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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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The assessment will evaluate the domestic/family violence situation and determine the extent of counseling and support services needed to safeguard the recipient.

The DVA will make a recommendation to the CM regarding consideration of a good cause domestic violence waiver of a program requirement(s). The DSS Form 3734, TANF Domestic Violence Waiver Assessment, must be completed by the CM.

4. Vocational Screening The vocational screening conducted by the TANF Case Manager is used to obtain the following information in order to develop the IEP: A. Individual's level of functioning B. Career interests and abilities C. Barriers to employment The information captured on the DSS Form 1257 provides an evaluation of a participant's vocational interest, work values, and abilities. Vocational tests and inventories, as well as a review of the participant's past work history, may be used to identify potential vocational areas where the participant may be successful in finding and maintaining a job. The CM must explore the participant’s ideas and goals regarding self-sufficiency. These ideas and goals must be considered in the development of the IEP. The CM’s must consider the following: 1. What are the participant’s perceived gifts and talents? Can they be developed for specific types of careers? 2. Are these plans realistic given the time limits of the TANF Program? 3. What are the participant’s desires and confidence regarding his/her abilities to overcome many obstacles? 4. The CM’s role in helping the participant identify personal strengths, develop realistic plans, and promote confidence in them self and the program is an important first and ongoing step.

5. Reassessment Assessment is an on-going process and the CM should determine when additional testing is needed. Vocational tests, inventories or surveys may be used when needed to determine the client’s skill and ability to secure employment. The CM may also acquire additional information from observation and data provided by the participant. This information allows the CM to better assist the participant in preparing for successful employment. Reassessment provides the CM and the participant the opportunity to review the participant's progress in the TANF program and address any problems which may present an obstacle to full- time employment. The reassessment will identify the reason the participant was unable to obtain full-time unsubsidized employment and the CM will assist the participant in resolving the identified barriers. The individual’s Employment Plan will be revised to reflect this information.