relevant for the Native Americans who are CalWORKs eligible; be provided with an overview of the challenges that Native Americans face in becoming self sufficient; better understand specific problems and challenges associated with Native American communities; have a better understanding of how to serve Native Americans who are CalWORKs eligible; obtain an overview of the social service network that needs to be established and/or maintained to meet the needs of Native Americans who are participating in the CalWORKs Program; and be provided with various resource materials along with technical assistance information that can help provide training to IHCs, counties, CalWORKs staff, and members of the community.
Facilitator: Sonya Carrillo, California Department of Social Services
Jeff Fontana, CalWORKs Employment Services
Don Fultz, Feather River Tribal Health
Deborah Kawkeka, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc.

Linkages: CalWORKs and Child Welfare Collaboration to Improve Outcomes

California is one of five locations across the nation that has received a federal grant to develop collaborative strategies serving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Child Welfare families. The initiative began in California in 2000 and the receipt of the federal grant last year has offered California the opportunity to expand, enhance, and evaluate the model. This workshop will present two of the pioneer counties that began implementation in 2002, Stanislaus and Merced. Stanislaus County will present how their model of coordination works and will provide some of the preliminary results that indicate this population has better work participation results. Merced County will provide information on their co-location model that links CalWORKs, Child Welfare and other agency partners to improve outcomes.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will understand how CalWORKs and Child Welfare coordination can improve outcomes for both systems. Participants will learn about Linkages and the work being done in various counties across the state.
Brenda Castillo, Merced County Human Services Agency
Danna Fabella, Child and Family Policy Institute of California
Bergen Filgas, Stanislaus County
Stuart Oppenheim, Child and Family Policy Institute of California
Jennifer Valencia, Stanislaus County

Early Engagement and Bridging Activities: Strategies for Early and Continuous Participation (Repeated in 6I)

This workshop will explore strategies that counties may use to facilitate the early and continuous participation of Welfare-to-Work (WtW) participants. San Bernardino County will discuss their voluntary program which offers customers the opportunity to participate in WtW orientation and appraisal during the application process. Additionally, they will discuss services that they utilize as a bridge so that a customer is continuously engaged in WtW activities. Shasta College will present an innovative and exciting series of courses targeting CalWORKs students which assist them in obtaining and/or enhancing skills that are essential to success in the workplace. These courses are offered on an open-entry and open-exit format, on a repetitive basis (currently offered 50 weeks out of the year), and tracked hourly on a daily basis.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to design a plan to accommodate the early engagement needs of their customers and develop marketing materials and training modules appropriate for their customer for ongoing participation in the program. Participants will learn about an innovative college program that provides a series of short-term courses which may be used as bridging activities and are designed to better prepare students for the workforce.
Jackie James, San Bernardino County, Transitional Assistance Department, Employment Services Program
Monte Murphy, Shasta College
Nathaniel Rodriquez, San Bernardino County, Transitional Assistance Department,
Employment Services Program

Child-Only Cases: Sanction, Safety Net and What Else?

Regulations implementing the law re-authorizing Temporary Assistance to Needy Families stipulate that sanctioned and timed-out CalWORKs cases “count” in computing state and county work participation rates. Substantial fines are at stake. But this is not all. Added together, what we term CalWORKs child-only cases – sanctioned, timed-out, non-parental caregiver (kin-care), SSI parent, and not-qualified immigrant – comprise over half of CalWORKs cases. This workshop presents research findings on the prevalence and distribution of the five types of child-only cases and the characteristics of child-only case parents/caregivers and children. Finally, it introduces findings about child well-being as well as parent/caregiver barriers to work.
Learning Objectives: Participants will grasp the significance of the over-50% of CalWORKs cases with no aided adult; understand the five major types of child-only cases and their size; consider implications for parent/caregiver work participation and self-sufficiency and for child well-being; and promote discussion about what services should be provided for the adults and children in these cases and what agency or agencies should own the responsibility.
Jane Mauldon, University of California, School of Public Health
Richard Speiglman, Speiglman Norris Associates

Facilitation Skills (Part II)

This workshop will explain the importance of facilitation skills in everyday functions, explain the importance of team development skills and demonstrate the basic tools needed to facilitate a project or meeting.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn the basic skills to perform as a facilitator at meetings, in natural work teams, and on special projects. In addition, the topics of team development skills, consensus-seeking techniques and effective meetings will be covered.
Joy Allender, Employment Development Department

Leadership: How’s Your Influence? (Part II) (Repeated in 4I)

Based on Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, this workshop, Part II, will continue to cover three key leadership practices: model the way, inspire a shared vision, and encourage the heart. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to apply them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to increase their influence, establish people-based authority, and create a compelling vision.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Barriers to Employment (Part II)

This workshop explores the continuum of services that supports individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders to stabilize, address employment barriers and improve their lives. The continuum includes cultural and gender responsiveness screening, assessment, integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment and recovery support along with on-going case management, community support and engagement services. Part II will focus on case management practices, community support and collaborative models. Programmatic and policy challenges will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn to describe a continuum of services for co-occurring disorders, integrated treatment and three effective case management practices for supporting CalWORKs recipients with co-occurring disorders.
Roland Williams, Bayside Marin

