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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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15.4 Vocational Educational Training (VOCE) Vocational educational training consists of organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations requiring training including postsecondary study leading to a baccalaureate degree.

Vocational Education may be short or long term but cannot be counted for more than 12 months with respect to any recipient. Vocational educational training programs are limited to activities providing knowledge and skills to perform a specific trade, occupation, or other particular vocation.

Vocational educational training programs are provided by employment and training providers contracted by the South Carolina DSS. They may also be provided by accredited vocational- technical schools, certificate programs at accredited secondary, proprietary schools, non-profit organizations, secondary schools that offer vocational education, post-secondary educational institutions, colleges, universities, or through distance learning at accredited Internet-based institutions intended to prepare the participant for specific occupations.

See the list in the reference section of this chapter as a tool to help identify Types of Vocational Education Available to TANF Clients and in Chapter 16. This list does not include all types of vocational education training available to recipients.

15.5 Work Experience (WKEP) A work activity, performed in return for welfare which provides an individual with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, training, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment. The purpose of work experience is to improve the employability of those who cannot find unsubsidized employment. Participants in work experience activities must be compensated according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Work Experience Program participants who sustain an injury at a work site are subject to established workers' compensation guidelines.

Work Experience Time Frame Work Experience placements are limited to a total of six (6) months or 24 weeks. At the end of 90 days, the client must be evaluated to determine if he/she will benefit by continuing at the site or needs additional training. The bi-weekly performance and attendance report should be reviewed by the CM to address any issues identified by the work site supervisor. Close follow-up is needed to determine if the participant is ready for OJT, subsidized or unsubsidized employment. The participant maybe allowed an additional four (4) weeks if the provider and DSS agree that the participant will be employed with additional training.

Placement in private for profit businesses must be limited to a maximum of 3 months (90 days). A Work Experience participant who has completed a for-profit assignment may be assigned to another for-profit work site or to a private nonprofit or public work site for an additional 3 months (90 days).

15.6 Community Service Programs (COSP) Structured programs in which TANF recipients perform work for the direct benefit of the community under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations.