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773 Chapter 4:Working with families • Section 2: Engagement in the JOBS Program (07/2026) Engagement in the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program TANF This applies specifically to the TANF program. What is JOBS engagement? Engagement is an intentional practice with utilization of particular skill sets to ensure partnership. Engagement is founded on the principle of communicating openly and honestly with families in a way that supports disclosure of culture, family dynamics, and personal experiences. Engagement goes beyond mere involvement; it is about motivating and empowering families to recognize their own underlying needs, protective capacities, and supports. True engagement supports families in taking an active role in working toward change and collaborating in the creation of a personal development plan that reflects strengths, goals and aspirations while also accounting for challenges, needs, and what supports need to be in place in order for the plan to resonate and for a participant to succeed. Additional information about the philosophy of engagement can be found in the document. Please see the link at the bottom of the section for other resources including the SSP Engagement Model and JOBS Activity Guidelines. Who is considered JOBS-exempt? The following participants are exempt from JOBS engagement and disqualification: A JOBS exemption identified with ** must be verified by a licensed or certified professional that is qualified to determine the condition or circumstance. A JOBS exemption cannot be given until verification is received. • **Parents providing care for a family member living in the home who has a disability (see OAR 461-001-0000 rules definitions). Medical documentation to support the need for the parent to remain in the home to care for the disabled family member is required. (a DHS 7785 can be used to document need); • Non-citizen participants who are not authorized to work in the United States; • Individuals who are eligible for and receiving supplemental security income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration; • Non-needy caretaker relatives; • For REF participants aged 65 years of age or older, or those for whom participate is likely to cause undue hardship to the individual. JOBS-exempt individuals are not eligible to have a TRACS case plan and not eligible for JOBS support services, this includes parents determined JOBS exempt due to caring for a family member living in the home who has a disability. If the parent is requesting to engage in JOBS and receive support services, the JOBS exemption would be ended. Participants experiencing DV-related safety issues or concerns are not considered JOBS-exempt from engagement, however this can be built into their JOBS plan. Who is considered a JOBS volunteer?