FAQ - Jobs and Hope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jobs & Hope WV?

This program was established to address West Virginia’s substance use disorder crisis. A collaboration of agencies working together to provide linked services with a common goal: Putting West Virginians to Work. By providing West Virginians the opportunity to overcome obstacles, they are empowered to lead successful lives through employment, families, and communities. Jobs & Hope provides free training and education opportunities through Adult Education, Community and Technical Colleges, WV National Guard, Career and Technical Centers and many other statewide agencies. Jobs and Hope can help provide access to resources needed to overcome barriers to employment.

Who is eligible?

West Virginia resident* 18 years and older
Participant has employment as their goal, and
Participant has an obstacle to obtaining employment, and
Participant is ready for career training/education or job placement, and
Participant plans to enroll in a training and/or educational program, and
Participant is committed to maintaining recovery, and
Participant agrees to random drug testing throughout the program and will provide the results to the Transition Agent.

*must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens an eligible noncitizen is someone who meets one of the following criteria: A U.S. permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), also known as a green card.

What proof do I need that I’m a resident of WV?

Participants need proof of residence. A shelter address is acceptable if that is all they have. Government issued ID, SS card or proof of address (utility bill, pay stub etc., tax documents) with name and mailing address. Participants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. An eligible noncitizen is someone who meets one of the following criteria: A U.S. permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), also known as a green card.

What is a Transition Agent?

A Transition Agent will act as a “Resource Broker” for the participant. The Transition Agent will assess the participant’s needs and develop a plan for training, education, and employment. The Transition Agent will develop a collaborative relationship with the participant and will assist in identifying goals, services, and service providers. The Transition Agent will meet with participants on a regular basis to set and meet short and long-term goals.

If I am referred to Jobs & Hope or I refer myself, what happens next?

You will work with the Transition Agent in your region to verify eligibility and complete a drug screen. After the negative drug screen is received, the Transition Agent will set up an intake and work with participants on an individualized plan to address barriers that may include referrals to partner agencies. Our hope is to set participants up for success by basing services on personal goals and qualifications. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training activity before they are eligible for support services. All training and education opportunities are contingent on availability of programs offered at the time of enrollment.

I have student loans; can you pay them off?

The role of the Transition Agent is to connect participants to resources. If you owe past loans or a balance to an institution, we can help you with the process to get in good standing, so you may be eligible for financial aid. We cannot pay off any outstanding loans.

I have a barrier of needing a driver’s license reinstated but have a job, can I become a participant?

If that barrier is preventing you from career employment (i.e. a promotion or eligibility to work additional shifts/schedules) then you are eligible to become a Jobs & Hope participant. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services. You may also be able to utilize HB 4958 on your own if you choose not to participate in Jobs & Hope WV.

I have fees/fines that I need to pay, does your program pay for those?

We do not pay for fines but can help you map out a plan of action to pay fees and fines off in a timely manner.

I need transportation and have found a car; do you help with the cost of the vehicle?

A Transition Agent can refer you to other resources such as the Good News Mountaineer Garage who can offer financial education. Because our funding comes from tax payer dollars, we cannot purchase items directly for a participant. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

I need help with housing, does your program help with rent?

A Transition Agent can refer you to other resources and agencies that assist with housing needs. Because our funding comes from tax payer dollars, we cannot purchase goods or items directly for a participant. Jobs & Hope has partnered with Catholic Charities to help participants with these types of barriers. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

I need help with utilities, does your program provide funds to pay them?

A Transition Agent can refer you to other resources and agencies that assist with utilities. We have many statewide partnerships that will assist with barriers. Jobs & Hope has partnered with Catholic Charities to help participants with these types of barriers. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

I need money to get my driver’s license back, birth certificate, social security card, does your program pay for those?

We do not pay for fines but can help you map put a plan of action to pay fees and fines off in a timely manner. A Transition Agent can refer you to other resources and agencies that assist with these needs. Jobs & Hope has partnered with Catholic Charities to help participants with these types of barriers. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

I have been told that if I go through your program, I can get my driver’s license reinstated. Is this true and what is the process?

