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TANF grant but do not receive wages or compensation for work activities performed for the worksite sponsor. Individuals participating in volunteer programs are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements and cannot be required to participate for more hours than the family’s total monthly TANF assistance benefits (TANF grant and work stipend) net out child support, SNAP allotment and VISTA stipend, if applicable, divided by the federal minimum wage (FMW). Representatives of AWEP and community service worksite entities will be required to sign form MDHS-EA-366, Alternative Work Experience/Community Service Agreement, to document the working relationship between case management and worksite sponsors in administering AWEP and community service placements for TWP participants. The agreement identifies the responsibilities of case management in matching participants with positions related to their employment goals and the needs of the worksite sponsors, arranging supportive services and referring eligible participants to the worksite sponsor. The agreement includes worksite sponsor requirements in providing daily supervision, weekly attendance reports, periodic performance evaluations and workplace conditions suitable to help meet the goals of the TWP. The agreement prohibits day care facilities from assigning TWP volunteers to work with or care for the age group of their own children, if the provider receives reimbursement through the Child Care Certificate Program for the TWP volunteer’s child(ren). Worksite sponsors are responsible for conducting background checks and all fees for TWP volunteers who require a background check. The worksite sponsor is required to document all holidays observed. The agreement allows for termination based on mutual consent or by either party with a thirty (30) day notice. The MDHS county worker responsible for negotiating the agreement will ensure the appropriate worksite representative is fully informed of all terms of the agreement prior to signing. Attention should be given to the importance of providing daily supervision, maintaining and submitting weekly attendance data, and providing written evaluation reports, as required. Attendance documentation must be signed by the worksite sponsor’s authorized representative to validate the data and ensure accurate reporting. Attendance data that is not validated by the worksite sponsor cannot be reported as TWP participation. AWEP and community service positions are beneficial to both the worksite sponsor and the TWP participant. The sponsor is able to increase or improve services at minimal or no cost to his/her organization. The participant gains valuable experience and is exposed to people who can help him/her obtain unsubsidized employment. The sponsor can also utilize TWP placements as a source for recruiting new employees.

Volume III | Chapter 9

9042 MISSISSIPPI [ PROGRAM COMPONENTS: TANF WORK ACTIVITES DEFINED]

Revised 08 - 01 - 12