What’s on the Radar for the Community College CalWORKs Program

This workshop will address the latest on what’s happening at the state level on community college CalWORKs issues. Or if you just want an opportunity to have your questions answered, then this is the workshop for you. The chancellor’s office staff will address questions on program administration and policies related to key program issues and initiatives.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about community college CalWORKs program initiatives and issues for fiscal year 2007-08. An opportunity will be given to ask questions of the chancellor’s office staff related to community college program policies and services to the CalWORKs student population.
Patricia Servin-Lemus, California Community Colleges, Chancellor’s Office
Debbie Velasquez, California Community Colleges, Chancellor’s Office

Identification, Communication and Support for Dually Diagnosed Recipients

This workshop is intended to equip CalWORKs staff and partners so they feel more comfortable in screening and communicating with individuals who may have a mental health/substance abuse problem. It also serves as a training for trainers. Participants will discuss signs and symptoms of alcohol/drug use/mental health problems, use of screening tools and giving effective referrals. Participants will learn about motivational interviewing and how to reduce barriers to engagement and non-compliance among this population. Special emphasis is placed on the needs of parenting women with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, particularly the impacts of trauma.
Learning Objectives: Participants completing this workshop will be familiar with screening and referral processes and become more comfortable communicating with CalWORKs recipients who may have a dual diagnosis. Participants will increase their knowledge of effective strategies for identifying and engaging women with dual diagnoses into services.
Kim Archuletta, San Diego State University, School of Social Work

Bridging County Programs and Academics: Innovatively Improving Student Outcomes

This workshop describes an innovative and efficient approach for introducing students to the CalWORKs program and to integrate them into the academic experience. This workshop will provide a model,the CalWORKs Orientation class, which was collaboratively developed by county and college CalWORKs staff. It introduces students to the CalWORKs program, county regulations and college specific education requirements. This best practice was found to increase enrollment, student retention and student success. This workshop will provide you with the tools to replicate this model using existing resources.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to articulate the program organizational elements for a CalWORKs Orientation Class. Participants will identify the potential barriers and challenges to developing a similar class. Participants will also be able to develop their own orientation class customized and tailored to their own college and county needs.
Patricia Fox-West, Ventura College
Terry Sapp, Ventura County

“That’s Not My Job!” – Customer Service

This workshop is designed to improve customer service and provide practical tools to resolve a range of customer-based issues such as who defines customer service, the customer’s perception of you, your role in customer service and dealing with internal/external customer expectations.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to demonstrate staff’s responsibility for the delivery of customer service in the organization, clarify the differences between customer satisfaction and customer expectation, and recognize the organization’s internal customer chain and how it relates to the external customer.
Joy Allender, Employment Development Department

Integrated Services: Making a Difference through Innovation and Collaboration

This workshop will provide an overview of San Diego’s CalWORKs Behavioral Health Integration Project. This pilot project is San Diego County’s effort to improve access to mental health, alcohol and drug services for all CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work participants. By implementing a Behavioral Health screening tool that identifies alcohol, drug, mental health, domestic violence or co-occurring issues, we have increased referrals to needed services. This project also includes skills presentations open to all participants and joint case conferencing with a multidisciplinary team to find new and innovative ways to help the most challenging participants through treatment collaboration.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop and implement a Behavioral Health screening tool, implement a four-pronged approach for identifying and removing barriers to employment, and how to monitor and assess data.
Jean Avila, Alcohol and Drug Services, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency
Susan Oliver, Alcohol and Drug Services, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

How to Effectively Engage Youth/Youth Adults

This workshop will cover values, culture, economics and technology as they are ever changing parts of our fast-paced society. These issues are discussed in reference to intergenerational differences as well as reasons why it is difficult for adults to acknowledge these differences.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will provide new ideas to enhance the relationship between workforce/social work professionals and the young adults they serve. Topics covered will also include how to improve program attendance, retention and participation.
Stephanie Allen, Kings View Ready, Set, Go!
Eugene Bell, Kings View Ready, Set, Go!
Anabel Miranda, Kings View Ready, Set, Go!

How to Access State Employment for CalWORKs Clients

Ever wonder how people get those state and federal jobs and how about your clients with disabilities? How can they access that type of employment? You will learn some of the tricks of the trade on how to access state employment as an option for clients with and without a disability.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn how to navigate the State Hiring Process to assist CalWORKS clients with gaining employment. They will also learn how to use the Limited Examination and Appointment Program for clients with disabilities.
Michelle Alford-Williams, California Department of Rehabilitation

Challenging the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

This workshop will address the barriers individuals with mental illness face in regards to employment. One of these barriers is the limited work options made available. Another is the role change that’s required of someone who moves from being a patient to a worker receiving a paycheck. But perhaps the most surprising obstacle is that of “low expectations.” What makes this barrier most difficult is that it is constructed by those of us who are sincerely committed to helping these individuals. We often find ourselves valuing refuge over risk-taking and fear over faith. In this workshop we will look at the evidence and strategies for making employment work for people with mental illness.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn to understand how service providers inadvertently contribute to the role of “perpetual patient” in the individuals they serve, identify when an individual with mental illness is ready for work, identify what factors cause most workers to lose their jobs, help new workers with or without a mental illness keep their jobs, strategize a “pitch” to employers when job developing, describe true “recovery” from mental illness and how employment can help one get there.
Paul Barry, Mental Health Association of Los Angeles County

