Work Experience Program

The Work Experience Program (W.E.P.) Administered by Muskingum County Department of Job and Family Services (M.C.D.J.F.S.) provides participants an opportunity to gain work experience through interaction in a work setting with others workers and to participate in training in a job site atmosphere. Participants are assigned to public, private nonprofit or private for profit organizations to become familiar with workplace expectations and to learn appropriate work behaviors, attitudes and teamwork skills necessary to compete in the local job market. The participants monthly work schedule is reviewed on a monthly basis to determine absences and to review the work site supervisor’s comments. The work site supervisor serves as a very informative source in aiding the caseworker and job developer in determining barriers that need to be removed to make the participant job ready. Bimonthly evaluation forms are completed by the work site supervisor and aid the caseworker and job developer in determining job readiness for the individual. Before an individual is determined ready to go to work they may be assigned to another work site to gain additional work and training experience in a different environment. Participants in the W.E.P. may be aided by a travel expense check to cover mileage expenses.

Permanent employment opportunities may be possible with these local businesses and through nonprofit organizations for our participants. Employers benefit from the free labor provided by the participants they train as well as access to a large pool of qualified workers. Work site supervisors may also write letters of recommendation for the participant or serve as a reference person on a resume.

Worker’s Compensation benefits are provided for the participant through M.C.D.J.F.S.