RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Experimenting with Caseworker Direction
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 539
OP 565
DO 10.3368/jhr.55.2.0716.8057R1
VO 55
IS 2
A1 Robert Santillano
A1 Irma Perez-Johnson
A1 Quinn Moore
YR 2020
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/55/2/539.abstract
AB We experimentally study the intensity of caseworker direction given to eligible voucher recipients selecting a job-training program. Requiring counseling led some to forgo training, but those assigned to the most directive approach had higher survey-reported earnings seven years after study entry, with targeting implications: dislocated workers did no worse with optional counseling, while disadvantaged workers earned less. Although impacts on earnings were inconsistent for dislocated workers when using administrative data, they were consistent for disadvantaged workers. Finally, using simulations, we find that changing caseworker direction can have impacts that are similar in magnitude to participating in any job training.