Getting the Job Is Just the Beginning
Most workforce programs celebrate when participants get hired—and then disappear. But research shows the first 90 days are when people with barriers most often lose employment. SHIFT: Forward to Work provides the intensive support needed to turn job placement into long-term career success.
Why the First 90 Days Are Critical
The statistics are sobering:
- •30-50% of new hires in entry-level positions leave within 90 days
- •For people with barriers (criminal records, recovery, housing instability), the rate is even higher
- •Common reasons: workplace conflict, transportation issues, childcare challenges, returning to old patterns
What happens without support:
The cost: Organizations lose the investment they made in training. Participants lose confidence. Employers lose trust in the program.
The solution: Intensive 90-day post-placement support.
Structured Accountability + Problem-Solving Support
Forward to Work is a 90-day program that keeps participants engaged and accountable after they start working.
Weekly Check-In System
Participants check in weekly (by phone, text, or in-person) to report how the week went, challenges they're facing, progress toward goals, and what support they need.
Real-Time Problem-Solving
When challenges arise—conflict with a supervisor, transportation breaks down, financial crisis, or trigger situations—participants have someone to turn to immediately.
Employer Relationship Support
We coach participants through asking for time off, requesting schedule changes, communicating about problems before they escalate, and advocating for themselves professionally.
Career Planning & Advancement
Once stable in the role, we shift focus to setting career goals, identifying advancement opportunities, building professional skills, and planning next steps.
What's Included
For Participants
Complete 90-Day Workbook
- Week-by-week accountability tracking
- Problem-solving frameworks
- Professional communication templates
- Goal-setting and progress monitoring
- Resources for common challenges
Weekly Accountability Check-Ins
- 10-15 minutes per participant
- Guided questions and prompts
- Documentation templates
- Red flag identification
Access to Support Resources
- Emergency contacts
- Problem-solving guides
- Professional development resources
- Community support network
For Facilitators
Complete Facilitator Training
How to:
- Conduct effective check-in calls
- Identify red flags early
- Coach through workplace challenges
- Support without enabling
- Know when to escalate vs. empower
Facilitator Guide & Resources
- Session-by-session structure
- Scripts for difficult conversations
- Red flag indicators and response protocols
- Employer communication templates
- Outcome tracking tools
Ongoing Support
- Weekly Q&A sessions with our team
- Monthly peer learning calls
- Quarterly outcome reviews
- Email/message support for urgent situations
Is Forward to Work Right for You?
This program is ideal for:
- Organizations with employment placement as a core outcome
- Programs serving populations with high early-exit rates
- Reentry programs focused on reducing recidivism
- Recovery programs where employment stability supports sobriety
- Organizations required to track 30/60/90-day retention for funders
This program works best when:
- Participants have completed the SHIFT Pathway (or similar pre-employment program)
- Your organization has capacity for weekly participant follow-up
- You're committed to tracking employment outcomes consistently
How It Works with the SHIFT Pathway
The complete journey from enrollment to long-term career success.
SHIFT Pathway Program
Participants build foundation, develop skills, and prepare for workplace integration.
Job Placement
Participant secures employment (with or without your direct placement support).
Forward to Work Program
Intensive support during the critical retention period.
Long-Term Success
Participant maintains employment, builds career, achieves stability.
Pricing & Partnership
Forward to Work is tiered based on organization size. SHIFT Pathway Partners save 25%.
| Tier | Target Segment | Standard Price | SHIFT Partner Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Small Orgs (1-2 Facilitators) | $2,400 | $1,800Save 25% |
| Professional | Mid-Sized Orgs (3-5 Facilitators) | $3,600 | $2,700Save 25% |
| Scale | Large Orgs (6+ Facilitators) | $5,400 | $4,200Save 25% |
What's included:
- Complete facilitator training
- Participant workbooks (10 per cohort to start)
- Ongoing facilitator support for 12 months
- Outcome tracking templates
- All resources and guides
Payment options:
Same flexibility as the Pathway program:
- Monthly payments spread across 12 months
- Quarterly payments (aligns with grant cycles)
- Annual prepay and save 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Improve Your Retention Rates?
Let's discuss whether Forward to Work is right for your organization. Already a SHIFT Pathway Partner? Ask about your 25% discount.