Leadership: How’s Your Influence? (Part I) (Repeat of 1K)

Based on Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, this workshop will cover three key leadership practices: model the way, inspire a shared vision, and encourage the heart. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to apply them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to increase their influence, establish people-based authority, and create a compelling vision.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

“Not-So-Secret” Paths Toward Achieving Performance Excellence (Part I)

This workshop will provide participants with “not-so-secret” knowledge, tools, and resources toward enhancing their performance excellence and accountability toward advancing their career.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn the key principles and practices toward achieving peak performance, organizing and time management tools and practices that help optimize performance outcomes, achieving and sustaining your “C” power, and strategies for career advancement.
Steve Friedland, The Center for Human Services, University of California, Davis

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part I) (Repeated in 5K)

This workshop will address why shoddy thinking is costly both in money and quality of life. The quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Today’s world is faster and noisier than ever. It is more imperative that we take charge of our thinking and problem solving, skillfully and deliberately. Join other thinkers in this interactive and provocative workshop to become a more reasonable, imaginative, and effective problem solver.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to think smarter, get to the root of the issue quickly, and filter the noise of complexity. By learning how to expand your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, you will be able to dismantle complex problems and understand the inputs and implications of your thought processes. You’ll be able to see true solutions and think more strategically in order to lead others to more effective decisions.
Terri Jessen, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

From Take-Off to Landing: How to Develop Curriculum for Community College Students

This workshop will discuss and detail ideas on how to develop curriculum, the importance of building and growing on- and off-campus partnerships, and offer examples of curriculum that have been developed to help provide the tools and skills necessary for our target population. The presenters will describe ways to implement ideas and set ways to develop and enhance curriculum to better address and meet the needs of our students.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be introduced to creative and innovative ideas to develop and broaden curriculum that prepares our target population for entry into the workplace and assist CalWORKs students in fulfilling their 32- or 35-hour work week requirement. Learn ideas and strategies on how to develop, design, and market these courses and the parties, agencies, and partners necessary to make these successful.
Kathy Dutton, Chaffey College
Monte Murphy, Shasta College
Vickie Warner, California Community Colleges, Chancellor’s Office, Academic Affairs

Providing Choices, Expanding Options: Encouraging Student Career Choices that Lead to Non-Traditional (By Gender) High-Wage, High-Demand Motivating Jobs!

This workshop will allow participants to gain a better understanding of non-traditional career options, high-wage, high-demand careers, self-sufficiency data, and labor market information online resources!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this interactive and fast-paced workshop will explore ways to assist students to investigate non-traditional career opportunities. Participants will learn about and receive online tools and other resources that provide students with guidance in choosing a career and increase participants understanding of the benefits of non-traditional employment.
Elizabeth Wallner, Joint Special Populations Advisory Committee, Non-traditional Careers Leadership Project

Data Resources and Uses: Instruments for Optimal Lift

This workshop will help participants discover and learn more about data tools such as the Data Master Plan, Pay for Performance, CalSTATs, the National Directory of New Hires and evidence-based best practices.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how data can translate into best practices and innovations utilized to improve service delivery and achieve successful CalWORKs program outcomes.
Tina Chiginsky, California Department of Social Services
Geoff Miller, California Department of Social Services

County Best Practices in Early and Ongoing Fraud

This workshop will review the Peer Review Team (PRT) that was formed about a year ago by the California Department of Social Services, the California Welfare Directors Association, and the California District Attorneys Association with the objective of identifying best practices in program integrity efforts that counties employ that could be shared with all counties. The PRT, consisting of eligibility workers, Income and Eligibility Verification System coordinators, county special investigators and district attorney investigators, and a district attorney, conducted reviews of seven counties to glean potential best practices for addressing early and ongoing fraud detection. Come learn what they found!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about potential best practices in early fraud and ongoing fraud detection that could improve program integrity efforts in their county.
Elena Acosta, Kern County Department of Human Services
Gary Grayson, California Department of Social Services

Soaring with Documented Workforce Readiness Skills

This workshop will discuss how the Workforce Skills Certification System (WSCS) measures and documents critical soft and academic skills needed to succeed in the workplace. An understanding of how the results are incorporated on certificates and transcripts which benefit the client (job applicant), prospective employers, and training providers. This workshop will share how academic and soft skills are assessed and how the WSCS certificate/transcript gives clients a clear advantage when entering the job market. Participants will learn how the test results can inform instruction and how soft skills can be integrated in training, including English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education environments.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be introduced to the Workforce Skills Certification System which measures the applied academic and soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace and how to introduce participants to the “Road to Work Readiness” resources designed to help clients improve their academic and soft skills.
Al Lesure, Learning Resources, Inc.
Pat Rickard, Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems

