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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 18

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 50 Chapter 18 WV WORKS Activities/Requirements

18.7.1.B GOAL SETTING Participants will often have challenges which must be first addressed before steps may be taken towards his goal(s). The Case Manager must assist the participant with removing these challenges by offering referrals or supportive services. The Case Manager then assists the participant in clearly stating his goal(s) and determining the steps needed to reach those goals. The Case Manager also assists the participant in imaging how his life will be different once he has reached those goals. Mobility Coaching uses the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-limited) goals format to set goals leading towards economic mobility. The WV WORKS Goal Action Plan, DFA-SSP-1a, may be used in conjunction with the Self-Sufficiency Plan, DFA-SSP-1, to outline each participant’s goals. 18.7.1.C RECOGNITION Bonuses are available as tangible rewards through supportive services to recognize goal achievement. In addition, goal achievement notifications are available in the case management system along with certificates which may be created by the Case Manager. Higher self-esteem of the participant, praise from the Case Manager and the satisfaction of reaching goals are intangible rewards. These can be the building blocks towards larger or long-term goals.

This case management process provides for substantial flexibility in administration of the work component of WV WORKS. Each Work-Eligible Individual must meet a work requirement and the State must meet, and maintain, an established participation rate. The Case Manager has the discretion to tailor the work requirements to the needs and goals of each family. Therefore, there are no mandatory procedures or processes that must be applied to each family. Instead, the Case Manager’s reasonable and appropriate guidance and discretion are used to assist the participant in accepting personal responsibility and achieving self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is defined as being able to provide for the family's basic needs without relying on WV WORKS monthly cash assistance. It is recognized that some families will not be able to become completely self-sufficient. For these families, the goal is to reduce the reliance on cash assistance as much as possible and to find additional resources before the family reaches the 60-month lifetime limit. To meet the goals of WV WORKS, a Case Manager performs the following activities for WV