Target Population: The program provides intensive case management, specially developed remediation for clients, skills training and supportive services targeted to welfare clients who have identifiable barriers to employment, in order to move them from welfare into the workforce.

Program Design: Every SPOC client participates in training readiness, skills training, job search/job preparation or some other approved activity for a minimum of 30 hours per week. These activities begin immediately following completion of the initial education and training assessment. This is meant to facilitate the successful transition into a job specific skills-training program. The goal of the SPOC program is to provide comprehensive education, training and work experience to welfare recipients to enable them to move from welfare into the workforce.

The SPOC program offers all eligible participants:

· Assessment of education and training needs
· Establishment of employment goals
· Development of individualized employment plans
· Case management services
· Short term literacy programs
· Referrals to Adult Basic Education programs
· Referrals to GED and high school diploma programs
· Referrals to English-as-a-Second Language programs
· Classroom vocational skills training
· Subsidized employment
· Paid work experience
· Unsubsidized employment and supportive retention services
· Job readiness training, job search assistance and job development and placement services (in conjunction with EDSI)