The following new components were implemented on July 1, 2006:

Rapid Employment and Promotion (REP) – This is a voluntary component offered to participants right after Orientation while the case status is pending. Participants must have a California ID or driver’s license, social security card and registration with the Employment Development Department (EDD) in order to be considered for this component.  Additionally, there is a selection process to determine if they are job ready and available to start employment immediately if they receive a job offer.

Early Job Search – This is a voluntary component offered to any interested participants who are willing to participate in intensive job searching activities while they wait for their case to be approved.  Transportation is issued for traveling to job interviews as needed

REP and EJS eliminate the gap between Orientation and JSPC and allow participants whose cases are in pending status, to enroll in GROW immediately after Orientation.  These keeps participants engaged in job searching activities from their Orientation appointment and encourages them to pursuit financial independence.

Short-Term Training - Participants receive referrals to training programs that can be completed within sixty days.  There is no requirement for Vocational Assessment in order to participate in this component.

Short-Term Training is available to all GROW participants at any time the Employment Development Team and/or case manager determine it will be advantageous for participants to pursuit their employment goals.

The following components have been enhanced to improve services to the GROW participants:

Job Skills Preparation Class (JSPC) - A three-week activity consisting of a one-week job skills workshop and two weeks of directed, intense job search activities. The Employment  Development Team (EDT) comprised of the case manager, job developer and facilitator provide support and determine the best way to assist each individual participant in his/her career path, based on information gathered on the Participant Employment Profile (PEP).

We added the EDT and the PEP to JSPC in order to provide more individualized attention to the participants.

Intensive Case Management - This component consists of intensive job searching activities under the guidance of the job developer and/or case manager.  ICM services are provided as follows:

1. During any down-time of a week or more, in-between components.
2. Concurrently with any other activities which combined add up to 20 hours per week.
3. Once all other required components have been completed and until time limits expire.

Intensive Case Management is now offered at any time there is a gap of one week or more in-between components in order to keep participants engaged in job searching activities all through their participation in GROW.

Fastrak - A four-week component designed to increase participant job readiness and career motivation by reducing potential barriers to employment.  Fastrak specifically targets participants who are chronically homeless, those who have previously been in GROW, and those age 50 and older.  Classes are small and utilize an interagency team approach.  Staff from Los Angeles County Office of Education conducts classes with collaboration of DPSS case managers who provide support to the participants.

Fastrak is now offered to participants who are chronically homeless.  We added a “Life Skills” class that will assist this group overcoming barriers specific to homelessness.

Vocational Assessment – Upon recommendation made by the Employment Development Team (EDT) participants are referred to this optional component. A professional vocational assessor develops an agreed-upon employment plan for participants who remain unemployed after participation in the components listed above.  Upon completion, they may be assigned to Intensive Case Management, Short-Term Training or Education/Training.

Vocational Assessment is now optional to the EDT and the case manager in order to allow more flexibility to provide customized services to the participants.