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c. Ensure That Parents and Caretakers Receiving Assistance Engage in Work in Accordance with Section 407 (section 402(a)(1)(a)(iii) of the Social Security Act)

Current Narrative:

To ensure engagement, the State conducts monitoring as described in Alabama’s approved Work Verification Plan. That monitoring includes case record reviews beginning at the local level and continuing to the State level for re-review. Negative findings require correction action. Findings in these reviews are a component of the performance evaluation of Directors, County Departments of Human Resources. Additionally, each County Office is required to develop and submit a County Management Plan related to activities of the JOBS Program. That plan requires an analysis of work participation data and activities as well as a corrective action plan if needed. These plans are reviewed and monitored by State Office Field Supervisors.

A FRP is developed jointly by the FA grantee relative and the JOBS case manager. It outlines the responsibilities of the FA grantee in regards to the participation of all required family members and includes a copy of the IJP for each required family member. The IJP outlining work activities, supportive services and other family needs is developed jointly by the recipient and the JOBS case manager. Support services such as childcare, transportation, and work/participation expenses will be made available as needed to enable recipients to participate in work or work—related activities. Other services include information and referrals for domestic violence and substance abuse issues. The individual will receive reimbursement or payment of agreed upon expenses directly related to participation in such activities. Each recipient will be informed of the work requirements, what constitutes noncompliance, and the sanctions for non—compliance. If a recipient refuses or fails to cooperate with work requirements as set forth in his/her IJP, the family’s benefits will be reduced or terminated as set forth in state policy unless good cause for the non—compliance, as defined in state policy, is established. No sanction for failure to work or participate in work—related activities will be imposed on any single custodial parent caring for a child under age 6 if the individual proves that s/he has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care.

Each non—deferred recipient will be placed in a work—related activity consistent with his/her IJP. Work activities may include: Subsidized/Unsubsidized employment

On the job training

Job Search

Job Readiness Activities

Community Employment Placement (work experience)

Community Service Employment

Vocational education activities

Job skills training

Satisfactory attendance in high school or a course of study leading to a GED

Education directly related to employment

For the duration of the recipient’s involvement in work activities, the JOBS case manager will monitor component participation and provide assistance to participants with any problems or barriers.

Individuals who agree to treatment programs for drug, alcohol, or mental health reasons may be temporarily deferred from a work activity when the person is making a serious attempt to recover. Domestic violence victims will be deferred from a work activity when they are at risk of endangerment.

Definitions

a. Unsubsidized Employment: This is paid employment for either wages or salary where no part of the pay is subsidized by TANF or any other public programs.

b. Work Experience: In Alabama this activity is called Community Employment or CEMP. CEMP is a work activity, performed in return for welfare that provides an individual with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, training, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment. Placements are designed to help prepare the client to obtain unsubsidized employment by allowing him/her to develop a current work history and establish references for future employment seeking efforts as well as develop and improve marketable skills. Placements will be in both non—profit and for—profit businesses. Placement in for—profit businesses will have shorter time frames (maximum of three months) than placements in non—profit businesses (maximum of six months).

c. On—the—Job—Training: In this component a public or private employer hires the TANF client full—time where part of the wages are subsidized, usually by a governmental entity such as Department of Labor. While employed in the OJT position, the client engages in productive work while receiving training in knowledge and skills essential for adequate job performance. The client is compensated at a rate comparable to that of other employees performing the same or similar jobs, but at no less than minimum wage.

d. Job Search and Job Readiness:

1. Job Search is assigned in increments lasting no more than two weeks. The client is expected to complete a number of serious contacts with potential employers and must also register with the Employment Service. The daily number of required contacts is determined by the case manager based on the client’s specific circumstances and the geographic area. The case manager will randomly ontact employers turned in as job contacts to verify that an application was submitted and/or an interview was conducted.

2. Job Readiness is an intensive, short—term component, consisting of formal classroom training designed to prepare the client for successfully seeking and maintaining employment. Activities focus on pre—employment preparation and are aimed at helping the client overcome barriers that might preclude employment. Typical activities include application completion, interview skills, ways to locate job openings, general workplace expectations, and the behaviors and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. This activity also includes substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation counseling for clients who are otherwise employable.

e. Vocational Educational Training: This is organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations requiring training including a baccalaureate or advanced degree. These courses should provide individuals with technical skills and academic knowledge needed for success in current or emerging employment sectors. It also includes any formal instruction in a skill or trade traditionally referred to as job skills training, determined by the JOBS staff to be other than purely academic in nature, that prepares the client for a vocation. For example, technical programs designed to prepare a client for a specific occupation, including nursing, plumbing, electrical, auto mechanics, welding and barbering. The training is limited to education that leads to useful employment in a state recognized occupation. Training is available to clients through WIA, vocational/technical schools and some colleges and universities. Training includes courses for any state licenses, certificates, and/or degrees.

f. Job Skills Training Directly Related to Employment: This is training or education for job skills required by an employer to provide an individual with the ability to obtain employment or to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace. It includes training or education required as a prerequisite for employment or to advance or adapt to changing demands of current employment. Such training and education will be provided through educational and training organizations. This activity also includes all activities described above as vocational education and any four—year bachelor’s or advanced degree programs at any State certified college or university.

g. Education Directly Related to Employment for Individuals with No High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency: This is education related to a specific occupation, job, or job offer. It includes basic education and ESL, and where required as a prerequisite for employment, education leading to a GED or high school equivalency diploma in any educational program approved by the Alabama Department of Education.

h. Satisfactory School Attendance for Individuals with No High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency: Individuals in this activity must be attending an educational facility with the goal of achieving a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency. In addition, the student must be considered a “student in good standing”. The student must have regular attendance and the activity must be considered feasible for the student.

i. Subsidized Public or Private Sector Employment: This is paid employment funded with TANF or other public dollars in the public or private sector. In all cases, the employer is reimbursed by DHR or other public programs for the gross wages paid by the employer to the employee. In addition, subsidized public and private sector employment in Alabama may be provided through college work study programs that meet the guidelines.

j. Community Service Employment: This is publicly and/or state funded, wage—paying jobs designed to provide employment for individuals and to address unmet community needs. See i. above.