This paper considers some of the implications involved in the utilization of the poor as employees of the welfare system. Major reasons for employing welfare recipients lie in the manpower shortage and the need to free professionals for professional responsibilities. It is suggested that agencies consider a system redesign which develops job careers for the preprofessional through the separation of aid and services. Four distinct areas where preprofessionals could serve are as clerical staff, as technicians in the aid delivery system, as various assistants in the services such as homemakers, day care personnel, housing specialist, home-health aides, and employment counselors, and as community workers who provide a bridge between the agency and the community. Selection criteria should stress life experiences and the willingness to learn with training responsibility undertaken by the agency. There is limited experience in the use of preprofessional personnel in public welfare, but important approaches can be found in other human service programs. (KP)