Becoming a Wisconsin Works (W-2) Worksite

The primary goal of Wisconsin Works (W-2) is to help parents find and keep employment. Building work experience through a W-2 worksite is one of the most effective ways for a participant to prepare for unsubsidized employment. It provides W-2 participants the opportunity to build skills and good work habits, as well as gain a positive professional reference, and expand their resume.
Becoming a worksite provides the employer with workers who can help the organization achieve its goals. In addition,

  • The worksite employer does not need to pay the participant. A Community Service Job (CSJ) or a W-2 Transition (W-2 T) worker receives a monthly check directly from the W-2 agency for engaging in assigned work activities.
  • The worksite employer does not need to provide worker's compensation. These costs are covered by the W-2 agency unless the employer agrees to cover these costs.
  • The W-2 agency continues to provide ongoing case management to CSJ and W-2 T participants who work on a worksite. Workers also receive ongoing case management from W-2; W-2 Agency staff will work with the employer and the worker to maximize the potential for success of the placement. Available assistance may include:
    • Child Care;
    • Food Stamps (FoodShare);
    • Medicaid;
    • Transportation;
    • Job Coaching; and
    • Skills Development.

Types of Employers

State, county, municipal, or other governmental bodies

  • Examples of Employers: housing authorities, school systems, parks and recreation, etc.
  • Examples of Tasks: upkeep of public housing, maintenance of parks or other public facilities, urban gardening/forestry, neighborhood watch patrol, urban cleanup/renewal, graffiti removal.

Community-based organizations and publicly-funded agencies

  • Examples of Employers: community non-profit agencies, religious organizations, hospitals, schools.
  • Examples of Tasks: clerical, child care, educational aide, personal assistant or driver.

Contract organizations

(Including nonprofit, profit, or private/public companies that contract for services such as industrial laundering, packaging and distribution, recycling, cleaning, etc.)

  • Examples of Employers: private non-profits, W-2 agencies, specialized for-profit organizations.
  • Examples of Tasks: same as listed for community-based organizations and governmental agencies.

Getting Started

To become a CSJ/W-2 T worksite provider, employers may contact the nearest W-2 agency by going to the W-2 Agency locator page. W-2 agency staff will help develop an agreement with the company or organization that will cover expectations built upon four primary issues:

  • Compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations and collective bargaining agreements affecting the health, safety, nondiscrimination, and continued success of participants and the non-displacement of current employees.
  • Provision of a structured work-training environment with clear expectations for all training positions, supervision, and willingness to mentor/coach CSJ/W-2 T workers toward success in the workplace.
  • Provision of a training position that provides meaningful tasks and replicates actual work conditions, taking into consideration the CSJ/W-2 T worker’s unique circumstances and needs.
  • A willingness to work collaboratively with W-2 agency and Job Center staff to ensure any factors that impact on the participant’s continued success on the job are shared with the placing agency in a timely manner for a proactive response to any potential concerns.