Division of Family and Economic Security, Bureau of Working Families

Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual


5.2.1 Informal Assessment

Informal assessment is an ongoing case management practice, which starts during the W-2W-2Wisconsin Works application period and continues until the individual no longer receives W-2 services.

A comprehensive informal assessment via the WWPWWPWisconsin Work Programs Informal Assessment Driver Flow must be completed and submitted prior to initial W-2 placement and at each placement change.

The purpose of the informal assessment process under W-2 is to help the FEP better understand the goals and needs of the individual and their family to determine the:

  • Individual's ability to become employed;
  • Services and activities necessary for the individual to secure and maintain stable employment;
  • Appropriate W-2 placement of a participant;
  • Existence of potential disabilities or other specific limitations;
  • Need for further career assessment and planning;
  • Need for vocational evaluation/assessment; and
  • Need for a formal assessment of any disabilities or other employment barriers by a qualified assessing agency or individual.

Multiple approaches to informal assessment can be used, based on individual needs. Additional approaches to conducting informal assessment may include:

  • Automated screening and assessment tools available within the W-2 agency;
  • Information gathered through case management meetings;
  • Worksite performance evaluations;
  • Goal setting exercises/tools (e.g., where do you want to be in six months? Two years?, etc.); and
  • Experience with following through on job search and other assigned activities.