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Revised 07-01-19

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

An organized educational program offering a sequence of courses which are directly related to the preparation of individuals in paid or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations that do not require an advanced degree. Such programs shall include competency-based applied learning which contributes in an individual’s academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning, and problem- solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, and the occupational-specific skills necessary for economic independence as a productive and contributing member of society. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) is responsible for monitoring and placing TWP participants in vocational educational activities. See Chapter 9, TANF Work Activities Defined.

VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA (VISTA)

Provides full-time volunteers to nonprofit community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs ultimately bringing individuals and communities out of poverty. Vista Volunteers are no longer exempt from TANF Work Program requirements. See Chapter 9, TANF Work Activities Defined and Chapter 4, Basic Principles-Income Totally Disregarded.

VOLUNTARY QUIT/REDUCTION IN WORK HOURS

Employment is terminated voluntarily, without good cause by the employer as a direct result of personal action(s), or work hours are voluntarily reduced to less than 20 hours per week without good cause. In an application situation, the penalty should be applied if the quit/reduction occurred within 2 full calendar months prior to the month of application, or between the date of application and certification. In an ongoing case situation the penalty should be applied if the quit/reduction occurred within 60 days from the date of discovery. See Chapter 3, Voluntary Quit Provisions and Chapter 11, Monitoring Participation.

VOLUNTEERS

Certain exempt individuals may choose to volunteer for the TANF Work Program. Only individuals eligible for exemption as caretaker of a child under 12 months of age (JJ) or as a victim of domestic abuse (JV) will be accepted as volunteers. Individuals in these categories who wish to volunteer will be coded EV, Exempt Volunteer, for referral to the TANF Work Program. A minor dependent who needs child care assistance to remain in school may volunteer also and is coded MV, Minor Volunteer. See Chapter 8, Intake.