Field Ops Memo 2008-12: TAFDC Vocational Specialists in TAOs (Phase Two)

In an effort to achieve our goal of increasing economic opportunities for our clients, the Department has developed a Vocational Specialist Program in our TAOs. The vocational specialists will help applicants and clients overcome barriers to employment by meeting with work program required applicants and clients to assess their service needs, barriers to employment and to provide coordination with community support services. The New Initiatives Memo entitled “TAFDC – Vocational Specialists in TAOs (Phase One)” dated January 31, 2008, introduced TAO Staff to the vocational specialist initiative. This memo informed TAO Staff about vocational specialists being placed in the Brockton, Dudley Square, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, New Bedford, North Shore, Revere and Springfield State TAOs. Beginning March 31, 2008 (on an incremental basis), the following TAOs will next receive their vocational specialist: Fitchburg and Framingham will each receive a full-time worker, while Greenfield, Milford, Southbridge, Taunton, Plymouth, North Adams, Pittsfield, Falmouth and Hyannis will each receive a part-time worker. TAO Staff will be notified of the specific arrival dates of the vocational specialists. This will complete the state-wide roll-out of vocational specialists in TAOs.