The agency promotes the state's economic health by attracting and expanding business, and assists individuals going into business themselves. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) works to strengthen communities to bolster WorkFirst's success. DSHS provides employment services to Limited English proficient (LEP) parents in their primary language and in culturally appropriate ways.

Once establishing eligibility, the agency provides an orientation to the program and assigns parents a case manager who will work with them throughout the process, helping develop an Individual Responsibility Plan, encouraging participation towards the goal of getting a job, and arranging for support services, such as transportation, clothing and childcare, needed to get and keep a job. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is the entry point and ongoing contact point for WorkFirst participants. Roles and Responsibilities of State Agencies Across the state hundreds of local organizations and business partners are actively involved, they may include tribal governments, Workforce Development Councils, community action agencies, non-profit agencies of all types, schools, labor organizations, and childcare, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment providers. It is a partnership between state agencies and communities to work together to provide the necessary services and resources families need to be successful. WorkFirst is Washington's welfare reform program designed to help parents get what they need to prepare for and go to work.

Governor Inslee knows that “the path out of poverty begins with education and employment opportunities.”

Tanf jummp