FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2026
Media Contact
Angela Herrera Perez
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County Launches Pilot to Connect CalWORKs Participants to Career Pathways in High-Growth Industries
Joint initiative between DEO and DPSS will provide paid work experience, job training, and employment opportunities for CalWORKs recipients
Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) today announced the launch of the Transitional Subsidized Employment Plus Program (TSE Plus), a pilot program designed to connect California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) participants to paid employment, job training, and career pathways in high-growth industries. The program is now open for enrollment.
TSE Plus responds to a call by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to examine how the County’s safety net and public workforce systems can better work together to support residents in achieving economic mobility and meet the talent needs of local industries. Through a $6 million investment from DPSS and the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) Program, the pilot will serve up to 200 participants across high-need service areas. Program services will be delivered with support from DPSS GAIN Region III San Gabriel Valley and GAIN Region VI Southeast County, and the Pomona Valley and Rio Hondo America’s Job Centers of California, and engage a variety of training providers and employers as worksites and hiring partners.
The TSE Plus Program offers a structured, individualized model that connects participants to one of three program pathways based on their experience level and career goals. This includes up to a year of paid work experience, job training through worker and industry-informed High Road Training Partnerships, and direct matching and on-the-job training with hiring employers. The pathways are designed to meet participants where they are and deliver support, skills, professional experience, and wages. All participants receive work-readiness training, financial and digital literacy instruction, career counseling, and assistance in obtaining a job with family-sustaining wages upon completion of the program. Childcare, transportation assistance, and other supportive services are also available throughout the program.
“Far too often, our workforce and public benefits systems operate separately, leaving families to navigate unnecessary barriers on their own,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This pilot reflects a more coordinated approach that recognizes people should be able to pursue career growth without losing the support they rely on to care for their families. Los Angeles County is making targeted investments that help residents strengthen their long-term economic stability while meeting the evolving needs of our regional economy.”
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a stable career and provide for their family, but too often our systems are not designed to help people take that next step,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This program helps our CalWORKs participants get paid experience, job training, and a real pathway into good-paying jobs in growing industries. I am hopeful this creates real economic opportunity for people that lasts.”
“The TSE Plus Program will help our local workers earn wages while building the skills, experiences, and financial security they need to access quality jobs and careers that meet their family needs and drive inclusive and sustainable growth in our economy,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “Together, DEO and DPSS are rethinking how we connect our safety and public workforce system and ensure economic opportunity and mobility for all.”
”At DPSS, it is our mission to connect our customers to jobs with opportunities to advance, and to support them on their career journey every step of the way,” said Dr. Jackie Contreras, Director of DPSS. “That is why we are delighted to partner with the Department of Economic Opportunity on the TSE Plus Program, a new, collaborative approach that has all the essential factors for success: training, supports and, most importantly: a direct line to employment that includes pathways for professional growth.”
GAIN participants in the Southeast LA and San Gabriel Valley areas who are interested in the TSE Plus should speak with their GAIN Services Worker to determine eligibility and request a referral. Businesses interested in partnering to host a paid temporary worker may fill out an interest form at bit.ly/TSEemployers.
For more information about the program, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/tse or email GAINTSE@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
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About DEO: About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.
About DPSS: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is one of the largest human services agencies in the nation, connecting over 5 million County residents to social services that promote lasting economic mobility and well-being. Follow DPSS on Instagram @laco_dpss, Facebook @LACoDPSS, X @LACo_DPSS and YouTube @LACountyDPSS, subscribe to our Essential DPSS newsletter and visit dpss.lacounty.gov