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the work program must include utilizing the case management approach or working closely with MDHS Case Managers. The adults in the TANF case will participate in one or more of the following work activities as defined below:

a. Job Search and Job Readiness

Job readiness and job search activities are considered one activity by Federal law. These activities are defined as the act of seeking or obtaining employment, preparation to seek or obtain employment, including life skills training, and substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or rehabilitation activities for those who are otherwise employable. Such treatment or therapy must be determined to be necessary and certified by a qualified medical, substance abuse or mental health professional. A qualified professional is defined as any individual who is licensed or certified. Structured job search and job readiness assistance activities are supervised daily by the case manager, instructor or other responsible person. The maximum number of hours that can be included in the State’s participation rate calculation for each participant in any 12-month period is limited to:

o a maximum of 120 hours for a single custodial parent whose youngest child is under age six; and o 180 hours for a single custodial parent whose youngest child is age six or older.

A maximum of four consecutive weeks may be counted and reported as participation. After four consecutive weeks are reported, there must be at least a one-week break (seven consecutive days) before additional participation can be included in the participation rate calculation process.

b. Unsubsidized Employment

Unsubsidized employment is full or part-time employment in the public or private sector for which the state does not furnish aid or support to the employer for wages paid to the TANF recipient. Types may include:

o Regular and/or contractual employment in the public or private sector for which a person receives unsubsidized wages on an hourly, weekly, or monthly basis. o Self-employment is work for which a person earns income directly from one’s own business, trade or profession rather than a specified salary or wages from an employer. Income may be verified by a 1099/W2 form, check stubs or written statements from customers.

c. Subsidized Employment

Subsidized employment is defined as employment in the private or public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from TANF or other public funds to offset some or all of