Job Preparation and Employment
RESEARCH AND EVALUATIONS
Displaying most recent research reports on Employment.
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General Topic
An Analysis of Barriers to Employment and Job Search Programs for Welfare Recipients: A Case Study, May 2008
From Princeton University, this presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. The purpose of this study was to find out what caseworkers and clients view as main barriers to employment, analyze job search programs, and address administrative changes that could make job search programs more effective.
Download Presentation [PDF - 216 KB]
Understanding the Demand Side of the Low-Wage Labor Market, May 2008
This presentation was given by the Urban Institute at the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. The researchers presented on this project, which was designed to improve understanding of the entry-level and low-wage labor market from the employers’ perspective.
Download Document [PDF - 661 KB]
Understanding the Demand Side of the Low-Wage Labor Market: Final Report, April 2008
Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this report provides an overview of the demand side of the labor market from the perspective of low-wage workers. With the emphasis on TANF to get people into employment, it is increasingly important to review the labor market with this population in mind. Researchers provide data from employers on jobs recently filled that require no more education than a high school degree or GED.
For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/welfare_employ/unders_demand/reports/wage_labor_mkt/wage_labor_mkt.pdf
TANF and Low-Wage Worker Forum, November 2007
The National Governor’s Association sponsored this meeting on promising practices and evidence-based approaches to help families attain employment, advance to better jobs, and sustain self-sufficiency. This webpage provides an overview of presentations and event sessions from the November meeting.
For more information, please see: http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/
Implementation and Sustainability: Emerging Lessons from the Early High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI) Grants, October 2007
The President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI) is a national effort to encourage the development of market-driven strategies to address workforce challenges. This report, from the Urban Institute, provides an implementation study and evaluation assessment of the program for 20 HGJTI grantees.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411556_early_hgjti.pdf
Access to Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance among Low-Income Families: Who Has Access and Who Doesn’t?, August 2007
Lack of employer-sponsored health insurance can affect the productivity of workers and the health of their families. This paper is from the Urban Institute and offers information on access to employer-sponsored health insurance. By evaluating low-income working families, with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty level, the researchers examine patterns of access for health insurance.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411533_fringe_benefits.pdf
Employment and Unemployment Among Youth, August 2007
The Bureau of Labor Statistics at the US Department of Labor provided this data on the number of employed youth in the United States. From April to July 2007, the number of employed youth ages 16 to 24 years old increased by 2.3 million to 21.7 million. Unemployment among youth increased by 548,000 between April and July, which was a lower rise than in 2006.
For more information, please see: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/youth.pdf
The Employment Retention and Advancement Project: Results from the Personal Roads to Individual Development and Employment (PRIDE) Program in New York City, July 2007
From MDRC, this research paper focuses on an evaluation of New York City’s Personal Roads to Individual Development and Employment (PRIDE) program’s Employment Retention and Advancement Project. The PRIDE program is a large-scale welfare-to-work program for recipients with work-limiting medical or mental health conditions.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/466/full.pdf
Hard-to-Employ Parents: A Review of Their Characteristics and the Programs Designed to Serve Their Needs, June 2007
This article from the Urban Institute provides information on hard-to-employ parents and what support services can be utilized to best support these families. The most effective TANF programs offer cash assistance along with services that alleviate barriers and help clients find jobs. With the requirements of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, addressing barriers to work has never been more important for States.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411504_employ_parents.pdf
Labor Force Participation and Human Capital Increases in an Aging Population and Implications for U.S. Research Investment, June 2007
The proportion of the labor force over 65 years old is estimated to increase between 2004 and 2014. Therefore, the health of the aging population is crucial to ensure the elderly are physically and cognitively capable of work. This article from PNAS calls for additional research to be done on how improving health will stimulate the economy and national wealth.
For more information, please see: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/0704185104v1.pdf
Relocation Is Not Enough: Employment Barriers among HOPE VI Families, June 2007
The HOPE VI program seeks to improve economic self-sufficiency among original residents of severely distressed public housing developments. Through the HOPE VI Panel Study, the Urban Institute tracked residents from five sites where relocation began in 2001. At the baseline, 48 percent of the working-age respondents were not employed, which was the same share at the 2003 and 2005 follow-ups. In this brief, authors explore reasons for the lack of change.
