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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 18

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 71 Chapter 18 WV WORKS Activities/Requirements

such information to the mentor. A general waiver allowing information to be shared with the mentor is not sufficient; a waiver is required for each piece of information shared or one waiver may identify each piece of information. The participant may provide any personal or confidential information to the mentor that he chooses. A mentor must: • Be gainfully employed or retired from gainful employment; • Have sufficient time available to provide guidance for the participant; • Set the boundaries of the relationship, so that the participant is guided by, but not dependent upon, the mentor; • Consult frequently with the Case Manager about guidance provided to the participant; • Notify the Case Manager immediately upon deciding to terminate the relationship with the participant; and, • Adhere to the DOHS’s standards of confidentiality regarding case record information.

Being a mentor may include: • Counseling and guidance in decision making; • Handling crises; • Providing reminders to keep medical appointments; • Providing assistance in accessing resources; • Arranging transportation; • Arranging child or elder care; • Providing emergency child or elder care; • Planning so that household tasks are done in spite of work schedules and children; • Improving employability; • Learning to shop wisely; • Planning meals; and, • Providing guidance related to any other aspects of the participant’s life that can lead him toward self-sufficiency.

A mentor must not: • Be a relative or married to a relative of the participant; • Have a relationship with the participant prior to becoming a mentor; • Have a physically intimate relationship with the participant; or, • Loan or give the participant money.