Caseworkers conducted an initial assessment interview and skills test to determine their clients’ needs and assigned clients to various activities. Clients without a high school diploma or equivalent were typically assigned to basic education classes. Clients with a high school diploma or equivalent and little work experience were typically assigned to a Community Work Experience Program. Clients with both a high school diploma or equivalent and work experience were typically assigned to a job club for intensive job search.

The WRP was one of the demonstration projects made possible by Section 1115 waivers to the rules in effect at the time for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. These Section 1115 waivers allowed states to test new approaches to advance the objectives of the AFDC program.