For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/311491_HOPEVI_Employment.pdf
State Strategies for Improving the Employment Outcomes of TANF and Low-Income Families, June 2007
The National Governor’s Association provides this resource on State strategies that are implemented to improve employment outcomes for TANF families. Research shows that TANF clients attain jobs, but often have trouble remaining employed and advancing in the labor market, which make it difficult to achieve self-sufficiency. Authors give information on how States can create opportunities to help TANF clients advance in the labor market.
For more information, please see: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0706IMPROVINGTANF.PDF
Trends in the Low-Wage Immigrant Labor Force 2000-2005, March 2007
This brief, from the Urban Institute, examines trends in immigrants’ role in the low-wage and lower-skilled labor force. From 2000 to 2005, the U.S. immigrant population increased from to 35.7 million, and the immigrant labor force increased slightly. However, at the same time, the number of unauthorized immigrants increased to more than 11 million. This increase resulted in the number of immigrants in low-wage, lower-skilled jobs in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and services.
For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411426_Low-Wage_Immigrant_Labor.pdf
Using Vouchers to Deliver Social Services: Learning from the Goals, Uses, and Key Elements of Existing Federal Voucher Programs, March 2007
Mathematica authored this resource on vouchers and gives an overview of how vouchers are used in public programs. Information is provided on the design and implementation of voucher programs and outcomes associated with existing voucher programs, specifically regarding the Child Care and Development Fund and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs.
Training Policy in Brief: An Overview of Federal Workforce Development Policies, February 2007
This “briefing book” from the Workforce Alliance profiles 15 federal programs that support skills training and education at the state and local level. This resource book profiles federal programs that are within the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and the Treasury.
For more information, please see: http://www.workforcealliance.org/atf/cf/%7b93353952-1DF1-473A-B105-7713F4529EBB%7d/Briefing_Ed2.pdf
A Vision for the Future of the Workforce Investment System, January 2007
This paper, originally given as a speech at the annual conference of the National Workforce Association in St. Petersburg, Florida, reviews the impact of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and its predecessors. MDRC gives an overview of the WIA, as well as offers recommendations for future legislation in the areas of target population, the relationship of the workforce system to employers and the welfare system, as well as the performance standards of the system.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/440/concept.pdf
Making Connections: Engaging Employers in Preparing Chicago’s Youth for the Workforce, January 2007
Engaging employers is key in supporting youth transition in the workforce and foster job retention and advancement. This paper, from the Center for Children at the University of Chicago, provides the findings from interviews with youth program providers, employers, and policy makers. Researchers conclude by identifying disconnects in the service delivery, and offer recommendations on how providers can expand employer involvement.
For more information, please see: http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract.aspx?ar=1449
The New Face of the Low-Wage Workforce, January 2007
Research from the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan provides information on the low-wage workforce in the United States. Due to recent immigration, the typical low-wage worker is now most likely to be a Hispanic immigrant. Data also shows that the wage gap between white and Hispanic workers has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Authors provide policy implications and recommendations based on this new data.
For more information, please see: http://npc.umich.edu/publications/policy_briefs/brief8/policy_brief8.pdf
Workforce Investment Act: Employers Found One-Stop Centers Useful in Hiring Low-Skilled Workers; Performance Information Could Help Gauge Employer Involvement, December 2006
This report from the Government Accountability Office seeks to measure the success of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in terms of helping low-income workers find jobs in a streamlined manner as well as engaging employers in the process. In 2005, GAO found that half of local employers knew about services provided at local one-stop centers. This report examines the extent to which employers utilize local one-stop centers and if these services are useful to employers.
For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07167.pdf
Working Together: Aligning State Systems and Policies for Individual and Regional Prosperity, December 2006
This article offers strategies for education programs to sustain and grow, despite diminishing funding. Authors review challenges for states regarding this issue and supporting worker advancement. Successful strategies include focusing on local economic sectors that will provide the most potential for economic development.
To view or download: http://www.workforcestrategy.org/publications/WSC_workingtogether_12.1.06_3.pdf
Locally Grown: Key Strategies for Expanding Workforce Services, November 2006
This report provides three profiles of workforce organizations in Colorado, Georgia and New York. Authors review how these programs were able to build their local programs and also provides strategies for delivering services to both job seekers, employers and to the public agencies funding the efforts.
To view or download: http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/208_publication.pdf [PDF - 1035 KB]
Good Stories Aren't Enough: Becoming Outcomes-Driven in Workforce Development, August 2006
This article outlines the experience of six workforce organizations in the process of restructuring to become more outcomes driving. Reviewing strategies to increase communication among frontline staff around data, many organizations found positive results to better serve job seekers and employers alike
To view or download: http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/203_publication.pdf [PDF - 624 KB]
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Work Outcomes, June 2006
This article, published from the National Association of Social Workers, investigates the relationship of child sexual abuse, physical and psychological barriers to work, and employment outcomes among former and current welfare recipients. Results showed that childhood sexual abuse was correlated with fewer months worked over a 33 month time frame.
