About the Program
Work First operates a Wage Subsidy Program through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance that has successfully placed more than 1,000 New Yorkers into employment so far. The Wage Subsidy Program is an innovative and effective job placement strategy that increases job retention, helps companies develop new talent, and creates jobs while supporting low-income individuals in the journey to develop workplace skills and experience.
How it Works
The Wage Subsidy Program serves low-income individuals by placing them into temporary, subsidized employment, a crucial stepping stone to long-term employment and self-sufficiency. Individuals are eligible for the program if they are unemployed and have a child under the age of 18 or are between 18-20 years of age themselves.
Work First partners with companies both big and small to develop new talent and ‘try out’ new employees by covering up to 75% of a new hire’s monthly wages. The Wage Subsidy Program benefits both employees and employers; low-income clients are given on-the-job training and valuable industry-specific skills that greatly increase their changes of being hired for the long-term, and companies enjoy the financial flexibility to hire and train more people, which in turn increases the likelihood that new hires are kept on after the trial period ends.
Looking Forward
Unlike other employment programs, Work First’s Wage Subsidy Program both infuses the economy and creates new jobs. Because of the program’s success in New York State, Work First is a strong advocate for Wage Subsidy as a model that should be adopted throughout the country. We are continually seeking ways to expand the Wage Subsidy Program with new referrals, extend our contract in New York State, and bring this innovative method to new locations.