Planning Activities Overview

Pathways to Work Planning activities support Full Engagement Workers (FEWs) and Self Sufficiency Specialists (SSSs) in establishing a strong foundation with referred clients by having meaningful conversations and setting engagement expectations. Staff will utilize the DTA programs and resources available and connect each family to options that work for them.

These activities will be completed when:

  • a TAFDC case is approved, and any parent subject to the work rules has started their 60-day Pathways to Work Planning Period.
  • a client becomes subject to work rules due to an exemption ending and has started their 60-day Pathways to Work Planning Period
  • a parent under 20 is subject to the school and living arrangement rules
  • a client is interested in or participating in Pathways to Work programs but not subject to work rules

Note: An exempt client who is volunteering to explore Pathways opportunities is not required to complete Pathways to Work Planning activities but are encouraged to do so.

Some of these activities will be recorded on the Pathways to Work Planning Activities page in the Pathways to Work workflow. This page is required for those clients who are subject to the work rules and must be completed prior to day 60. FEWs must use their My Engagement Actions to follow-up with families during this time. Both parents in a two-parent household must be engaged.

Activities may include:

JobQuest registration (if not completed during application), support accessing MassHire services or confirmation of enrollment

  • TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation
  • Goal Setting
  • Discuss and connect to support services such as;  
    • Child Care
    • Transportation payments
    • High School Equivalency testing vouchers
    • Learning Disability Assessment referral and follow-up
    • Additional Community Resources
  • Pathways to Work Activity referral and program enrollment

These activities must be completed in a way that makes sense for each family, with the objective of creating a Pathways to Work Plan aligned with the client’s education and employment goals. FEWs and SSSs will determine with the client at what pace they will work through these activities and/or in what order during the 60-day Pathways to Work Planning Period they will be completed. A client who is subject to work rules will receive a Pathways to Work Warning notice if they do not have a Plan in place on day 30.

Note: A Self Sufficiency Specialist will continue to complete the Pathways to Work Planning Activities for all clients in their caseload, with support from the FEW if needed.

Last Update:  August 9, 2023