PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT, JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND BASIC SKILLS (PROMISE JOBS)
PROMISE JOBS is Iowa’s TANF Employment & Training program designed to help cash assistance recipients become self-sufficient through participation in work-ready activities.
Program participants will develop an individualized Employment Plan outlining work-ready activities in order to reach their individualized goals and reduce their dependence on welfare support systems.
HERE IS HOW PROMISE JOBS HELPS
A number of work-ready activities are available to PROMISE JOBS participants, including:
ASSESSMENTS
Aptitudes and interest inventories are used to help participants determine their best route toward meeting their individual goals.
LIFE SKILLS
Workshops are offered covering money management, self-esteem, housing information, nutrition, parenting information, identifying personal goals, etc.
JOB SEEKING / SKILLS TRAINING
Additional workshops cover interviewing techniques, résumés, completing job applications, career exploration, networking, building skills, and other work search information.
JOB SEARCH / JOB COACHING
Learning how to expand and capitalize on job search techniques in order to obtain employment with a livable wage.
EMPLOYMENT & COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Obtaining/retaining full/part-time employment through unsubsidized employment, subsidized employment, self-employment, work experience, and/or community service opportunities to build and expand experiences and skills.
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Education, training and employment options that are available to job seekers wanting to earn a wage while receiving specialized training in a skilled profession.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Includes assistance with covering the costs and supportive assistance to obtain their high school diploma, HiSET (formerly known as GED) certificate, adult basic education, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) to open doors to opportunities that provide sustainable earnings.
POST-SECONDARY CLASSROOM TRAINING
Includes assistance with academic and vocational training beyond high school. We help provide training and certification to prepare participants for careers that are in high demand.
PARENTING SKILLS
Classes that provide parents resources and techniques to adapt to the demands parenting requires.
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Supportive services to assist with addressing and overcoming the challenges and obstacles that family and work can place on participants.
FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES
Classes providing the resources to gain a better understanding of the financial and social impacts of raising a family.
PROMISE JOBS: A SUCCESS STORY
Watch one PROMISE JOBS customer share how the program helped her reach her goals. Discover how PROMISE JOBS can help support you.
WHAT WE OFFER PARTICIPANTS
Supportive services are offered to program participants as they prepare to become work-ready individuals. Each local area has a network of community resources and supportive services.
SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY MAY INCLUDE
- Transportation Assistance
- Childcare
- Housing Assistance
- Educational Assistance Including Tuition and Books
- Work-Related Licensing
- Interview Assistance
- Work Uniforms
ORIENTATION PACKET
If you are a PROMISE JOBS participant and are new to the program, view our online Orientation Packet to get started.
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SELF-SUFFICIENCY (FaDSS)
The FaDSS program partners with PROMISE JOBS to help families build on their strengths, make connections to local resources, identify priorities, set goals, and celebrate successes. For additional information and locations, visit the FaDSS site.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For general questions about PROMISE JOBS, please connect with us through Iowa Workforce Development Customer Service, which can be reached at 1-866-239-0843. Your call will be routed to your local IowaWORKS office. You can also send an email to PROMISEJOBS@iwd.iowa.gov.
Additional Contact Information
For more information on how to qualify for PROMISE JOBS or to apply, please visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.