Worker Responsibilities - WAC 388-452-0005

Interpreter Services If someone has Limited English Proficiency, arrange for interpreter services as allowed under Chapter 388-271 WAC . See: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) .

Client Demographics on Race/Ethnicity

Inform clients that we must collect racial and ethnic information for statistical reporting requirements and that the information has no impact on eligibility.

Ask clients to self-identify their racial and ethnic group.

If the client chooses not to identify a race / ethnic group, record this information in the demographics as "unreported - 000" for Spanish Origin or "unreported - 999" for Race. This is required under federal regulations.

Allow the household to update this information by self-identifying if they choose to do so.

3. Referrals

Based on the household’s circumstances, make referrals to the appropriate resource or specialists including:

Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) - See Employment and Training Programs

Incapacity Specialist - see Incapacity

FRED Worker - see Fraud

Refugee Caseworker - see Refugee Assistance

Teen Parent Caseworker - see Teen Parents

First Steps Caseworker - see Pregnancy and Women's Health

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs - see Veteran's Referrals.

4. TANF Family Violence Screening

Complete screenings for family violence on TANF households as described below:

Review the application or eligibility review form to determine if the person claims "good cause" for not helping the Division of Child Support (DCS) establish paternity and collect child support. This may be the first sign that family violence is an issue.

Review the Family Violence Option with the individual.

Explain WorkFirst work activities and eligibility requirements.

Tell the individual about cooperation and referrals, including the right to ask for a referral at any time while receiving benefits.

After the individual understands the Family Violence Option, screen the individual for family violence using the "Family Violence Screening/Evaluation" in eJAS.

Tell the individual that they only need to answer "yes" or "no" to each question. The individual does not have to explain their answers.

If the individual answers "no" to any of the questions, determine an appropriate work activity.

If the individual answers "yes" to any of the questions, provide them with referral information to local resources and determine an appropriate WorkFirst approved activity. Referrals may include one or more of the following: Shelters for battered individuals or families; Medical services; Family and domestic violence hot lines; Emergency help for individuals or families fleeing family violence; Legal counseling and advocacy, including initiation of legal proceedings; Mental health care, counseling and support groups; Other available services.