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“Helping People Living Better Lives”

| pg. 462 A family whose income exceeds 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may receive Child Care until the family’s income exceeds 85 percent of the State Median Income during the eligibility period or 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level at redetermination. Employment First ORIENTATION ASSESSMENT/SELF-SUFFICIENCY CONTRACT. The orientation is done as an introduction to the Employment First program and the comprehensive assets assessment. The orientation highlights the responsibilities the client will be expected to fulfill if they becomes eligible for ADC cash assistance. The orientation also provides the client with detailed information regarding all Employment First requirements, program expectations, participation options, services, and time limits. An assessment will be completed with each participant. The purpose of the assessment is to gather and organize information about the participant’s skills, aptitudes, strengths, interests, goals, prior work experience, family circumstances, and employability. The assessment is an ongoing process. Reassessment occurs when a participant’s circumstances change when they are not able to continue forward movement in the activities included in their Self- Sufficiency Contract, or at any time the case manager or the participant determines it is necessary. Based on the results of the assessment, an individualized Self-Sufficiency Contract, which incorporates a detailed Service Plan, will be developed. The Contract will stress urgent action toward economic independence. It will outline and define both DHHS’ responsibilities and the family’s responsibilities. The Service Plan will be used as a flexible tool. If the participant is not achieving progress in their Contract, it will be evaluated and changed accordingly. Supportive Services Supportive Services will be provided to the extent determined necessary to permit the individual to participate in any Employment First approved work activity, including the administrative process of orientation, assessment, self-sufficiency planning, and Self-Sufficiency Contract development, if no other source is available. Case management and necessary supportive services may be provided for the duration of the client’s participation in all Employment First approved work activities and, if needed, after the loss of eligibility for ADC cash assistance due to earned income, and if the individual was either cooperating with or participating in Employment First at the time. 1. Extended Employment First Supportive Services can be provided for up to three months for all approved work activities included in the participant’s Self-Sufficiency Contract; and 2. Transitional Employment First Supportive Services can be provided for up to six months if the Supportive Services are determined as necessary and critical for maintaining or retaining the participant’s employment. Supportive Services include the following: 1. Clothing. The purchase of clothing necessary for the individual to effectively participate in any of their approved component activities, including employment, may be approved. 2. Expenses for Education and Training. The participant must apply for student financial aid before Job Skills Training, Vocational Training, or Post-Secondary Education can be approved and included in the Self-Sufficiency Contract unless the program is not eligible for student financial aid or the participant has other financial resources available to pay for the cost of training.