(Albuquerque, NM) –The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced the movement of additional components of the New Mexico Works (NMW) program to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participants under the administration of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) staring July 2021.

The partnership between HSD and DWS is in response to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham’s directive to state agencies to explore ways to collaborate, streamline services, breakdown silos and eliminate the duplication of services. The new administrative roles to DWS comes after the move of Career Link and Wage Subsidy employment programs for TANF participants earlier this year.

“We are committed to continued collaboration with DWS to improve the workforce by matching unemployed New Mexicans with employers and making it easier for people to access services,” said Angela Medrano, Deputy Secretary for the Human Services Department.

Employment and training programs are essential for TANF participants to provide the skills and education they need to be successful. The collaboration between HSD and DWS has built an effective work program that allows New Mexicans to meet their long-term career goals.

“This partnership is all about guiding New Mexican’s from transition benefits to obtaining the skills and support necessary to find a good paying job,” said Ricky Serna, Acting Secretary for DWS. “Together with HSD, we are developing one-stop employment services centers that make sense, eliminate barriers and help job seekers reach their career goals.”

DWS will be providing services to TANF participants who are enrolled the following activities:

• Employment – job search, job readiness/Life Skills, on-the-job training, self-employment, Career Link and Wage Subsidy;
• Education and training – Job Skills training directly related to employment, education related to employment, vocational training, high school equivalency, Education Works program;
• Non-paid work – community service, work experience, childcare providers for other TANF participants in community service activity

Both agencies are fully committed to providing comprehensive and effective services to TANF participants and share the unified goal of helping these participants achieve family stability and obtaining employment with a sustaining wage. All efforts and planning have gone into ensuring a seamless transition of services for participants, current employer partners, and community stakeholders.

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