Outcomes-Oriented ESE Toolkit

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) recently released an Outcomes-Oriented ESE Toolkit to support counties statewide in strengthening their Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) programs. Third Sector was engaged by CDSS and the California Welfare Directors Association (CWDA), to provide technical assistance and help advance an approach that focuses on outcomes and continuous improvement in the ESE program. The resulting toolkit guides counties in moving programming, contracting, and data practices towards an outcomes orientation.

As part of their California Work Opportunities and Responsibilities to Kids (CalWORKs) block grant, 52 counties in California have ESE programs, which had more than 10,000 new clients in FY 16-17. The ESE programs provide training, support, and subsidized work experience for CalWORKs families moving toward self-sufficiency. This toolkit includes guidance from the state for counties on: creating outcomes contracts with service providers and/or employers, using newly accessible data on quarterly earnings to make program decisions and spending ESE funds on innovative services/activities that lead to better outcomes for clients.