UC Davis Human Services Partners with CDSS to Launch Transforming CalWORKs Statewide Training and Coaching Initiative
New statewide initiative will support implementation of California’s Transforming CalWORKs reforms through training, coaching and organizational change support
Quick Summary
- UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education has been awarded a statewide contract to support implementation of California’s Transforming CalWORKs initiative through 2030.
- The project will provide training, coaching and technical assistance to county human services agencies in all 58 California counties to advance family-centered, strengths-based service delivery.
- Key components include developing a California Family Coaching Model, conducting statewide training and readiness assessments, and supporting long-term organizational change to improve outcomes for families.
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Human Services division has been awarded a statewide contract from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to develop and implement a comprehensive training, technical assistance and coaching system supporting California’s new Transforming CalWORKs initiative.
The contract, effective through June 30, 2030, supports implementation of Senate Bill 119 and the state’s broader effort to modernize CalWORKs through more family-centered, strengths-based and barrier-reducing approaches to service delivery.
Under the new agreement, UC Davis Human Services will partner with CDSS and county human services agencies across all 58 California counties to design and deliver statewide learning and implementation support for county staff, supervisors and leaders.
What is CalWORKs?
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is California’s primary public assistance program for families with children, providing temporary financial assistance, employment services and supportive resources to help families achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.
“Transforming CalWORKs represents a significant shift in how California supports families,” said Alison Book, M.S.W., LCSW, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s associate dean of Human Services. “We are honored to partner with CDSS on this important statewide initiative and help counties build the skills, systems and organizational capacity needed to create more supportive, empowering and effective services for families.”
The initiative includes the development of a statewide training and coaching infrastructure designed to help counties successfully implement new CalWORKs reforms and strengthen long-term organizational change efforts.
As part of the scope of work, UC Davis Human Services will:
- Develop a statewide Transforming CalWORKs training and coaching logic model and theory of change
- Conduct county readiness and training needs assessments
- Design and implement a comprehensive statewide training plan
- Develop or identify a California Family Coaching Model to provide a consistent framework for partnering with families
- Deliver field-based coaching and technical assistance for county staff and supervisors
- Support counties in organizational change management and continuous improvement efforts
- Host biannual CalWORKs Training Academy conferences beginning in 2027
The California Family Coaching Model will serve as a foundational component of the initiative, helping shift workforce practices from compliance-focused administration toward coaching, partnership and family-centered engagement. The model will support county staff in strengthening goal-setting, relationship-building and economic mobility strategies with families participating in CalWORKs programs.
Training and learning opportunities will be delivered through a variety of formats, including instructor-led courses, virtual learning, eLearning modules, webinars, podcasts, microlearning tools, videos and peer learning circles. The initiative will also incorporate Training for Trainers (T4T) programs to help counties strengthen local training capacity and sustainability.
The multi-year implementation timeline begins in fiscal year 2026–27 with project launch activities, readiness assessments and early foundational training development. Expanded curriculum delivery, coaching and evaluation activities will continue through 2030.
Through this partnership, UC Davis Human Services and CDSS will strengthen county capacity to support families more effectively while advancing California’s broader vision for a more responsive, collaborative and equitable CalWORKs system.
For 45 years, UC Davis CPE’s Human Services division has advanced the university’s outreach mission by equipping human services professionals and organizations with training, consultation and research. Through workforce development, it strengthens agencies’ ability to support vulnerable communities, improving outcomes for children, adults and families in California and across the U.S.
For more than 65 years, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education has blended the distinctive academic expertise of UC Davis with practical training designed to improve capability and job performance. With nearly 60,000 annual enrollments, UC Davis CPE serves lifelong learners in the growing Sacramento region, all 50 states, and more than 100 countries.