The Napa Valley: Moving Onward and Upward Through Collaboration

Hospitality and Tourism is a leading industry in the Napa Valley. Business leaders in Napa have specifically requested assistance in employee development. In response to the need for skilled workers, the Napa Valley College collaborated with the Workforce Investment Board, CalWORKs, the Job Connection One-Stop, Regional Occupational Program, and Business Leaders to expand and enhance the existing training resources available to wine-hospitality related businesses, offering advancement opportunities for low wage earners moving upward and onward in their career ladders.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn how to effectively collaborate with Education, Business and the Workforce Investment Board to fill an industry need, and promote increased wages for CalWORKs Participants. The presenters will identify specific programs that have been created as a result of their collaboration.
Charlie Monahan, Napa Valley College
Julia Smith, Napa County Workforce Investment Board

Improper Payments: Galaxy Unknown

This workshop will review the federal Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA) of 2002, which requires annual reviews of federally-funded programs and activities. The California Department of Social Services Child Care Programs Bureau, in collaboration with the California Department of Education, Contra Costa, and San Francisco County Welfare Departments will provide information to child care and stakeholders on how to reduce improper payments. This workshop is designed to provide an overview of IPIA requirements, sampling methodology and how to reduce improper authorizations within the child care program. The workshop will also include an overview of the differences between the federal IPIA and state error rate requirements for Alternative Payment Monitoring.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about the Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA); how to reduce improper authorizations; how the California Department of Education (CDE) is using the state process to minimize improper payments; the differences between the federal IPIA and state error rate requirements for Alternative Payment Monitoring; and problems common to both the California Department of Social Services and the CDE system of fraud enforcement and overpayment recovery.
Facilitator: Michele Grant, California Department of Social Services
Greg Hudson, California Department of Education
Michele Rutherford, San Francisco City and County Human Services Agency
Joe Valentine, Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department

New Directions in Nutrition Policy: Farm Bill 2007

This workshop will include a panel discussion on recent changes to the Food Stamp Program, as well as the impact those changes will likely have on efforts to streamline the program to reduce complexity, improve participation, ensure adequate benefits, promote healthy eating and provide states with administrative flexibility. The panel will examine which problems Congress solved, and what work still needs to be done to improve nutrition assistance.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will hear about changes to the Food Stamp Program as a result of the 2007 Farm Bill, get a national and state perspective on what those changes will mean for low-income families in California, and will be provided an opportunity to learn ways to incorporate information regarding nutrition assistance into other programs serving people in need.
Kim McCoy Wade, California Association of Food Banks
Mike Papin, California Department of Social Services
Matt Sharp, California Food Policy Advocates

Leadership: How’s Your Influence? (Part II) (Repeat of 2K)

Based on Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, this workshop, Part II, will continue to cover three key leadership practices: model the way, inspire a shared vision, and encourage the heart. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to apply them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to increase their influence, establish people-based authority, and create a compelling vision.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

“Not-So-Secret” Paths Toward Achieving Performance Excellence (Part II)

This interactive workshop will provide participants with “not-so-secret” knowledge, tools, and resources toward enhancing their performance excellence and accountability toward advancing their career.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn key principles and practices toward achieving peak performance, organizing and time management tools and practices that help optimize performance outcomes, achieving and sustaining your “C” power, and strategies for career advancement.
Steve Friedland, The Center for Human Services, University of California, Davis

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part II) (Repeated in 6L)

This workshop will discuss why being a great thinker and problem solver is only half the task. You also need to formulate solutions and have the ability to influence others to implement your ideas. Participants will learn to be more persuasive with increased credibility and have greater impact by adding on to the tools and skills learned in Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part I).
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn to apply their critical thinking to their day-to-day business, formulate creative solutions, and present ideas clearly and concisely for maximum stakeholder buy-in. Participants will learn to develop a framework for presenting positions on issues that are logical and explicable to others. Participants will understand how to influence and persuade others with critical thinking and clear language and how to lead teams to expanded success.
Terri Jessen, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Rethinking Work-Study: Building Small Business Partnerships

This workshop addresses the questions relating to growing your work-study program, and how to attract industry partners. Come and join us for a sneak peek into what companies are looking for and how to market your work-study programs effectively. Valuable resources will be available to get your off-campus work-study program started.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn to identify business partners for an off-campus work-study program, how to develop marketing materials, and how to outline the procedures for an off-campus work-study program.
Marty Alvarado, Long Beach City College
Sandra Sanchez, Long Beach City College

Who is the New Welfare-to-Work Employment Specialist?