For more information, please see: http://puck.naswpressonline.org/vl=2000008/cl=20/nw=1/rpsv/cw/nasw/10705309/v30n2/s3/p83
Promoting Work after Welfare Reform, June 2006
At OPRE's Ninth Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, Isabel Sawhill gave this presentation on research around promoting work. In terms of five factors for reducing poverty rates, full time wages accounts for 42% reduction in poverty, followed by 27% reduction due to marriage. Sawhill then offered policy proposals couple with pros and cons of each for strategies to alleviate poverty in the US.
To view or download: Powerpoint
The Power of Work: The Center for Employment Opportunities Comprehensive Prisoner Reentry Program, April 2006
This article, written jointly by the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in New York City and MDRC, describes how the CEO program operates. CEO serves nearly 2,000 reentering prisoners a year in a program of pre-employment training, immediate short-term transitional work, and job placement services to address high rates of unemployment and recidivism among former prisoners, which can have devastating effects on families, communities, and public budgets.
To view or download: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/426/full.pdf [PDF - 450 KB]
Moving People from Welfare to Work: Lessons from NEWWS
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/Reports2002/NEWWS_Synthesis/NEWWS_Synthesis.htm
What Works in Welfare Reform: Evidence and Lessons to Guide TANF Reauthorization
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/Reports2002/TANF/TANF-Introduction.htm
Job Attainment
The Exchange: News from FYSB and the Youth Services Field, Linking Education and Employment for Brighter Futures, June 2006
This newsletter from the Family and Youth Services Board, reviews strategies for combining education and employment to help support families and youth on the transition to adulthood. Specifically, the FYSB runaway and homeless youth program, which includes Transitional Living Program grants, offer educational and employment-focused assistance for youth.
To view or download: http://www.ncfy.com/publications/exchange/0606.pdf [PDF - 665 KB]
Job Readiness/Training
Sectoral Strategies for Low-Income Workers: Lessons from the Field, August 2007
Sector strategies can help support low-income workers by increasing job readiness and encouraging work attachment. The Aspen Institute authored this report, which provides an overview of innovative sectoral employment strategies that are utilized in workforce development. Sector-based programs can often partner with local employers to further support workers in the workplace.
For more information, please see: http://www.aspenwsi.org/publications/07-014.pdf
State Sector Strategies: Regional Solutions to Worker and Employer Needs, October 2006
Many states are implementing sector strategies in their workforce and economic development policies. Sector strategies build partnerships, which include employers, community organizations, and other key stakeholders around specific sectors to best meet the needs of employers and job readiness needs of workers. This issue brief, from the National Governor’s Association, Center for Best Practices, provides an overview of various sector strategies and offers recommendations for states to launch their own partnership.
To view or download: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0610SECTOR.PDF [PDF - 244 KB]
Barriers to Employment: Findings from the Milwaukee TANF Applicant Study, August 2006
Reviewing data from the Milwaukee TANF Applicant study, this article reviews the prevalence of barriers to employment among participants. Barriers included disabilities, poor health, substance abuse problems, etc. It was found that 56 percent of the study participants were experiencing two or more barriers to employment at the time of application.
For more information, please see: http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract.aspx?ar=1339
Transitional Jobs Programs Break Through Barriers to Work, February 2006
This article reviews information on transitional jobs programs around the country to address barriers to help low-income parents achieve work. Often time, these programs are focused around serving clients with multiple barriers, and they have had success for transitioning clients off welfare into work.
To view or download: http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Resources/3.%20TJ%20Programs%20Break%20Barriers.pdf [PDF - 246 KB]
Transitional Jobs: Real Jobs, Real Wages, Real Success, February 2006
Although TANF caseloads have declined over the past 10 years, participants remaining on caseloads experience barriers to achieving stable employment. Transitional job programs have found success in helping participants address obstacles to work in the program, while earning a paycheck. This article provides a brief overview of transitional job programs, and the benefits they can provide to help clients gain work experience.