Through legislation passed in the 2019 session, the DMV has established a reinstatement process for Jobs & Hope WV participants. If eligibility criteria are met with BOTH Jobs & Hope and the DMV, a stay can be placed on your fines and you may be eligible to receive a “restricted” license. Because it depends on your specific circumstances, we encourage you to work with your Transition Agent to determine eligibility for this service. We do not pay for fines but can help you map put a plan of action to pay fees and fines off in a timely manner. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services. You may also be able to utilize HB 4958 on your own if you choose not to participate in Jobs & Hope WV.

I have court costs and/or license reinstatement fees can this program help pay for those?

We do not pay for fines but can help you map put a plan of action to pay fees and fines off in a timely manner.

I need someone to pay for my inspection sticker, license renewal, registration costs (currently unemployed).

We always encourage personal accountability where possible and can help formulate a plan for budgeting and prioritizing expenses. Jobs & Hope has partnered with Catholic Charities to help participants with these types of barriers.
Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

If education is not covered by WIOA and I don’t qualify for WV Invest, can you pay for my education?

In these situations, we can explore the possibility of offering a cohort if enough participants show an interest in the course. Funding has been allocated for program expansion to pay for an instructor and instructor space. To expand the program and offer additional courses, enough interest must be shown to accommodate a full class. Also, depending on the training, we may be able to offer paid work experience through WorkForce programs and funding. Jobs & Hope also has the ability to pay a number of statewide partners for training and education programs, provided all other means of financial assistance are explored first.

If the program I want to participate in is far away can transportation be covered somehow?

We currently offer a statewide transportation service for program participants that provides assistance to and from work, education activities or for any Jobs & Hope related activity. This service utilizes ride sharing and may be limited in some areas of the state. Your Transition Agent will request and approve all transportation on your behalf. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

Can Jobs & Hope help with emergency housing situations (rent assistance, eviction notice, homelessness) if no other agencies are able to help?

We always encourage personal accountability where possible and can help formulate a plan for budgeting and prioritizing expenses. Jobs & Hope has partnered with Catholic Charities to help participants with these types of barriers. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

Can you explain how partnerships and agencies are working together?

Any partner agency can fill out a referral form and send it to Jobs & Hope for a potential participant. We can also refer our participants to any services available at partner agencies. There is no linear approach. Each participant’s needs are addressed on an individual basis and referrals made accordingly.

What are our limits on addressing legal issues and history?

We have a partnership with Legal Aid for any legal issue of a Jobs & Hope participant. Transition Agents refer participants for these services. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

What if I don’t meet Jobs & Hope requirements?

Because of our many statewide partners, we can refer to other resources in your region. Our goal is to connect participants with as many resources as needed. While we recognize we may not be able to eliminate all barriers, we hope to provide the tools and guidance needed to eliminate as many as possible. A good place to start would be with our team of Transition Agents to gain knowledge of the resource needed. Transition Agents will determine eligibility based on program requirements.

What dental and vision services can I receive as a participant?

Through the Bureau for Public Health we can assist with Dental and Vision needs for Jobs & Hope participants. Dental assistance includes restorative and preventative services through an approved provider up to $3000/lifetime. Vision includes first eye exam, frames and lenses at no cost to participants. Your Transition Agent will make the referral and provide a list of approved dental and vision providers. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.

What happens if I move?

If you move to another area in state, you will be placed with another Transition Agent. We have Transition Agents in all 7 WorkForce regions and service all 55 counties in the state. If you move out of state, Jobs & Hope services are no longer provided.

What type of drug test is/can be used?

If you are currently in a treatment program, or have recently completed a treatment program, we can use your most recent (within 7-14 days) drug screen. If you are not currently in a treatment program or other program that requires drug screening, Jobs & Hope has a contract that is utilized to administer and pay for the drug screening. Your Transition Agent will provide you with the location and the proper paperwork.

If I’m a Jobs & Hope participant, do I qualify for expungement?

We have a partnership with Legal Aid for assistance in the expungement process for qualifying Jobs & Hope participants. Transition Agents refer participants for these services. Once a referral is made, our Legal Aid attorney will determine eligibility and next steps. Participants must work with their Transition Agent and be engaged in a work or training/education activity before they are eligible for support services.