Page 16
STATE OF ARKANSAS TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES REVISED 2023 Page 16 of 46 The Arkansas TANF program does not intend to target training for individuals seeking and maintaining employment specifically in the eldercare workforce. However, training may be available in various job classifications such as Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) that are consistent with employment in the eldercare workforce. Section 4 WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY As a condition of eligibility, parents, and other adult caretakers who are included as eligible family members, will be required to seek and accept employment unless they are unable to do so due to one or more of the criteria outlined in Section 5 (Exemptions/Deferrals). Minor parents are excluded from the employment requirement, however, must be engaged in educational activities. 4.1 Applicant Intake During the initial interview with the applicant, information will be obtained regarding household and family employment circumstances. This information will be assessed and options or courses of action will be discussed with the applicant. The family may be diverted from assistance at this point through a Diversion Assistance payment (See Section 6.6 regarding Diversion). 4.2 Employability Assessment The purpose of the employability assessment will be to determine the applicant's abilities, talents, proficiencies/deficiencies, etc. The assessment is completed to determine the applicant's ability to move into employment and may be done by an agency or organization other than DWS. During the assessment, the DWS Workforce Specialist will present an orientation/overview of the program, gather pertinent information, and identify barriers that may prevent the applicant from becoming self-sufficient through employment. The DWS Workforce Specialist may also identify the following. x Family situation/circumstances x Employment history/work experience x Educational attainment/ literacy level/functional educational level x Skills x Interests x Supportive Service needs, if any. NOTE: Participants who are identified as victims of domestic violence may be referred for appropriate services. Participants will also be notified of the assistance available to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Appropriate services may include but are not limited to: