Impacts of Washington State's WorkFirst Post-Employment Labor Exchange
June 2003
Washington State Employment Security Department
Washington State implemented its WorkFirst Post-Employment Labor Exchange (WPLEX) in 1998 to provide post-employment services through a centralized call center. Staff contact individuals to provide them with guidance on career advancement, tips on specific job opportunities in the customer's labor market, vouchers for certain support services, and referral to social services and education providers. Washington's Employment Security Department hired The Lewin Group and its subcontractor, Cornell University, to conduct an evaluation of WPLEX. This report presents an overview of the program, an in-depth examination of the program's implementation and costs, and analysis of the effectiveness of WPLEX in moving individuals from welfare to work.