Transitional Jobs (TJ) Overview
The Transitional Jobs (TJ) program was created by 2013 Wisconsin Act 113 and funded by the 2015-2017 biennial budget. TJ is an expansion of the Transform Milwaukee Jobs program that provides limited-term subsidized work to low-income adults.
TJ is available in urban areas outside of Milwaukee with high unemployment rates and in rural counties with the highest poverty rates. The program design in rural and urban areas differs based on the needs and available resources. In urban areas, TJ provides sector-specific training that prepares individuals for subsidized jobs in high-demand fields with opportunities for career growth. In rural areas, TJ matches individuals to subsidized jobs based on a comprehensive assessment of their skills, abilities, and aptitudes and the job requirements.
TJ is part of the larger Rural Poverty Initiative to address the unique challenges of rural communities by increasing access to social services and job opportunities.
For more information regarding TJ, please send BWF an email.
Partnering Organizations
DCF is partnering with three organizations to administer TJ in eight geographical areas of the state.
| Organization | Current Award | Geographical Area | Locations (counties unless otherwise specified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workforce Resource, Inc. | $468,000 | Rural Midwest | Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix |
| Northwest Wisconsin CEP | $256,000 | Rural Northwest | Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn |
| Northwest Wisconsin CEP | $212,000 | Rural Central | Adams, Clark, Jackson, Juneau |
| Community Action, Inc. | $170,000 | Urban Southwest | Rock, Walworth |
| UMOS, Inc. | $340,000 | Rural Northeast | Florence, Forest, Langlade, Menominee |
| UMOS, Inc. | $1,274,100 | Urban Bay Area | Brown, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Winnebago |
| UMOS, Inc. | $680,000 | Urban Southeast | Racine |
| UMOS, Inc. | $594,000 | Urban South | Kenosha |
Eligible Individuals
TJ offers vocational training and subsidized work for unemployed low-income adults who are not participating in W-2 and not eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits, including noncustodial parents and young adults without children. Subsidized work provides individuals with an immediate income, an opportunity to develop the skills and experience their local economy demands, and a positive work history to become less dependent on government support and more financially independent.
Additionally, TJ helps businesses with identifying new sources of needed talent. Subsidized workers add the most value to businesses that want to either stay open or expand but cannot immediately hire and pay new employees due to reduced revenue or reduced access to short-term credit lines. By completing projects and sustaining operations when cash is tight, subsidized workers help position businesses to hire more permanent employees.