Page 15

15 Section 3 - EMPLOYMENT PLANNING

The purpose of the Family Employment Program (including the Family Employment Program for Two Parents and Adoption Assistance) is to help families become self- sufficient by increasing family income through employment and child support. The program will move families to work and increase economic independence in the following ways:

● Employment planning is required and takes place in conjunction with eligibility determination. In order to stress the program's employment focus, assessment and employment planning occurs in conjunction with eligibility determination. From the individual's initial contact with the agency, participation requirements and the program's employment goals are clearly explained and reviewed, beginning with a required program orientation.

● Diversion is an option instead of ongoing assistance. Under the diversion option, persons with the prospect of employment or other sources of income are offered job placement assistance, a financial payment of 3 months to meet immediate needs, child care, and other employment related supportive services. Transitional Medicaid or other medical programs may also be available. Continued case management is available to provide continued support and reduce recidivism.

● Universal participation in activities leading toward employment based on individualized employment plans within program guidelines. Every work-eligible parent is required to participate and expected to negotiate an employment plan, regardless of his or her age or the age of the children. Employment planning begins at contact with an employment counselor during an initial interview. There are no exceptions to universal participation. This policy allows for the implementation of Section 407, which limits participation for a parent with a child under 6 who is unable to obtain appropriate child care.

The Employment Counselor uses all available assessment information to determine if the expected level of participation is appropriate for the individual customer.

When assessment information suggests the customer cannot perform at the expected level of participation, the employment plan should support progress toward achieving the expected level of participation. Participation for these customers may mean participating at reduced hours and engaging in activities that address identified barriers that prevent them from performing the eligible activities.

The cash assistance payment is based on required participation in the activities outlined in the employment plan. Customers who are participating in priority activities which include employment, worksite placements, full time education or training, job search or a combination of these activities may be eligible to receive an