This guide distills lessons from an extensive body of research into practical advice for policymakers and practitioners concerned with helping hard-to-employ individuals find jobs and succeed in the work force. Part 1 examines the following topics: characteristics of the hard-to-employ; the prevalence of various barriers to employment; and the effectiveness of past welfare-to-work efforts for hard-to-employ individuals. Part 2 explores the following aspects of policy and design: implications for state and local policy; techniques for identifying and assessing barriers; staff development and interagency partnerships; program models; and best practices. Part 3 consists of six sections that are each devoted to one of the following employment problems faced by hard-to-employ individuals: multiple barriers; substance abuse; domestic violence; physical disabilities and chronic health problems; depression and other mental health problems; criminal records; very low basic skills and learning disabilities; and language barriers. Each section contains the following items: overview; screening and assessment guidelines; service strategies; labor market strategies; guidelines for staff development and interagency partnerships; and best practices. Seventeen text boxes are included. The appendix contains lists of the following items: 63 programs, organizations, and contact information; 113 references and suggested publications; and 113 recent publications on Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation projects. (MN)