TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation

The TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation provides an opportunity for all TAFDC clients to learn about the education, training and employment programs available, support services and local contacts and community resources. Full Engagement Workers and Self Sufficiency Specialists will be the primary staff completing Orientation activities.

The TAFDC Orientation can be completed at any point, with or after the Welcome Call, as one of the Pathways to Work Planning activities and must be offered to the client in the different formats based on what their needs are. An Orientation must be completed with all TAFDC clients who will engage in Pathways to Work activities. It is required for those who are subject to work rules. The Orientation completion date must be recorded on the Planning Activities page.

The TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation and local resource materials are to be shared with clients through email, when possible. Clients may also be directed the Pathways to Work website and have the Orientation content reviewed over the phone. If a client requests paper materials, the FEW or SSS must work with their supervisor to have an in-office staff member print and mail from a local office.

FEWs and SSSs will determine with each family how they want to complete their Orientation including:

  • individual via telephone or virtual platform
  • group via virtual platform
  • at a community or provider site

All clients are to receive the same introduction to TAFDC Pathways to Work regardless of how they complete their Orientation, with the group sessions allowing for attendees to learn directly from multiple providers. If an individual Orientation does not result in a program referral, or a client wants to explore programs after a one-on-one Orientation, they are to be referred to the TAO’s next group session to learn about the opportunities directly from available programs. For clients who are already enrolled or know what activity they want to enroll in during or following their orientation, the Pathways activity referral is to be completed at this time.

TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation Schedule

FEWs for each local office will facilitate biweekly virtual TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation sessions that will share the overview of Pathways to Work opportunities and supports, and ensure participants are connected directly to the local education, training, and employment providers.

Each office will determine set days and times and schedule a recurring virtual meeting using the Department’s approved video conferencing platform.

Local offices may also hold additional sessions to provide a TAFDC Orientation in a language other than English or for other targeted populations such as young parents, clients residing in shelter or to promote specialized programming or training.

Orientation Appointments

The TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation is required for those subject to work rules.

If the FEW is unable to connect with a client for the Welcome Call, a telephonic Case Maintenance appointment must be scheduled to complete an individual Orientation seven days from the last cold call attempt.

If client contact is made for the Welcome Call but the Orientation will be completed at a later date, the FEW must determine how the client wants to complete the Orientation and either schedule a telephonic Case Maintenance appointment or send a TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation email with the link to access the next virtual Orientation session occurrence.

If a client is invited to attend a virtual Orientation session, but does not attend, the FEW must schedule a telephonic Case Maintenance appointment seven days from the missed session. If a client does not have a contact number, an In-Office Case Maintenance appointment must be scheduled. The client must be connected to the FEW at the TAO by local office staff.

Record Orientation Completion Date

The client’s completion of the TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation, either one-on-one or group must be recorded on the Pathways Planning Activities page. FEWs and SSSs must also enter a narrative with any important information or follow-up steps needed. If the FEW or SSS completes both the Welcome call and Orientation at the same time, this date may be the same.

Last Update: August 9, 2023