Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN)
Effective July1, 2006, the PA Department of Public Welfare's Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) replaced the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Program. Clients enrolled in SPOC were automatically transferred to EARN on that date.
The EARN Program is designed to address the needs of welfare recipients with multiple barriers to obtaining employment. The program begins with an 8- week job search for clients who have not completed this state requirement. Post EARN clients (clients who have been on welfare for 24 months or longer) are placed in 20 hour per week work activity and 10 hours of regular EARN activities. Pre EARN clients (clients who have been on the system less than 24 months) are placed in regular EARN activities.
Schedules are flexible to ensure that state requirements are being met.
EARN offers a wide range of activities and services. Education activities include life skill instruction, adult literacy, GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), job readiness, driver’s training, and occupational skill training. At the conclusion of education and/or skill training, clients are offered job search, job placement, and job retention services.
EARN is known for its additional supportive services and intensified case management. Childcare and transportation expenses are offered during program participation. In addition, counseling, development of individualized plans, and goal setting help guide clients towards employment and self-sufficiency.
Activities and services provided by EARN are designed to move clients into the workforce as quickly as possible.
Supported Engagement (SE)
Recipients must be enrolled in the Maximizing Participation Project (MPP) to be eligible for SE. The SE program is designed to gradually engage MPP recipients with significant barriers to employment. These barriers include a variety of behavior, health, medical, counseling interventions, and rehabilitative services. Recipients can receive assessment, case management, GED, ESL, skill training, job readiness, job search, job placement, job retention, work activities, and job coaching.
Supportive services such as childcare, transportation expenses, and clothing allowance are provided to allow the recipient to attend the program. In addition, transportation to job interviews, driver’s test, and clothes shopping for employment wardrobe is also provided.