This workshop addresses the problem of not hiring or promoting the right people for employment-related positions in Welfare-to-Work (WtW) programs. Many programs are putting the wrong people in these jobs because they are using antiquated hiring processes and criteria that don’t reflect the current needs of the field. This unique session for managers and supervisors will help you identify the state-of-the-art skill sets required for someone to be successful as the new WtW employment specialist. Participants will learn how the needs of the WtW employment specialist position has changed since the beginning of welfare reform and how to identify the right people for the job. The session includes ideas about recruitment, resume-screening, improving internal promotion processes, interview questions and how to upgrade your hiring process for today’s WtW realities. Placing the right people in this job is the key to success for your program!
Learning Objectives: Particpants of this workshop will leave this session with new ideas about what types of people and skill sets are required for staff to be successful in this era of welfare reform. Ideas about how to recruit, evaluate and interview people for these positions will also be reviewed.
Larry Robbin, Robbin and Associates

California’s Work Verification Plan: Launch Procedures Activated (Repeated in 6C)

This workshop reviews California’s Work Verification Plan (WVP) which is required by the Interim Final Rule that was part of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families reauthorization. This workshop will discuss the federally-countable work activities, verification of participation hours for federal data reporting purposes, the definition of a work-eligible individual, the internal controls in place to ensure compliance with the WVP, and how this plan impacts CalWORKs. This workshop will provide the flight plan and help you chart your course!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn what California’s Work Verification Plan (WVP) consists of, and how the WVP impacts the CalWORKs program.
Michelle Boone, California Department of Social Services
Andrea Willits, California Department of Social Services

California’s Response to the Problem of Human Trafficking

This workshop will address human trafficking and its form of modern-day slavery. Men, women and children are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude. It is estimated that thousands of people are trafficked annually into the U.S. This workshop will provide an overview of the purpose and composition of the California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery Task Force and highlight its findings and recommendations included in a final report to the governor, the legislature, and the attorney general. The workshop will also include information on the implementation of SB 1569, which makes victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes eligible for state-funded benefits and services. Finally, the workshop will highlight the personal experience of a survivor of human trafficking.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about California’s efforts to combat the trafficking of humans for the purpose of forced labor and sexual exploitation. Participants will gain information on the state-funded benefits and services available to victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes and their families. Finally, participants will better understand the inhumanity of this crime.
Facilitator: Thuan Nguyen, California Department of Social Services
“Esperanza”, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking
Nancy Matson, California Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office
Lynn Reich, California Department of Social Services

Mental Health 101: How to Identify Mental Health Issues

This workshop presents an overview on depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders, with a focus of helping Welfare-to-Work participants reduce mental health obstacles to employment.
Learning Objectives: Participants will recognize possible mental health needs of clients; address mental health needs of Welfare-to-Work participants; reduce mental health obstacles to employment; reduce the stigma associated with mental illness; and provide a recovery-oriented approach to addressing mental health needs.
Kendra Mackey, Mental Health Systems, Inc.
Debbie Malcarne, San Diego County Mental Health Services

Tribal TANF

This workshop will share important information that will allow participants to understand the history and provide the current status of the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) program in California. Participants will learn basic information on the uniqueness of the services that can be provided by tribes to their clients beyond those offered by the CalWORKs program that operates within local county assistance offices. The presentation will feature the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association Tribal TANF program and its workings with the San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. State, tribal organization and county representatives will present their particular perspectives.The presentation will emphasize that the overall success of individual Tribal TANF programs depends heavily on cooperation, communication, and coordination of the tribes and affected counties.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn the history and basics of Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) and gain a working knowledge of similarities between the CalWORKs and Tribal TANF programs. Participants will gain an understanding of unique characteristics and/or services of Tribal TANF programs and the ability to recognize the importance of good working relations between the Tribal TANF staff and respective county representatives.
Phyllis Iwasaki, California Department of Social Services
Denis Turner, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association
Jaye Yoshonis, County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency

Discover ROP: Together We Achieve Participant Success!

This workshop will be of special interest to those who wish to develop partnerships with their local Regional Occupational Centers/Programs (ROC/Ps). Have you ever wondered what ROP stands for, what they do or how they decide which courses to offer? This workshop will answer these questions and explain how ROPs can help improve participation, completion and employment rates. Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will leave with a better understanding of the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and the benefits to CalWORKs participants. Attendees will also discover how ROP can help improve participation rates, and increase completion and employment rates. Successful models of ROP and CalWORKs partnerships will also be shared.
Tammie Holloway, California Department of Education, Regional Occupational Centers/Programs
Doug Martin, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Regional Occupational Program
Holly Newlon, Merced County Office of Education, Regional Occupational Program

Achieving New Goals: C-IV’s Online Food Stamp Application

This workshop will provide a demonstration of the online application and how it is integrated with the existing C-IV System. The Statewide Automated Welfare System
C-IV Project has developed and implemented a new online food stamp application where potential customers can apply for food stamps wherever they have access to the Internet.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about the new food stamp application process available to the C-IV counties as well as the Interim Statewide Automated Welfare System migration counties will receive as part of the C-IV System. There is also the opportunity for other counties to learn about the system and discuss opportunities for possible expansion. The goal of this project is to increase participation in the Food Stamp Program.
Jerald Nielson, C-IV Project
Karen Rapponotti, C-IV Project
Cynthia Singh, C-IV Project

The Art of Negotiating to New Levels (Part I)

This workshop is designed to provide the participant with the tools to effectively negotiate with co-workers and customers in the workplace, to understand influence versus manipulation, how to use negotiation to alleviate conflict, effective listening skills, and examining strengths and limitations.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to explain the importance of negotiation skills in the workplace and will be able to differentiate among a variety of negotiation styles and behaviors.
Terri Austin, Employment Development Department

