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BEM 232 20 of 33 DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

There are no dollar maximums on these services. Local offices must follow MDHHS contract and purchasing guidelines when providing FSS services. FSS EXAMPLES FSS may include but are not limited to the services outlined in this section. Child Care ESS funds can be used to provide child care and transportation to participate in FSS activities. Do not use FSS to provide child care or transportation for education or training activities, other than FSS activities. Soft Skills Classes, Seminars and Counseling Referrals Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual’s inter- actions, job performance and career prospects. Unlike hard skills, which tend to be specific to a certain type of task or activity, soft skills are broadly applicable and a necessary part of a successful job interview or placement. Soft skills have to do with how people relate to each other: commu- nicating, listening, engaging in dialogue, giving feedback, cooperat- ing as a team member, solving problems, contributing in meetings and resolving conflict. Leaders at all levels rely heavily on people skills such as setting an example, team building, encouraging inno- vation, solving problems, making decisions, planning, delegating, observing, instructing and motivating. When evaluating a client for referral to a service provider, consider soft skills and areas the client may need assistance in preparing for participation in an employment-related activity or referral to PATH. The specialist should review the results of a client’s Family Auto- mated Screening Tool (FAST) when coordinating services and completing a referral for service. Assignments should be recorded when completing Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP) with the client. Counseling services may be used to provide strategies for address- ing behaviors that may impede efforts to seek or maintain employ- ment. When referring clients with barriers for counseling services