PROMISE JOBS - Iowa Workforce Development Region 15

Regional Profile

PROMISE JOBS

PROMISE JOBS, or "Promoting Independence and Self Sufficiency through Employment," is Iowa's welfare reform program. The program is designed to assist people who receive benefits from the Family Investment Program (FIP) become self-sufficient. Participation in PROMISE JOBS is required for most FIP recipients. Participants develop a Family Investment Agreement (FIA) that outlines what steps they will take to leave public assistance. Each FIA is individualized to a participant's needs. Persons who fail to participate or fail to comply with their FIA are considered to have chosen a Limited Benefit Plan (LBP), and lose their FIP benefits.

Below are some of the activities available to PROMISE JOBS participants.

Job Seeking Skills Training - A workshop that covers skills identification, proper interviewing techniques, résumés, how to complete a job application, job retention skills and other work search information. This class is offered in Ottumwa, Centerville, Oskaloosa, Fairfield and Chariton.

Job Search - Intensive activities for finding employment.

Monitored Employment - Full-or part-time unsubsidized employment.

Work Experience or Unpaid Community Service - Unpaid on-the-job training for participants with minimal skills, outdated work history, or problems securing employment. Work experience also has a weekly work search requirement.

Basic Education - Involves assistance with high school completion, GED, adult basic education, and English-as-a-second-language.

Post-Secondary Classroom Training - Assists participants with vocational and academic training, preparing participants for specific occupations. Participants must demonstrate aptitude and ability in the vocational or academic area. There is currently a 24-month funding limit on all approved training programs. All post-secondary classroom training is subject to funding availability and other requirements.

Parenting Skills - Training that helps participants become a better parent.

Family Development Services - Assists families in overcoming significant barriers to self-sufficiency.

Life Skills - A workshop that covers money management, nutrition, parenting information, community resources, etc.

Family Planning Services - An option for everyone referred to PROMISE JOBS. Assists participants with resources on how additional children can affect a family's finances.

Some financial assistance for transportation and childcare is available for PROMISE JOBS participation, depending on the activity and available funding.

PROMISE JOBS staff are located in Centerville, Fairfield, Oskaloosa and in Ottumwa at the Workforce Center as well as the Indian Hills Workforce Development Center. Staff provide itinerate services in Albia, Bloomfield, Chariton, Corydon, Keosauqua and Sigourney.

For more information on PROMISE JOBS eligibility and participation requirements, you may contact a PROMISE JOBS staff member or your county Department of Human Services office.

The Workforce Development Center offices and counties that they provide service for are:

Centerville (641) 437-4445 - serving Appanoose, Wayne and Lucas counties.

Oskaloosa (641) 673-0573 - serving Mahaska and Keokuk counties.

Fairfield (641) 472-5466 - serving Jefferson and Van Buren counties.

Ottumwa Workforce Center (641) 684-5401 or Indian Hills Workforce Development (641) 682-8577 - serving Wapello, Davis and Monroe counties.

Iowa Workforce Development Region 15
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