CalWORKs

students on campus

CalWORKs Program

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids) is the state's welfare-to-work program for families with children. The Citrus College CalWORKs Program works in collaboration with the Department of Public Social Services to assist students with education, training and job skills.

Citrus College provides short-term training programs to help CalWORKs students enhance their skills and/or develop new skills in order to find employment as they transition off of cash aid to become self-sufficient.

Additionally, CalWORKs students receive assistance with completion of county paperwork, child care, work-study job placement and referrals to community resources.

If you are receiving Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), Citrus College CalWORKs can help you navigate county requirements and set you on a path to become self-sufficient.

Fall hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Benefits, Services, Eligibility

Program Benefits: How can CalWORKs help you? +-

Access to a wide range of certificates, vocational training and associate degree programs

Academic, career and personal counseling services

Short and long term career planning

Provide information and clarification about county welfare requirements

Completion of county paperwork for childcare and ancillary expenses

Referrals to part-time work-study jobs on campus (see tab below)

Assist with job development resources such as resume writing

Referrals for medical, mental health and legal aid services

Services and Resources+-

Access to a wide range of certificates, vocational training, associate degree programs, and transfer programs

One-on-one academic, career, and personal counseling services

Develop educational and career goals

Provide information about GAIN requirements

Assistance in selecting GAIN-approved education/training program

Help maintain 20/30/35 hour GAIN requirement

Assistance in completing county paperwork for childcare and ancillary expenses

Paid part-time work-study jobs on campus (does not affect cash aid; see tab below)

Advanced standard payment for textbooks and supplies

Job preparation workshops, such as resume writing

Support groups and workshops

Student success strategies and support

Referrals for medical, mental health, and legal aid services

Provide students with on and off-campus resources

Advocate for student rights

Eligiblility: Enroll, Apply, Expectations+-

If you are currently enrolled at Citrus College in college-credit or non-credit courses, you are eligible to participate.

Enroll

To enroll in the Citrus College CalWORKs program, you:

must be a current recipient of AFDC/TANF.
must have a child.
must enrolled in classes at Citrus College.
must be referred by your county worker (such as GAIN in Los Angeles County or employment epecialist in San Bernardino County)

Apply

To apply, please call the Citrus College CalWORKs program at (626) 852-8023 for an appointment. You will be required to show verification of current AFDC/TANF benefit (Welfare to Work plan) and your current class schedule.

Expectations

What's expected from a CalWORKs student?

Meet the 20/30/35 hour county approved program of activities
Comply with Department of Social Services and CalWORKs policies
Remain in good standing with the college

First Appointment

What do I bring to my first appointment?+-

Los Angeles County students must bring a GN6006 (Vocational Training form) provided by your GAIN service worker.
San Bernardino County students must bring a verification of benefits (Passport to Service form) provided by your employment specialist.
A photo ID
Any related county paperwork that needs to be completed by the CalWORKs counselor

What to expect during my first appointment?+-

The first appointment will take approximately one hour. The appointment may be completed in person or remotely via Zoom. Please check in a few minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. For in person appointments, the clerical staff will ask for your VOB (Verification of Benefits). Your VOB is available on the BenefitsCal.com website. At your appointment, you will fill out an intake form, a CalWORKs contract, and a Release of Information form.

During your appointment with the counselor, the focus will be on your professional, academic, and personal goals.

If you have not applied to Citrus College yet, you should do so prior to coming in for your appointment through the admission and records website.

We will refer you to the financial aid website to apply for the California College Promise Grant and FASFA. If you qualify, the fee waiver will waive the fees for your classes. You will most likely only be responsible for a small student service fee, and health fee. The county may also help with these fees.

We will also refer you to extended opportunity programs and services, also known as EOPS. The EOPS department provides additional support services for CalWORKs students and you may also be eligible for the CARE program.

Resources for CalWORKs Students

Forms and Documents+-

Instructions for Monthly Attendance Report: GN 6365 Quick Reference Guide
· alternative accessible version of GN 6365 Quick Reference Guide

Work Study Interest Form

CalWORKs Handbook (2014)

Work Study Campus Employment+-

Looking for a Job on Campus?

Attention CalWORKs students: Take advantage of this opportunity!

Your earnings do not count against your cash aid or CalFresh benefits.

You must meet the following requirements in order to get a job referral:

Enroll in six (6) units or more during the fall and spring semester
Enroll in three (3) units or more during the winter and summer semester
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better

If interested in CalWORKs work study, please complete the Work Study Interest Form and return to the CalWORKs office.

*You must qualify each semester and follow through with program requirements.

Questions? Contact the college CalWORKs office at (626) 852‐8023.

Assistance Programs and Resources+-

BenefitsCalis a portal where one can get and manage benefits online, including food assistance (CalFresh),cash aid (CalWORKs, general assistance, cash assistance program for immigrants), and affordable health insurance (Medi-Cal).

Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)

El Monte DPSS CalWORKs Office
3350 Aerojet Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 569-3100
Participant Help Line (626) 569-3183 or (626) 569-3688

Pomona DPSS CalWORKs Office
2040 W. Holt Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 865-5210
Participant Help Line (909) 868-6499

GAIN Regional Office - Pomona
2255 N Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 392-3008

GAIN Regional Office - El Monte
3216 Rosemead Boulevard, El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 927-2600

Neighborhood Legal Services

Options – A Childcare and Human Services Agency

Orange County Social Services

Pupil Resources - Pomona Unified School District

San Bernardino County Human Services System

Western Center for Law and Poverty

Women, Infants and Children - WIC Nutrition Program

Related Student Service Areas+-

Dream Resource Center, AB 540

EOPS/CARE

Financial Aid

To learn more about CalWORKs, including how to apply and links to helpful resources, visit CDSS CalWORKs.

Stay Connected

Contact Information+-

Sara Gonzales-Tapia : director, EOPS/CARE/NextUp and CalWORKs

CalWORKs
Citrus College
1000 West Foothill Boulevard
Glendora, California 91741

(626) 852-8023
(626) 857-4122 (fax)

CalWORKs is located in the college's Student Services Building, second floor. The Student Services Building is located on the west end of campus, south of the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Download a current map to find your way around campus.