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1000.13 TANF MANUAL 2/12 PAGE 38

b) Job Club

(1) Job Club is a tightly-structured, intensive program including instruction in job search methods, extensive use of the telephone to obtain job leads and interviews, peer support, direct monitoring of participant activities, and self- placement through job search. In order to be classified as a Job Club, the job search activity must be operated using the VDSS guide, “Finding Work: A Manual for Successful Job Club Operation.” VDSS will provide a locality with on-site Job Club training, the VDSS guide, and other materials based on the locality’s request to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Benefit Programs, Economic Assistance and Employment Program Manager.

(2) The participant in Job Club is bound by the participation requirements of the activity. The number of weeks and job search hours required of a participant in Job Club cannot be less than the requirements of individual job search.

c) Individual Job Search

Individual job search is independent job search carried out by the participant. For individual job search to be successful, it is necessary for the ESW to assist the participant in understanding the elements of a successful job search. At a minimum, the ESW should assist the client in developing a resume, in learning how to accurately complete a job application, and in utilizing proven job seeking methods and interview techniques.

B. JOB READINESS

The purpose of job readiness training is to prepare the participant for employment or program component participation so that she can be competitive and succeed in the labor market. Job readiness training may be offered before, in conjunction with, or after the job search assignment. Unsupervised study or homework assignments cannot be counted as hours of job readiness. While assignment to job readiness and/or job search should be based on the needs of the client, the combined hours of job search and job readiness assignments will count toward the work participation rate for no more than 4 consecutive weeks. Additional hours of job search/job readiness may be assigned, but no hours will be counted toward participation unless there has been an intervening time period of at least one week after each 4 consecutive week assignment. Additionally, no more than 180 hours of job search/job readiness can be counted toward participation in each 12-month period. Assignments to additional hours/weeks of job readiness and/or job search beyond the initial assignment should be made in conjunction with other program activities so that both the core work activity requirement and the 35 hour overall participation requirement are met. Note: The assignment to the additional hours/weeks of job search and/or job readiness should be made only after at least one week has elapsed since the participant completed 4 consecutive weeks of job search and/or job readiness.

For federal reporting purposes, each time a participant successfully completes the initial 4-week job search/job readiness activity and is counted in the participation rate for that month, 120 hours of the total 180 hours available for job search/job readiness in a 12-month period are considered to have been used. The client also has used up 4 consecutive weeks of job search and cannot be assigned again until at least one week has passed. After that time, the client can be assigned to job readiness/job search as needed to facilitate her participation in the program. However, only 60 additional hours can be counted toward participation for the remainder of the 12-month period.

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