Transitional Employment Training program participants first completed an intensive training with a job coach on tasks for a specific, competitive job and appropriate behavior in the workplace. Program staff placed participants into competitive, integrated employment with the potential to become permanent. Participants were placed into the jobs for which they received training or similar positions, accompanied by additional training with the job coach. Participants also received job retention services to help them resolve difficulties that emerged in the workplace.

TSMF was one of the demonstration projects made possible by Section 1115 waivers to the rules in effect at the time for the AFDC program. These Section 1115 waivers allowed states to test new approaches to advance the objectives of the AFDC program. TSMF consisted of 21 policy changes, enacted in two parts. The first set of policy changes included a social contract that participants were required to sign agreeing they would engage in employment, education, training, or other self-improvement activities for at least 20 hours per week.

NYC Jobs-Plus provided participants with job search assistance, job placement support, work-readiness activities, and soft-skills training. Participants, who primarily lived in public housing developments, received financial counseling services and assistance applying for Earned Income Disallowance benefits, which help the participant avoid rent increases based on earnings.

Individuals receiving housing assistance interested in the FSS program attended an orientation, signed a contract of participation, and completed an individualized plan at enrollment. FSS program participants worked with case managers to set goals related to self-sufficiency to include in their plan. Case managers also provided referrals to services, such as education and training opportunities and low-cost child care. Most sites expected case managers to contact participants on a quarterly basis, although some sites ranged from monthly to annual contact.