To view or download: http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Resources/1.%20TJ%20Programs%20Real%20Jobs-Real%20Wages-Real%20Success.pdf [PDF - 203 KB]
Job Retention
Career Ladder/Lattice Tool Now Available for Workforce Community Use, August 2008
Through the U.S. Department of Labor, this Web site includes the Build a Competency Model Tool that guides stakeholders through the development of a competency model that identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform successfully in an industry. The Build a Career Ladder/Lattice Tool helps the user build career ladders/lattices that outline critical experiences individuals need to progress through a career in a specific industry.
For more information, please see: www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel
The Employment Retention and Advancement Project: Results from the Valuing Individual Success and Increasing Opportunities Now (VISION) Program in Salem, Oregon, April 2008
This report presents the findings from a one year follow-up of the Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) Project at the Salem, Oregon site. This particular site in Oregon used a model with a goal to help formerly unemployed TANF clients attain better job placements and increase job retention. The ERA Project was implemented in 16 different sites throughout the country and is being conducted by MDRC, under contract to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/welfare_employ/employ_retention/reports/vision_salem/vision_salem.pdf
Better Workers for Better Jobs: Improving Worker Advancement in the Low-Wage Labor Market, December 2007
This article is from the Hamilton Project and provides information on how low-wage workers can advance in the labor market. Wage inequality is constantly growing in the US and low-wage workers need additional supports to help close the gap in earnings. Many state and local initiatives can offer training, financial supports, and job placement assistance to low-income workers; however, these programs are often too small to have a substantial effect on low-wage workers as a whole.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/1001118_better_jobs.pdf
Employer Guide: Educate Your Employees about Benefits They've Earned, December 2007
From Corporate Voices for Working Families, this guide was developed to assist employers in supporting employees. This guide provides information on how employers can educate their employees on programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, State Children’s Health Insurance, Food Stamps, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
For more information, please see: http://cvworkingfamilies.org/Employerguide/employerguide.shtml
From Getting By to Getting Ahead: Navigating Career Advancement for Low-Wage Workers, October 2007
From MDRC, this report reviews earnings and work support programs that assist working families. MDRC’s Work Advancement and Support Center (WASC) demonstration program is designed to support workers in the workplace and help workers stabilize their incomes through supports such as food stamps, public health insurance, subsidized child care, and tax credits for eligible low-income families.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/465/full.pdf
Improving Work Supports: Closing the Financial Gap for Low-Wage Workers and their Families, October 2007
This paper is from the Economic Policy Institute and provides an overview of why work supports are needed to sustain working families in the United States. Work support benefits can help low-wage workers close the gap between earnings and expenses to support their families. Researchers provide an overview of existing work support programs and offer recommendations for enhancing such programs.
For more information, please see: http://www.sharedprosperity.org/bp198/bp198.pdf
Next Steps in Providing Benefits to Low-Wage Workers, October 2007
This resource is from the Urban Institute, and includes information from a forum on supporting low-wage workers. One in twenty adult workers earns low wages; it is often a struggle to support their families in such jobs. This resource, which includes presentations from panelists, offers information on how low-wage workers can be supported through income, benefits, and work support services.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/firsttuesdays/october2007.cfm
Building Skills and Promoting Job Advancement: The Promise of Employer-Focused Strategies, September 2007
From the Urban Institute, this paper describes three employer-based training models that have been proven to improve skills and promote job advancement. Results show that employer-focused job training is effective for both workers and employers, especially when the program includes skills that reflect private-sector demands in the local labor market. Employer-focused training programs include partnerships between businesses, public service delivery systems, and non-profit organizations.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411535_building_skills.pdf
Low-Income Workers and Their Employers: Characteristics and Challenges, August 2007
This paper is from the Urban Institute and reviews characteristics of low-income workers and their employers, and how characteristics play a role in public assistance programs. Utilizing the Current Population Survey, it was found that about one in four workers earned less than $7.73 an hour in 2003. Researchers also found that low-wage, low-income workers with children are more likely to be younger, Hispanic, live in one-parent families, and report being in fair or poor health.
For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411532_low_income_workers.pdf
The Employment Retention and Advancement Project: Results from the Personal Roads to Individual Development and Employment (PRIDE) Program in New York City, July 2007
From MDRC, this research paper focuses on an evaluation of New York City’s Personal Roads to Individual Development and Employment (PRIDE) program’s Employment Retention and Advancement Project. The PRIDE program is a large-scale welfare-to-work program for recipients with work-limiting medical or mental health conditions.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/466/full.pdf
The Employment Retention and Advancement Project: Results from the Post-Assistance Self-Sufficiency (PASS) Program in Riverside, California, May 2007
Through MDRC’s Employment Retention and Advancement project, this report presents findings after two-years of a program in Riverside County, California. The program’s objective was to promote job retention and advancement among employed individuals who recently left the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It was found that participants in the program had increased employment rates of four percent above the control group, and increased earnings of 11 percent.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/458/full.pdf
Low-Wage Worker Employer Toolkit, March 2007
This toolkit was authored by the Council for Labor and Economic Growth, Low Wage Worker Advancement Committee and provides information on how employers can support employees. Employers can often provide work supports to help retain workers by helping workers to build assets, which in turn, reduces employer turnover. Specifically, the Council provides strategies to help employers inform workers of asset building programs in the community.