Coaching/Mentoring: Two Hats for Leaders (Part I)

This workshop will cover hats that leaders wear, situational coaching model, coaching with questions, the mentoring model, and how to provide constructive feedback. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to use them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to distinguish between coaching and mentoring, coach by asking rather than by telling, and how to mentor by providing constructive feedback.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part I) (Repeat of 3K)

This workshop will address why shoddy thinking is costly both in money and quality of life. The quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Today’s world is faster and noisier than ever. It is more imperative that we take charge of our thinking and problem solving, skillfully and deliberately. Join other thinkers in this interactive and provocative workshop to become a more reasonable, imaginative, and effective problem solver.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to think smarter, get to the root of the issue quickly, and filter the noise of complexity. By learning how to expand your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, you will be able to dismantle complex problems and understand the inputs and implications of your thought processes. You’ll be able to see true solutions and think more strategically in order to lead others to more effective decisions.
Terri Jessen, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Finding Your Best Practices: CalWORKs Case Management

This workshop will discuss Community College CalWORKs program requirements and highlight the need for colleges to provide basic case management services for all CalWORKs students, and why building quality case management services can be critical to student success. Part of this process is maintaining a case file for each student served which then becomes a resource for staff. Santa Rosa Junior College and Pasadena City College will share actual samples of their student case files, as well as discuss how they provide case management services at their colleges. The workshop will be highly interactive and provide an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will understand the value of providing good case management services to CalWORKs students at their college by learning various models for the delivery of case management services. The value of coordinating case management with the county and other college services will be addressed. An understanding of various ways to build a student case file, including the forms and other methods to be used in tracking information and services, will also be covered.
Lana Fields, Pasadena City College
Jamey Ransford, Santa Rosa Junior College

County Peer Review Visits: Partnership on Performance

The passage of AB 1808 last year requires the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to establish a CalWORKs county peer review process to assist counties in identifying and implementing best practices to improve performance and progress toward meeting established state performance goals. This workshop will provide an overview of the County Peer Review Program and present ways that the Welfare-to-Work Employment Bureau is collaborating with counties to help improve their performance.
Learning Objective: Participants will understand the purpose of the County Peer Review Program, identify the components of the county peer review team and obtain an understanding of the county site review process. The presentation will emphasize that the County Peer Review Program’s success depends heavily on the partnership between counties and CDSS to identify and share best practices throughout the state. The resulting information may be used to improve client outcomes and the Work Participation Rate among all counties.
Tina Chiginsky, California Department of Social Services
Joseph Jackson, California Department of Social Services

California’s Work Verification Plan: Launch Procedures Activated (Repeat of 5C)

This workshop reviews California’s Work Verification Plan (WVP) which is required by the Interim Final Rule that was part of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families reauthorization. This workshop will discuss the federally-countable work activities, verification of participation hours for federal data reporting purposes, the definition of a work-eligible individual, the internal controls in place to ensure compliance with the WVP, and how this plan impacts CalWORKs. This workshop will provide the flight plan and help you chart your course!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn what California’s Work Verification Plan consists of, and how the Work Verification Plan impacts the CalWORKs program.
Michelle Boone, California Department of Social Services
Andrea Willits, California Department of Social Services

Ignite the Fire: Navigating the Road to Success

This workshop will explore how to ignite the fire in students and why certain students are successful while others are not. Zona Hoggard, Kings County Regional Occupational Program Instructor, has taught clerical skills to CalWORKs students through the Business Technology Center for 11 years, resulting in student and employment success. Ms. Hoggard and two CalWORKs students will facilitate an engaging collaborative discussion on best practices related to overcoming barriers and navigating the road to success. Please come prepared to share your best practices.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn methods that help foster, facilitate, and nurture student/client success. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how they can make a positive impact in student/client success. An opportunity will be given to participants to share their best practices related to student success.
Zona Hoggard, Kings Regional Occupational Program
Denita Lloyd, Business Internship (Student)
Jolyne Martinez, Business Technology Center (Student)

Effective Partnerships: Together We Can Reach New Heights

This workshop teaches how unique multi-disciplinary team approaches are used to increase participation rates among Welfare-to-Work clients. Sacramento County and Stanislaus County wil discuss how partnerships with Employment and Training, Literacy Centers, Schools, and Family Resource Centers provide unique opportunities for participants as well as increasing engagement, participation, and employment opportunities.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to identify partnerships that assist Welfare-to-Work participants move from dependency to self-sufficiency. In addition, participants will learn how to use memorandums of understanding, contracts, and program measurement methods to increase and evaluate performance.
Kathy Harwell, Stanislaus County Community Services Agency
Roy Kim, Sacramento Employment and Training Agency
Irene Lopez, Stanislaus County Community Services Agency
Rosalinda Stoffel, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance

