About the Handbook

Revised on: September 20, 2021

WorkFirst program staff at Economic Services Administration (ESA) of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) primarily wrote this handbook. Others contributing to the contents of this handbook include:

Employment Security Department (ESD)
The State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
The Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Workforce Development Councils (WDC)
Tribal Governments and other partners

Handbook chapters cover the following topic areas:
Tools	The tools we use to process cases (such as Individual Responsibility Plans and eJAS screening/evaluation)
Supports	The supports we provide to participants (such as child care and support services)
Engaging Participants in WorkFirst	How we introduce participants to the WorkFirst program
The Pathways	The pathways participants may take to self-sufficiency include: Career Scope – provides services to help participants find jobs Community Jobs – paid work activity that help a participant prepare for work Community Works – unpaid work activity that help a participant prepare for work Education & Training – education and training programs that help participants build knowledge and skills needed for work Employment - Services and requirements for employed participants LEP – services provided to limited English proficiency participants Issue Resolution - Working with issues that interfere with participants’ ability to work (like family violence) Exempt – provides services to participants who may take alternative routes to self-sufficiency (like SSI)

Using the WorkFirst Handbook

Each section of the WorkFirst Handbook may have:

A legal reference list and key principles at the top;
The body of text in the center with special requirements, examples or activities notated in special fonts or colored boxes; and
A list of resources at the bottom.

The use of participant and parent/caregiver are interchangeable throughout this handbook.

The use of WorkFirst staff is used interchangeably throughout the WorkFirst Handbook to refer to either Case Planners or Social Service Specialists, as many major program components are supported by both roles. For situations when a program component is handled solely by the Social Service Specialist, the term Case Manager is used.

Desk Aids

This page contains useful desk aids. Policy and procedure changes will result in revisions to this information.

Recent Handbook Revisions

Over the next year, the WorkFirst Handbook will undergo modernization to improve consistency and flow by removing operational procedures and internal controls. All revisions will continue to be listed here, however, we anticipate that as we navigate these changes, hyperlinks may become broken. We appreciate your patience as we complete this effort.

Recent Handbook Revisions

Contact Sarah Garcia at Sarah.Garcia@dshs.wa.gov for any revisions prior to January 2021.

