Information, services and referrals may be offered as substitutes to cash assistance and minimize barriers to employment negating the need for welfare. Job Center Participants are initially required to engage in a full time job search focused on obtaining unsubsidized employment. Through this work first comprehensive service-oriented approach a significant number of potential participants avoid welfare dependency. The most important component of NYC WAY is a structured work assignment for each participant who can work. WEP engages participants in quality of life work activities throughout NYC, benefiting millions of New Yorkers, while providing participants with the opportunity to develop skills such as the ability to work with colleagues, take direction, get to work on time, and the capacity to complete assigned tasks.
Participants also learn to manage the demands of work and personal obligations.
NYC operates the largest work experience program in the nation. Over 35,000 WEP participants are deployed to over 1,000 different WEP sites throughout the City's five boroughs. All applicants, as well as those already receiving benefits, must comply with the State regulation requiring them to be finger imaged. Since July 1995, over one million individuals have been finger imaged. In addition, all substance abusers are required to work as a part of treatment after a brief stabilization period.