What is transitional employment?

Transitional employment is a strategy that places individuals in temporary jobs with the goal of preparing them for a permanent job.

Transitional employment is offered to unemployed or underemployed individuals who need help reintegrating back into the workforce. These individuals may include:

• people who were out of the workforce because of illness or disability
• People who quit their job because of a workplace injury
• People with part-time jobs who want full-time employment
• People who are employed but their current salary is not sufficient compared to their previous job salary
• People who have been unemployed for a long time and are facing obstacles in getting employment
• People who were previously incarcerated
• People who have low income or who receive assistance through a federal program such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Transitional employment typically  lasts between 3 and 12 months  . After their time is up, they have the opportunity to get a full-time job or move into another transitional role where they can continue to grow their skills.

Transitional Job Examples

Temporary jobs in transitional employment are intended to advance a person's skills and acclimate him or her to the workforce. Employers must ensure that transitional jobs comply with the employee's physical and health restrictions. These jobs, often called light-duty jobs, will vary depending on the industry.

For example, transitional jobs in the transportation industry may include the following:

• Inspects buses and bus equipment
• Sorting invoices
• Updating the Security Manual
• Cleaning of buses
• Training new employees

Transitional jobs in the healthcare industry may include the following:

• Answering the phone at reception
• Becoming an Activity Aid for Patients
• Cleanroom and Safety Equipment
• Filing medical records and other documents
• Bathing independent patients/residents

What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?

WIOA  is a US law  that allows local boards to provide transitional employment opportunities. It specifically helps with the following:

• Americans (this includes youth and adults) gain access to high-quality jobs and careers
• Employers/businesses hire and retain skilled workers

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (ED), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) together provide resources that are intended to accomplish the goals of WIOA listed above.

These resources include interactive online learning platforms that provide the latest technical assistance and job training tools. For more information about these resources,  visit WorkforceGPS  . This is WIOA's partner site that provides individuals with the tools they need to prepare for employment.

Who is eligible for transitional employment?

To be eligible for transitional employment, a person must:

• Be enrolled in the WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker Program
• Receive a completed Individual Employment Plan (IEP) from WIOA
• Provide medical documentation detailing work restrictions and the expected duration of these restrictions (this only applies if the person has been unemployed for medical reasons or suffered a workplace injury)

Transitional employment eligibility criteria vary by county and organization. Please speak to your county or human resources department for specific requirements.

How do employers benefit from hiring workers in transitional jobs?

Transitional job programs have been shown to increase business productivity, revenue, and customer satisfaction for the following reasons:

• Access to a qualified workforce.  Employers have the opportunity to hire the transitional employee full-time when the transitional employment period ends. As a result, hiring managers do not need to invest as much time and money in the recruitment process. They can simply look at their transitional employees and see if they are a good fit.
• The opportunity to coach and mentor transitioning employees.  When teams provide mentoring opportunities, it leads to increased morale, work culture, and employee retention. In addition, businesses may have the chance to become community partners by helping to stabilize their local economy.
• Reduced workers' compensation costs. Transitional employment gives employers the opportunity to be involved in the return to work process. They  can take a hands-on approach to help their employees recover, return to work more quickly, and reduce overall workers' compensation  costs  .

Transitional Employment vs. Supported Employment

While transitional employment caters to unemployed or underemployed individuals, supported employment particularly helps people with severe disabilities.

These disabilities include intellectual disability, mental illness, and traumatic brain injury. People who qualify for supported employment need the assistance of counselors or job coaches to help them do their jobs.