The most effective antipoverty policy is to help people find a job that pays enough to support their family. Job creation alone is not enough. We have to pay particular attention to what kind of jobs we are creating. Since 1979, there have been big increases in income for those at the top of the income food chain, and almost no change at all for those at the bottom.

In 2007, the American Community Survey estimated that 24.5% of Philadelphians live in poverty compared to 13.3% nationwide. This problem persists mostly because low-wage, low-skilled jobs don’t pay enough for workers to support their families.

Because wages for low-skilled workers have been so stagnated, many workers still struggle below the poverty line or they choose not to work altogether. Another problem is that many low-skilled workers still have a difficult time finding a job, especially one that pays well. Therefore, it is also important to facilitate work through a range of services such as job search assistance, training, and child-care supports.

That is why the Mayor’s Office of Community Services created a program called Workwise. The program provides job readiness and job search assistance to individuals referred from the Department of Welfare (DPW). The title “Workwise” was chosen because of its ambitious goal of preparing individuals for the world of work. We also designed Workwise to address the concerns of local and regional employers. Program customers are on public assistance and must seek job training due to federal and state welfare mandates.

Workwise provides four weeks of job search assistance. The job readiness classes prepare low-income Philadelphians for the world of work by aptitude and skill assessment, development of resumes, completion of sample applications, and a review of the job market. Throughout the program, case managers assist the participants in addressing employment barriers. They include identifying suitable licensed childcare operations, accessing childcare and transportation allowances from DPW, and implementing intensive case management support as needed. Workwise also has a child drop-in center. Children participate in activities relevant to their age level, while parents attend classes.

Our program has employment specialists surveying Philadelphia and the region for employment opportunities. However, our program is limited in two respects. First, many opportunities obtained by our clients are part-time or entry level positions. Second, we are limited by DPW to serving just welfare referrals.

Disadvantaged workers would be better served if additional funding was used to:

• Increase the minimum wage.
• Create a state EITC for childless workers & families with 3 or more children.
• Facilitate post-prison employment.
• Provide sectoral training for disadvantaged workers.
• Strengthen work requirements for government assistance.