OWRA Success Stories

Highlights From the Field

Since its first iteration in 2011, the OWRA tool has evolved to incorporate stakeholder feedback, enhance the case management experience, and improve overall efficiency. Included are eight site case studies who adapted and implemented OWRA for use with their clients.

Pathways to Self-Sufficiency – Spotlight on Faith in Fathers Program

Faith in Fathers is a Responsible Fatherhood grantee that piloted OWRA for the Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services. The video highlights how use of the OWRA tool has improved services for clients and case managers.

Pathways to Self-Sufficiency – Frequently Asked Questions

This video addresses several frequently asked questions about the Online Work Readiness Assessment (OWRA) Tool from the perspective of case managers at Faith in Fathers, Inc. and DC Department of Human Services who have used the tool to assess TANF clients.

Pathways to Self-Sufficiency – Spotlight on DC Department of Human Services

The District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services (DC DHS) was looking for a way to better serve their TANF population. After some initial research, DCDHS customized the Online Work Readiness Assessment Tool. The video shows how the tool has helped DC DHS identify the needs of their clients and categorizes them based on their strengths and barriers which leads to targeted assistance and better outcomes.

OWRA – South Carolina’s Experience Using the Tool Statewide

In 2011, the Online Work Readiness Assessment (OWRA) tool was fully deployed and implemented statewide in South Carolina. Over 200 front line caseworkers across 46 counties were trained on how to use the OWRA application and on motivational interviewing, and 4,585 intake assessments were conducted. In addition, South Carolina’s legacy TANF intake and eligibility data system – Client History and Information Profile System (CHIP) was linked to OWRA. Gilda Kennedy, who was the Program Coordinator with the Family Independence Program with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, filmed an informational video about the state’s work with OWRA. 

OWRA – Cook County, Illinois' Experience Using the Tool in a Large, Urban Setting

In 2011, the Online Work Readiness Assessment (OWRA) tool was fully deployed and implemented over a six month period in Cook County, Illinois. Over 120 front line caseworkers across sixteen (16) Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) were trained on how to use the OWRA application and on motivational interviewing, and 1,325 cases were created. In addition, the Illinois State TANF intake data system - Automated Intake System (AIS) was linked to OWRA. Caprisca Randolph - Robinson, who served as the TANF Director in the Division of Human Capital Development for the Illinois Department of Human Services, filmed an informational video about the state’s work with OWRA.