SLO Works, a subsidized employment program established by the San Luis Obispo County's Department of Social Services (DSS), will subsidize the cost of hiring and training employees for a period of up to six months. 

Employers will be able to submit subsidized employee costs to DSS, and 100% of the wages paid to the employee can be reimbursed to the employer. 

In collaboration with DSS's community partners and the local Business and Career One Stop Centers, the SLO Works benefits to employers and employees alike are abundant.

Benefits to employers include:

• Allows employer to increase work force during difficult economic times.
• Promotes and/or establishes a stable job history in employees, builds skills,  and creates a reliable work force
• Increases financial stability in our communities, which in turn benefits our employers
• Allows employers to take advantage of tax incentives for hiring from a target population, once the participant is transitioned into permanent employment

Benefits to employees include:

• Allows employee to establish work history or increase job skills
• Increases job opportunities with acquisition of new skills
• Provides new opportunities for displaced workers
• Increases family financial stability, which benefits the community

The program's funding comes through the Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was established last year when President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Stimulus Act). ECF funding for this program is intended to provide local employers with hiring and training assistance during challenging economic times, and provide work opportunities for certain qualifying job seekers. 

Employers can request additional information about the SLO WORKS! Subsidized Employment Program by calling (805) 903-1443. Information is also available at local Business and Career One Stop Centers.