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Assignment to such activities is client directed and based on the individual client’s skill level, situation and needs.

Additional assessments may occur within the first 12 months of TANF approval and should be initiated by the 8th month to assure their completion by month 12. Prior to terminating TANF benefits due to reaching the lifetime time limit, the career navigator will collaborate with the client to increase the likelihood barriers have been identified and addressed.

3. Show how the State ensures that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 407 (Section 402(A)(1)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act).

Kansas ensures that parents receiving TANF assistance engage in work activities by participating with TANF Employment Services. This program meets TANF purpose 2 and is funded by TANF.

TANF Employment Services provides employment preparation services to TANF cash assistance recipients and to former TANF recipients during the 12-month period following the termination of receipt of cash assistance. The goal of these services is to provide the opportunities for TANF recipients to advance in the labor market and reach self-reliance. Kansas is committed to helping TANF recipients remove employment barriers, improve their employment histories, and improve the quality of their jobs. The expectation is that adults will be engaged in full-time unsubsidized employment before their 24-month lifetime TANF time limit expires.

All adult TANF recipients must meet work requirements to continue receiving cash assistance for their family. Individuals exempt from TANF work related requirements include: a parent or other adult caretaker personally providing care for a child under the age of two months in their TANF household; a person needed to care for a disabled household member; and a person aged 16 to 18 who is not the parent of a child in the home and is pursuing attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent.

TANF recipients are placed in assignments that best address individual needs. Minimum weekly participation requirements for one-adult households are 20 hours for households with a child under the age of six and 30 hours for households with all children six and older. Minimum weekly requirements for two-parent households are 55 hours with 50 of those hours in a primary activity. One or both parents could be assigned a combined total of 35 hours per week (30 of which must be primary activities) if DCF subsidized child care is not utilized by the family. For two-adult households, the maximum assignment is 40 hours per week per individual. Applicants are required to complete a self-assessment and orientation. Each participant is expected to engage in approved work activities once the results of the initial employment assessment process indicate the participant is prepared to engage, but not later than three months after the initial receipt of TANF cash assistance. Employment preparation services include job search, job-readiness activities, job-retention activities, education, job-skills training, case management, and work experience. Supportive services are also available to TANF recipients and former TANF recipients transitioning to employment. These services include transportation, child care and special services allowance as well as case management, contracted employment services, a work-retention payment, education and training.