PROMISE JOBS – “Promoting Independence and Self-Sufficiency through Employment” – is Iowa’s welfare reform program. Designed to assist Family Investment Program (FIP) recipients to become self-sufficient, PROMISE JOBS is a participation requirement for most FIP recipients.
Applicants develop an individualized Family Investment Agreement (FIA) that outlines what steps they will take to leave public assistance.
Iowa Workforce Development works in partnership with the Department of
Human Services (DHS) to serve FIP recipients. A FIP applicant is
required to meet with PROMISE JOBS to develop an FIA as part of the FIP
application process. After an FIA is written the FIP application is
processed and eligibility determined at DHS. If eligible for FIP,
the person then participates in PROMISE JOBS activities to move toward
self-sufficiency. Persons who fail to participate or comply with the
steps in their FIA lose their FIP benefits.
Service Delivery Area 5 includes
Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt and Wright
Counties. PROMISE JOBS staff provides services in Fort Dodge,
Webster City, Pocahontas and Storm Lake. Calhoun, Webster
and Humboldt County residents are served by staff in Fort Dodge.
A variety of activities are available to PROMISE JOBS participants, including:
Assessments– Aptitudes and interests
are evaluated to help participants determine their best route to
self-sufficiency.
Workshops are offered covering
money management, home repair, car repair, housing information,
nutrition, parenting information, lifeskills, etc.
Job Seeking and Skills Training –
Workshops that cover proper interviewing techniques, résumés, how to
fill out a job application, and other work search information.
Job Search – Assistance with finding
employment.
Monitored Employment – Full/part-time
unsubsidized employment.
Basic Education – Includes assistance
with high school completion, GED, adult basic education, and
English-as-a-second-language.
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Post-Secondary Classroom Training –
Includes assistance with academic and vocational training, that prepares participants for a specific area of employment. Assistance is
dependent on abilities and aptitudes, available funding, and other
requirements. There is currently a 24-month funding limit on all
approved post-secondary education.
Parenting Skills – Training that
helps participants become better parents.
Family Development Services – Help
overcoming significant family barriers.
Family Planning Services – An option
for everyone referred to PROMISE JOBS. Participants can find out how
additional children can affect a family’s finances.
Certain groups are required to
complete certain activities to maintain FIP eligibility. Some
financial assistance for transportation and childcare may be available for
PROMISE JOBS participants, depending on the activity. Limited funding
for car repairs, work clothing, and other approvable costs may be available to help participants who are job ready or already employed.
A PROMISE JOBS participant follows the steps of their FIA with the guidance of their PROMISE JOBS worker. Their worker schedules them for each activity and monitors their progress.
Special needs are addressed through a program called FaDSS (Family Development for Self-Sufficiency). This program serves as an advocate for a family and helps them set goals and overcome barriers as they work towards these goals. The FaDSS worker assists a family in moving through the steps of their FIA.
PROMISE JOBS services are limited to FIP recipients. For more
information, contact one of the PROMISE JOBS offices at Iowa
Workforce Development Centers located at Fort Dodge (515) 576-7413
or Webster City (515) 832-2648.
