This guide, which is intended for planners, administrators, and staff involved in state and local welfare reform efforts, summarizes information about the "work first" approach to welfare reform that was gained from comprehensive evaluations of work first programs and discussions with program managers, practitioners, and participants. The following are among the topics discussed in the guide's six chapters: (1) work first in a block grant environment; (2) program policy/planning (planning program activities, designing support services, tailoring work first to program goals, understanding caseload and labor market, building support for programs, evaluating program performance); (3) program implementation/administration (staff selection/training, caseload size/specification, co-location and integration of case management, promotion of an employment focus, interagency linkages, program costs/cost reduction); (4) program components (applicant job search, orientation, assessment, job clubs, job development, role of education/training, work experience and subsidized employment, retention and reemployment); (5) case management (developing employment plans, maximizing participation, motivating participants, facilitating child care and transportation, dealing with personal and other issues); and (6) related policies (transitional benefits, financial incentives, earned income credit, time limits). Appended is information about the work-related provisions of the 1996 federal welfare legislation and a 35-item list of programs, organizations, and contact information. Contains 55 references. (MN)