The following is a description of the various employment and training programs that Providers are contracted to provide through the Department of Human Services:
A. Work First Program
Work First Providers administer a "pay after performance" experience that gives a client the opportunity to earn their cash benefits by participating in work experience, training, and other self-sufficiency activities.
Customers assigned to Work First earn their assistance payment by participating in appropriately assigned activities. The Work and Training Provider is required to assess the customer's employability level and assign the customer to appropriate, countable work and training activities. The customer will continue to participate in these activities until unsubsidized employment is obtained, or until it is determined that participation is no longer an appropriate activity for the customer.
The award for this program is based on the cost of providing intensive services as shown in the approved line item budget. A portion of the award is to be earned as a bonus for achieving 30, 60, and 90 calendar day unsubsidized employment retention for a specified number of placements.
B. TANF Job Placement With Retention Program
TANF Job Placement with Retention Providers primarily target current TANF customers.
While customers are searching for unsubsidized employment, the Provider is responsible for assuring that they are engaged in work and training activities at hours that are consistent with Federal guidelines. Additionally, the Provider is responsible for developing, constructing and administering programs in a manner that will result in a customer compliance level of at least 75%. When determining whether or not a Provider has met the 75% compliance standards, consideration will be given to two factors: 1) customers who meet compliance according to Attendance and Activity Reports submitted by the Provider; and 2) by documentation of immediate and appropriate action initiated by the Provider for customers who fail to comply with assigned activities and hours.
Providers earn retention bonuses for unsubsidized job placements. In order for a placement to qualify the Provider for payment, the customer must earn at least minimum wage, work at least 30 hours per week, or less than 30 hours per week with wages of $10.00 per hour or more resulting in the cancellation of the TANF case due to income, and meet the retention period of 30, 60, and/or 90 days. (See Attachment Cover Sheet Addendum for specific qualifications).
C. TANF Special Projects Program
The TANF Special Projects Program targets persons receiving TANF/and or TANF eligible customers. The types and levels of services to be provided are negotiated individually, when specific services are identified.
D. TANF Support Services Program
The TANF Support Services Program provides supportive services in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the TANF Policy Manual or provides special support services, to target populations that are TANF and/or TANF eligible customers. The programs are negotiated individually when needs are identified.