For more information, please see: http://www.skilledwork.org/pdfs/LOW-WAGE-REV-2-26-07.pdf
Subsidized Housing and Employment: Building Evidence about What Works to Improve Self-Sufficiency, March 2007
From MDRC, this paper calls for a stronger base of evidence in the housing-employment policy arena through expanding the use of randomized controlled trials. Authors argue that such evidence could provide more information on best practices in subsidized housing and employment programs.
For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/446/full.pdf
Innovative Employment Approaches and Programs for Low-Income Families, February 2007
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation published this report on effective approaches and programs for promoting stable employment and wage growth among low-income populations. These strategies can provide stakeholders with guidance around programs to improve outcomes for workers and their families. Programs highlighted include the following strategies: service-focused employment preparation, skill development, income and work supports, and employment-based experience.
For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/welfare_employ/inno_employ/reports/innovative/innovative.pdf
How Can Employers Increase Productivity and Retention of Entry-Level, Hourly Employees?, November 2006
This research brief, from the Families and Work Institute, provides information on how employers can engage low-wage workers to increase job retention. Utilizing a sample of 3,504 workers, researchers found that workers who feel supported and empowered- by employer-supported learning opportunities, for example- are more likely to remain at their current company.
For more information, please see: http://familiesandwork.org/site/research/reports/brief2.pdf
Work-Plus: Boosting the Bottom Line for Low-Wage Working Parents, July 2006
This research brief discusses the importance of work supports for low-wage earners to maintain and advance in the job market. The National Assembly's Family Strengthening Policy Center outlines the work-plus approach to support workers in the workplace by engaging employers and expanding work supports to workers such as the EITC and childcare subsidies.
To view or download: http://www.nassembly.org/fspc/practice/documents/Brief15.pdf [PDF - 292 KB]
A New Approach to Low-Wage Workers and Employers: Launching the Work Advancement and Support Center Demonstration, March 2006
MDRC's Work Advancement and Support Center (WASC) demonstration tested strategies to foster employment retention and career advancement for low-income workers. These strategies included services to help workers keep their jobs or find better ones and simplified access to programs intended to provide financial support to low-income workers. This is the first report from sites n Dayton, OH and San Diego, CA.
To view or download: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/424/full.pdf [PDF - 415 KB]
The Employment Retention and Advancement Project: Results from the Texas ERA Project, February 2006
This resource provides results from a 2-year follow-up of a Texas job retention and advancement program for TANF recipients. Implemented in Corpus Christi, Houston, and Fort Worth, this study found that while pre-employment services were important, post-employment services made key impacts for increase job retention and advancement among TANF recipients.
To view or download: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/welfare_employ/employ_retention/reports/results_texas/results_texas.pdf [PDF - 1,546 KB]
Wage Progression
Promoting Stable Employment and Wage Progression: Findings from the Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) Project, May 2008
This presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. MDRC presented on the Employment Retention and Advancement Project, which is a national study of a wide variety of programs aiming to promote stable employment and/or wage progression among low-wage workers.
Download Presentation [PDF - 578 KB]
How Are Low-Skilled Women Doing in the Labor Market?, June 2006
This policy brief explores the position of women in the labor force over the past 25 years. Across all labor categories, the number of women in the workforce has increased and the male/female wage gap has narrowed. Less-skilled women currently fare better than their male counterparts, but are not as faring as well as women with more education.
To view or download: http://npc.umich.edu/publications/policy_briefs/brief6/brief06.pdf [PDF - 248 KB]
Ten Years of Working, Two Variations on Advancement: Changes in Annual Earnings Among Project Match Participants, February 2006
Since 1985, Project Match has served low-income families in Chicago to gain employment. By reviewing long-term employment among participants, this study found that earnings did increase over a ten year period.
To view or download: http://www.pmatch.org/advance_feb_ohsix.pdf [PDF - 1536]