CalWORKs/TANF ASSESSMENT SERVICES EXPLANATION

 

Foster Assessment Center & Testing Service Inc. (FACTS) is the largest provider of assessment services for welfare recipients through the CalWORKs and TANF programs in California. To date, FACTS has conducted over 100,000 vocational and career assessments and learning disability evaluations for CalWORKs programs in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Kern, San Diego, and Ventura Counties. FACTS' assessors have also conducted thousands of vocational and career assessments for General Relief programs throughout Southern California.

 

FACTS administers a diagnostic objective vocational assessment that is an examination of the capabilities, needs, and vocational potential of a participant.

 

FACTS' diagnostic evaluation of employment potential and barriers includes:

      a. work history

      b. education / training

      c. skills transference

      d. vocational interests

      e. aptitudes

      f.  attitude towards work / job readiness skills

      g. behavior patterns affecting employment potential

      h. supportive services needs and/or reasonable accommodations to overcome

..........employment.barriers

 

Specific indicators (tools) that FACTS' utilizes in the assessment may include, but are not limited to:

      a. structured interviews;

      b. behavioral observations;

      c. basic skills tests;

      d. interest and/or attitude inventories;

      e. career guidance instruments;

      f.  performance tests;

      g. aptitude tests;

      h. personality;

      i.  work values; and

      j.  learning and study strategies.

 

The vocational assessor analyzes and discusses the test results with the participant. Jointly they review the completed occupational inventories. Inventories are then compared with the assessment results. The vocational assessor and participant jointly agree on employment goals, submitting all to the case manager or social worker. The concept of career ladders is discussed with each participant with a focus given to utilization of transferable skills.

 

The final assessment report can also be a tool for case management, basic skills educators, and vocational training personnel. The purpose of the report is to document the appropriateness of the employment plan, individual participant needs, barriers to employment and the recommendations and planning to overcome these obstacles to employment.

 

Please contact the FACTS administrative office for further information or services available to the CalWORKs or TANF population.