Participation in Tier 2 was mandatory and could be enforced by sanctioning TANF benefits. Participants worked with Tier 2 case managers from local service providers, who had caseloads of 25 to 30 cases rather than the 75 to 100 cases of a typical Tier 1 case manager. Case managers performed detailed assessments of clients to identify the underlying challenges affecting them and their families and then referred clients to services that addressed those challenges. They also monitored participation, including through home visits.

Course participants learned job search and basic work skills, identified promising careers, and created a career development strategy. As part of the course, youth met weekly with the program’s employment coordinator to discuss entry-level opportunities in the individual’s field of interest. After job placement, Hire Up coordinators continued to support the former program member and provided support to the employer to ensure job retention after job placement.