Trustline Regulations and Background Clearances

This workshop will be facilitated by the California Department of Social Services Child Care Programs Bureau and the Community Care Licensing Bureau, with a Trustline Automated Registration Process (TARP) demonstration to be provided by San Diego County. This workshop will highlight the past year’s successes, share the challenges with the implementation of TARP, provide a review of the Trustline Regulations and give an update to the changes that were made since last year. We will review the change to retroactive payments, the grandfathering of great-grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles, and the change to require that providers be paid retroactively for child care services.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about successful Trustline Automated Registration Process (TARP) implementation strategies, be briefed on some challenges to avoid with TARP implementation, receive a TARP demonstration from San Diego County, have a brief refresher of the Trustline Regulations, and understand the changes to the regulations since last year and the steps toward implementation of the regulations.
Cathy Claborne, California Department of Social Services
Adora Henderson, California Department of Social Services
Linda Patterson, California Department of Social Services
McCaulie Reich, California Department of Social Services

California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) (Repeated in 7G)

This workshop will be an interactive learning experience you can use the moment you return to the office. Tools and tips on assessments for vocational planning, reality check on daily living expenses and types of employment that could match those expenses will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Learn how to navigate an interactive website that can provide vital assessment and employment information to your clients.
Michelle Alford-Williams, California Department of Rehabilitation

Hope and Justice: How Domestic Violence is Handled in California from the 911 Call, the Courtroom and at Domestic Violence Programs and Shelters

This workshop is a multi-media presentation that will give attendees a realistic and practical perspective on how to assist victims of domestic violence during and after a crisis, how to assess risk, how to navigate the criminal and civil court systems, and how to help victims seek hope and healing from domestic violence programs and shelters in California. This workshop will discuss where to find domestic violence shelters, what services they provide, and how to access those services. This presentation will also give attendees a basic overview of the emerging Family Justice Centers in California as well as an overview of key laws that help victims stay safe, obtain counseling and protect their jobs.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn a realistic and practical perspective on how to assist victims of domestic violence during and after a crisis. Participants will gain an overview on how to help victims navigate the criminal and civil court systems, how to help victims seek hope and healing from domestic violence programs and shelters in California, the emerging Family Justice Centers in California and key laws that promote victim safety and financial independence.
Gael Strack, National Family Justice Center Alliance

Early Engagement and Bridging Activities: Strategies for Early and Continuous Participation (Repeat of 2H)

This workshop will explore strategies that counties may use to facilitate the early and continuous participation of Welfare-to-Work (WtW) participants. San Bernardino County will discuss their voluntary program which offers customers the opportunity to participate in WtW orientation and appraisal during the application process. Additionally, they will discuss services that they utilize as a bridge so that a customer is continuously engaged in WtW activities. Shasta College will present an innovative and exciting series of courses targeting CalWORKs students which assists them in obtaining and/or enhancing skills that are essential to success in the workplace. These courses are offered on an open-entry and open-exit format, on a repetitive basis (currently offered 50 weeks out of the year), and tracked hourly on a daily basis.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to design a plan to accommodate the early engagement needs of their customers and develop marketing materials and training modules appropriate for their customer for ongoing participation in the program. Participants will learn about an innovative college program that provides a series of short-term courses which may be used as bridging activities and are designed to better prepare students for the workforce.
Jackie James, San Bernardino County, Transitional Assistance Department, Employment Services Program
Monte Murphy, Shasta College
Nathaniel Rodriquez, San Bernardino County, Transitional Assistance Department,
Employment Services Program

The Art of Negotiating to New Levels (Part II)

This workshop is designed to provide the participant with the tools to effectively negotiate with co-workers and customers in the workplace, to understand influence versus manipulation, how to use negotiation to alleviate conflict, effective listening skills, and examining strengths and limitations.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will be able to explain the importance of negotiation skills in the workplace and will be able to differentiate between a variety of negotiation styles and behaviors.
Terri Austin, Employment Development Department

Coaching/Mentoring: Two Hats for Leaders (Part II)

This workshop, Part II, will continue to cover the following topics: hats that leaders wear, the situational coaching model, coaching with questions, the mentoring model, and providing constructive feedback. Interactive exercises will reinforce workshop concepts and encourage participants to use them on the job.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how to distinguish between coaching and mentoring, coaching by asking rather than telling, and mentoring by providing constructive feedback.
Dennis Wade, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part II) (Repeat of 4K)

This workshop will discuss why being a great thinker and problem solver is only half the task. You also need to formulate solutions and have the ability to influence others to implement your ideas. Participants will learn to be more persuasive with increased credibility and have greater impact by adding on to the tools and skills learned in Think Smarter: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Part I).
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn to apply their critical thinking to their day-to-day business, formulate creative solutions, and present ideas clearly and concisely for maximum stakeholder buy-in. Participants will learn to develop a framework for presenting positions on issues that are logical and explicable to others. Participants will understand how to influence and persuade others with critical thinking and clear language and how to lead teams to expanded success.
Terri Jessen, Sacramento State, College of Continuing Education

