Building Strong Futures: How CCWORKS Creates Pathways to Employment and Self-Sufficiency

Administered by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) in partnership with the Workforce Services Bureau, the CCWORKS Subsidized Employment Program is dedicated to helping CalWORKS and Welfare-to-Work (WTW) participants build strong pathways to employment. Through CCWORKS, employers receive a wage subsidy to hire eligible participants for up to six months—opening doors to meaningful work experience, new skills, and renewed confidence on the path to long-term, unsubsidized employment.

Employment Placement Counselors (EPC) play a vital role in participant success. They provide guidance with resume development, interview preparation, soft skill-building, job search, application support, and career planning. Their ongoing support helps participants stay focused, prepared, and motivated as they work toward their goals.

CCWORKS partners with local businesses and Contra Costa County departments, including the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD), to create worksite opportunities aligned with participants’ strengths and career interests. Many participants complete placements with EHSD or other county departments, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for competitive, permanent positions. With support from dedicated supervisors and staff, many CCWORKS participants successfully transition into county employment.

One of those supervisors, Genise Anderson-Long, an Eligibility Work Supervisor, has been a strong supporter of the program. She shares:

“Hosting a CCWORKS Subsidized Employment participant has been a truly positive and rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to host Julia, who consistently demonstrated motivation, reliability, and a genuine willingness to learn. She made a meaningful impact on our team while delivering outstanding customer service. With ongoing support and communication from the Employment Placement Counselor, our goals remained clear, and the partnership felt smooth and productive for everyone involved.

The collaboration between the EPC and me ensured that Julia received the structure, feedback, and encouragement she needed to grow. Over time, we saw tremendous growth in her confidence, problem-solving abilities, and professional responsibility. The CCWORKS program truly fosters self-sufficiency by providing hands-on training, real-world experience, and consistent support. It not only benefits participants but also enriches workplaces through meaningful community engagement.”

Stories like this reflect the heart of CCWORKS: partnership, opportunity, and the belief that with the right support, individuals can build strong futures for themselves and their families.

If you are interested in partnering with the CCWORKS Subsidized Employment Program and becoming a worksite host, please contact at (925) 655-3800 or ccworks@ehsd.cccounty.us. Together, we can create meaningful employment pathways to help participants develop skills, gain experience, and move confidently toward self-sufficiency.