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North Carolina

16 MRA/Outcome Plan. Failure to comply may result in a sanction of benefits. All participants are given opportunity to provide any required medical documentation before a sanction of their benefits may occur. b. If a participant has demonstrated an inability to successfully participate in work activities or employment and the worker has reason to believe this is due to a disability or work limitation, the county may require the participant to be screened or evaluated to establish the necessary services to support the participant in achieving success in the Work First program. If the screening or evaluation determines that the participant requires treatment, the participant may be required to participate in the necessary treatment as a condition of the MRA.

Individuals with confirmed disabilities must be provided with reasonable accommodations and services to support their participation in employment and work related activities.

TITLE VI REQUIREMENTS (ALL COUNTIES)

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, county departments of social services are prohibited from discriminating against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political affiliation or disability in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services activities, or in employment. All counties are required to establish policies and practices in compliance with Title VI of the Social Security Act, as well as the provision of interpreter services for its citizens that require such accommodations.

To ensure equal access to employment programs, the Work First staff must screen and assess all applicants and participants to determine the individual’s specific abilities and limitations. Screenings and assessments will occur periodically to address potential program participation barriers.

To ensure effective communication and meaningful access to programs and services, individuals with disabilities or limited English proficient (LEP) persons will be notified of the availability of services at no cost. Such services may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpretation and foreign language interpretation services.

Documents notifying applicants and program participants of adverse actions will be communicated in plain language; will be provided in the applicant or program participant’s primary language; or will advise the program participant how to have the document interpreted free of charge.

All members included in the Work First application must be US citizens or qualified or otherwise eligible immigrants.

If an applicant or recipient requires an interpreter, the county department of social services must provide such services for the applicant or recipient. Generally, this service is provided during the initial contact with the applicant as well as during ongoing contacts.

All rules of confidentiality must be applied in regards to citizenship/immigrant status. It is a breach of confidentiality to discuss an individual’s citizenship/immigrant status with employers, landlords, etc.