How to Run a Successful Child Care Program

This workshop addresses why quality child care is an essential component in ensuring the success of our students. It is imperative that the child care assistance program guidelines and procedures are thoroughly understood and efficient. Helpful hints, suggestions, and an opportunity for discussion and answering questions will be offered.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will receive an overview of the CalWORKs child care program, best practices/procedures and current child care regulations from a representative of Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services and CalWORKs program at Los Angeles Valley College.
Alicen Vera, Los Angeles Valley College

TANF Reauthorization: Soaring into Higher Elevation (Repeat of 1B)

This workshop provides a year in review of how California has responded to federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) changes. The TANF program was reauthorized through 2010 as a part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Reauthorization, however, came with a few surprises; federal requirements have elevated to new heights. States must overcome the challenge of meeting federal requirements under the new rules, or face fiscal penalties. Participants will also get an inside look at what the state has planned for the immediate future and a glimpse of what challenges may lay beyond the clouds ahead.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about the changes and challenges resulting from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reauthorization and the passage of AB 1808. Students will learn about what the state and counties have done in response to federal and state changes, and what new strategies are being explored to help California meet federal TANF requirements.
Salena Chow, California Department of Social Services
Damien Ladd, California Department of Social Services

A Tale of Two Counties: How a Small and Large County Have Customized Sanction Prevention and Re-engagement Strategies (Repeat of 1I)

This workshop will have the Los Angeles and Santa Cruz County welfare departments present a variety of strategies that they have used in the past year to prevent sanctions and to engage individuals who are sanctioned. Los Angeles County implemented the GAIN Sanction Home Visit Outreach (GSHVO) project in October 2005, and as a result, has seen the number of sanctioned cases decrease from approximately 23,000 in September 2004 to approximately 12,000 in August 2007. The project’s strategy involves telephone contacts, home visit appointment letters, home visits, and post-resolution follow-up activities by GSHVO staff. Santa Cruz County has revamped its orientation and assessment materials and developed client participation tracking systems to ensure that clients have complete information and that they do not fall through the cracks. The Sanction Reengagement Team uses similar methods with other counties including phone and letter contact, sanction clinics, and home visits. This team is led by the Social Work Unit and includes a self-employment specialist.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn how two different counties have created and implemented sanction prevention and re-engagement strategies that reflect their resources and client populations, including which strategies have improved participation rates and tools for specific populations of sanctioned clients.
Feliciano Alvarado, Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services, GAIN Program Division
Jim Narragon, Santa Cruz County, Human Services Agency

Community Colleges and Workforce Investment Boards: Collaborating for Success

This workshop reveals how Cabrillo and Foothill/DeAnza Community College Districts have partnered with their local Workforce Investment Boards to serve local businesses, provide services to students and receive additional funding.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will learn about successful models of collaboration between college CalWORKs programs and local Workforce Investment Boards, including how this collaboration can increase funding.
Daniel Dishno, Foothill/DeAnza Community College
Catherine Lachance, Fast Track To Work, Cabrillo College
Dena Taylor, Fast Track To Work, Cabrillo College

Building our Future Successes: Family, Community, Nation

This workshop addresses future calls for utilizing strategies, tools and techniques to cultivate quality employment opportunities and determine job readiness of participants. Our Job Services staff takes the whole person, whole family approach to reinforce the theme of self-sufficiency as they teach participants how to use their skills and abilities to get a job. Participants see a different image of themselves with the help of our business and community partners: Career Centers, CalWORKs Alcohol and Other Drugs Case Management, Community Research Foundation CalWORKs Step Forward, University of California Family Nutrition Program, etc. Come prepared to learn about successful partnerships with area employers who are building the family, community, and nation “One Block at a Time.”
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop learn how our Job Services staff takes the whole person approach to reinforce the theme of self-sufficiency as they work to motivate participants toward employment. Attendees will find out what is going on inside the mind of today’s job seeker, assess what drives our participants to be successful and will discover how job seekers establish the steps to success by identifying and using their skills and abilities to find meaningful employment. Come learn what our business and community partners are looking for in a new employee.
Wanda Brockman, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency
Cindy Perry, San Diego Workforce Partnership

Apprenticeships: A Pathway to Success

What educational program pays you to learn? Apprenticeships! Come and learn about the opportunities available to your participants. You will have all your questions answered. Workshop participants will understand what is an apprenticeship program, what types of careers are available, and how participants get started and how to locate apprenticeships in your area. The requirements, pay scale, and duration of apprenticeships will also be discussed. Come and have all your questions answered!
Learning Objectives: Participants in this workshop will leave with a better understanding of apprenticeship programs and the benefits to CalWORKs participants. Participants will also learn about requirements, pay, and how to locate apprenticeship programs in their area. Attendees will also learn how apprenticeships can help improve participants’ job skills that lead to a living wage.
Robert Verdugo, California Department of Education, Regional Occupational Programs Unit
Julie Wible, California Department of Education, Regional Occupational Programs Unit

California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) (Repeat of 6G)

This workshop will be an interactive learning experience you can use the moment you return to the office. Tools and tips on assessments for vocational planning, reality check on daily living expenses and types of employment that could match those expenses will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Learn how to navigate an interactive website that can provide vital assessment and employment information to your clients.
Michelle Alford-Williams, California Department of Rehabilitation