Introduction
Research Questions
- What is the design of Philly WINs?
- In what context was Philly WINs implemented?
- Who does Philly WINs serve?
- How and how well was Philly WINs implemented?
- How much does Philly WINs cost to operate?
This report discusses findings from a descriptive and cost study of Philadelphia Workforce Inclusion Networks (Philly WINs), which helps adults with disabilities find and maintain competitive employment and helps employers foster inclusive work environments. This program is part of the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project, which seeks to rigorously evaluate employment strategies for people with low incomes and physical or mental health challenges. The report explores the design, implementation, and cost of Philly WINs. The program model is based on research suggesting that two key approaches are effective for job seekers with disabilities: (1) helping participants with rapid job searches and (2) working with employers to find job applicants who meet those employers’ needs and then providing support to help new hires succeed. Philly WINs provides program participants with vocational assessments, job readiness workshops, individualized job search assistance, follow-along job support, resource assistance, and incentives for engagement in services. For select employers that offer a steady flow of high-quality jobs and commit to hiring and supporting workers with disabilities, Philly WINs assesses the employers’ needs and provides customized services to meet them. Examples of services include disability inclusion training, consultation on applicant interviewing and onboarding processes, and customized hiring events.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to help policymakers interpret findings from a forthcoming impact study about the effectiveness of Philly WINs and to help other programs interested in replicating the model understand the program and its operations.
Key Findings and Highlights
Overall, we found that Philly WINs implemented direct services to participants as designed. Services for employers, however, were less extensive than intended, both with respect to the number of employers that received services and the scope of services provided. The program cost $2,205 per participant. Given that employer services were modest and most of the direct services Philly WINs offered were available at the organization through which most Philly WINs participants were recruited, the distinguishing feature of Philly WINs in practice was its more personalized and intensive approach to service provision by staff specifically trained in disability inclusion. This service approach might offer enough of a distinction from services otherwise available in the community to enable the study to detect impacts on employment rates. One key driver of program impacts will be service receipt among those in the program group relative to service receipt in the comparison group. The NextGen team will assess those differences through follow-up surveys with study participants. The first impact report, covering a six-month follow-up period, is expected to be released in fall 2026; another report, covering an 18-month follow-up period, is expected in fall 2027.
Methods
We collected and analyzed qualitative data from interviews with Philly WINs program leaders, staff, partners, and participants; quantitative data from surveys of program leaders, staff, and participants; and quantitative data from the Philly WINs management information system. In addition, we collected and analyzed cost data and drew on ongoing discussions with Philly WINs program leaders and staff as part of technical assistance in implementing the study.
Additional information on the study design and analysis methods is contained in Wu et al. 2024.
Citation
Kauff, Jacqueline, Michelle Derr, Amy Harris, Julia Lyskawa, Diana McCallum, Hande Inanc, and Nia Atkins (2024). A Dual Focus on Adult Job Seekers and Employers: Implementation of Philly WINs. OPRE Report #2024-315. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.