The Role of Intermediaries in Linking TANF Recipients With Jobs

Examines welfare offices' use of "intermediaries"—private or public organizations that act as brokers between the welfare system and employers—noting that a broad range of organizations act as intermediaries, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public sector agencies, and educational institutions. Intermediaries operate in a complex policy and administrative environment, so clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures are critical to the new work-oriented system's success. Key issues facing intermediaries are an unpredictable flow of client referrals, high rates of nonparticipation, and mismatches between client needs and mandated services.