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A-812.1 Division of Welfare and Supportive Services EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Eligibility and Payments Manual Job Readiness Status Assessment (Tiers to Self Sufficiency) MTL 12/04 12 Jul 01

The case worker will support the participant’s efforts to maintain employment. The goal for these participants is meaningful, long-term employment with a potential for wage gain. These individuals may benefit from case manager support through contact and supportive services. 812.1.1 Tier Tracking and Reporting Requirements The case manager will be required to track and report the tier levels for each assigned participant. 813 PRE-ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT SERVICES 813.1 Pre-Eligibility Work Activities NEON applicants, who meet the definition of a work-eligible individual (see manual section A-816.1), may be required to participate in work activities prior to approval for assistance. The goal is to assist families at the earliest opportunity by preparing them to meet work requirements of the NEON program.

Prior to requiring an applicant to participate in pre-eligibility work activities, staff must complete comprehensive assessments. Based on the assessment results, the applicant may be required to: keep appointments with staff, attend in-house orientations and/or training, participate in education activities, join a job club, participate in a job readiness program, register with Job Connect, make arrangements for child care and/or transportation, develop a PRP, Job Search, maintain current employment and/or any combination of the above. The specific work activity requirements assigned by the case manager must be tailored to the individual household’s circumstances. Requirements and consequences for failing to meet the requirements must be provided to client in writing. (i.e., appointment letter, PRP, Insufficient Information Form 2429, or other comparable document.)

If an applicant fails to cooperate with pre-eligibility work activities without good cause they will be denied TANF/NEON assistance.