Date	Chapter/Section	Revision	Description of Revision
3/19/26	7.1 Education and Training - Overview, 7.3 Basic Education, Skills Enhancement, High School Completion and High School Equivalency, 7.4 Other Education	7.1, 7.3, and 7.4	Clarifies that job skills training may include enrollment in a four-year bachelor's program when paired with 20 hours of core activities.
3/17/26	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Adds two-parent High Unemployment Rate TLE examples to support clarity in application of policy.
3/10/26	8.5 Voluntary/Court Ordered Community Services	8.5	Removes process for DSHS facilitation of L&I coverage and incorporates updated CSD staffing references.
3/9/26	3.3.2 Stacking Activities	3.3.2	Updates to ensure policy accuracy and clarity, removes redundancy, and incorporates updated CSD staffing references.
2/25/26	6.7 Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Updates appropriate consent form references.
2/23/26	3.2.1 Comprehensive Evaluation	3.2.1	Supports clarity around comprehensive evaluation policy, in alignment with workflows.
1/26/26	2.2 Support Services	2.2	Restructuring section to focus and enhance policy elements, and remove technical procedures.
1/6/26	Disabilities and Exemptions	6.6 and 6.8	Updated language and desk aids related to WorkFirst disabilities and exemptions.
1/6/26	LEP Pathway	5.2	Updated LEP referral pathway flow.
9/24/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Clarified TLE full time self-employment hours using eJAS calculator.
9/19/25	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updated statewide ESD life skills classes.
8/20/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1.16	Updated reference to CSD procedure when pending TANF for TLE.
7/29/25	Entering NCS Sanction, Ending NCS Sanction	3.5.1, and 3.5.2	Updating text for sanction letters.
6/10/25	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updated RI from 7-10 days.
5/19/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Corrected letters when requesting additional information for a TLE.
5/16/25	Individual Responsibility Plan	3.3.1.2	Added clarifying information for when IRPs are completed.
4/18/25	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.1 and 3.6.2	Updated to include recent high unemployment and IE/TE/PD exemptions.
3/14/25	WorkFirst Orientation	1.4	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology.
3/14/25	Required Documentation and Documenting and reporting Participation	1.6 and 3.7.2	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology, updated redaction policy.
3/14/25	Paid and Unpaid Employment Overview	8.1	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology.
2/28/25	Tribal Governments	9.1.4	Remove outdated language.
1/31/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1.14	Updated PWA language.
1/14/25	Family Violence	6.5	Clarifying language when coding XF actual hrs vs documenting hours.
1/3/25	BFET	5.3	Updating step transitioning from BFET to TANF.
12/12/24	Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Removing reference to sunset form 14-310.
11/21/24	Assessments PWA	6.2.6	Adding link to PWA CSD procedure.
11/1/24	Case Staffings	4.4.3	Clarifying language when case staffings are mandatory.
10/18/24	Support Services	2.2	Removing support service categories; work, safety and other.
10/11/24	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.1 and 3.6.2.6	Updating TLE and SEP process.
9/17/24	Participating While Resolving Issues	6.3.9	Updating criteria for FSC.
9/17/24	Community Jobs	8.3	Updated budgeting to include Family Earnings Disregard and WFPS to Case manger or WorkFirst staff.
9/6/24	Disabilities and Exemptions	6.6 and 6.8	Updating WorkFirst staff references and updating links to updated desk aids.
6/5/24	Career Scope	4.1.13	Updating step-by-step for life skills.
5/31/24	Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Updated WorkFirst staff references.
5/9/24	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Reviews, Pregnancy to Employment	3.6.1, 3.6.2, 5.1.19	Updating new infant, toddler and post partum TLE exemptions.
5/03/24	Support Services	2.2	Updating WorkFirst staff references and Resources.
4/30/24	Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS)	3.5.1	Updating WorkFirst staff references.
4/26/24	Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) referral and assessment process	6.2.6	Updating PWA process.
3/25/24	Participation While Resolving Issues	6.3.11	Adding new section 6.3.11 Coordinated Entry.
3/15/24	Support Services	2.2.1	Adding reference to OAR program.
3/7/2024	Participating While Resolving Issues	6.3	Updating language removing for Case Planner and Case Manager, updated FCS language.
3/7/2024	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP.
3/7/2024	Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.2	Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP.
2/1/2024	About the Handbook, Comprehensive Evaluation, Pathway Development Tool	About the Handbook, WFHB 3.2.1, WFHB 3.2.3	Updating changes to support transition for WorkFirst reorganization.
1/01/2024	2.1.2 Supports Overview	WFHB 2.1.2	Expanding Transitional Food Assistance to sanctioned families.
11/1/2023	7.2 Vocational Education	WFHB 7.2	Updated HWHD step by step.
10/18/2023	3.6.1.5 What are the time limit extensions categories?	WFHB 3.6.1.5	Update examples of mixed households, ineligible parent and recipient parent.
10/2/2023	6.5.12 What is the Address Confidentiality Program	WFHB 6.5.12	Updates information related address confidentiality program.
9/8/2023	3.6.2.1 Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.2.1	Updating examples related to no longer qualifying for a TLE.
9/1/2023	3.2.1 Comprehensive Evaluation	WFHB 3.2.1.3, WFHB 1.6.4	Updating partner access note for PDT.
8/8/2023	3.5.1 Entering NCS	WFHB 3.5.1.9	Updating lack of childcare clarification.
8/7/2023	3.5.1 Entering NCS	WFHB 3.5.1.11, 3.5.1.12, 3.5.1.17	Mandatory text on staffing results letter.
7/31/2023	2.2 Support Services	WFHB 2.2.10, 2.2.17, 2.2.18	Updates to remove BOA card process.
7/25/2023	3.6.1Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.1.16	Clarifying information on letter for individuals that waived TLE notice.
7/21/2023	3.5.1 Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS)	WFHB 3.5.1.10	Adding information related to undefined hardships that would reasonably prevent participation.
6/29/2023	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions, 3.6.2 Time Limit Reviews	WFHB 3.6.1, WFHB 3.6.2	Removing time limit requirements for ineligible parents.
5/18/2023	6.2 Assessments	WFHB 6.2.2, 6.2.3	Assessments for In Loco Parentis caregivers.
5/1/2023	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.1	Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process.
5/1/2023	3.6.2 Time limit Reviews	WFHB 3.6.2	Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process.
4/7/2023	2.2 Support Services	WFHB 2.2.11 - 2.2.15	Updating support services, removing Pearson Vue and DOL.
3/30/2023	6.8 WorkFirst Exemptions	WFHB 6.8.1, 6.8.9, 6.8.10, 6.8.11	Updating WorkFirst exemptions and mandatory activities.
2/1/2023	1.2 Required Participation & 6.8 Exemptions	1.2.9. 6.8.8	DVR Referrals.
1/1/2023	2.2 Support Services	2.2.18.3	Support service audits.
12/1/2022	4.1 Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1.12, 4.1.13, 7.3.6	Strategies for Success Update.
12/1/2022	5.1 Pregnancy to Employment	1.4.6, 3.2.1.8, 5.1	Home Visiting Expansion.
11/1/2022	5.2 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway	5.2.4	Update PU from PRUCOL to Lawfully Residing Individuals.
8/9/22	3.2.3 Pathway Development Tool	3.2.3	Clarification on completing the PDT.
6/17/22	1.2 Required Participation	1.2	Updating Sentencing Alternatives …Desk Aid Name.
5/19/22	Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway	5.2	Updated RCA time limit reference from 8 to 12 months.
4/18/22	Children with Special Needs	6.4	Clarification based on staff feedback.
04/11/22	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	Extension of Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/23.
02/01/22	Ineligible Parent Time Limit	3.6.1, 5.2	Survivors of Certain Crimes.
01/20/22	Support Services	2.2	End of TI and expansion of PETSS statewide, increase of annual support services limit to $5000.
12/10/21	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	TLE Supervisory/Designee Review Process Automation.
12/01/21	IE/TE Counter	5.1	IE/TE counter updates, but TE counter not functional.
11/15/21	Personal Pathway Tool	3.1, 3.2.2,	Suspension of the use of the PP tool until further notice.
09/01/21	Pathway Development Tool, Integrated Interview, WorkFirst Reengagement	About the Handbook, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.6.1, 3.6.2, 3.7.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 7.2, 7.3, 9.3	Implementation and launching of the Pathway Development Tool and the Integrated Interview. Return to pre-COVID participation requirements.
07/01/21	Non-Compliance Sanctions	1.2, 1.6.3, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4, 3.7.2.8, 5.1, 7.6.2, 8.4.2, 9.4.6	Implementation of 2441 effective 07/1/21.
07/01/21	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	Implementation of McKinney-Vento and Post-Pandemic TLE.
03/16/21	Support Services	2.2	Expanding DOL online services statewide & mailing of BOA.
02/02/21	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updates to RB Process.
01/05/21	Disabilities (physical, mental & learning disabilities.)	6.6	Updated Medical Evidence Documents (no changes to chapter text).