HomeMy WebLinkAboutC97-251 Eagle County Works ProgramC97 25 1 � 0
EAGLE COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM
Policies - Adopted September 15, 1997
by the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners
Nothing in the Eagle County WORKS program shall be interpreted to create a legal
entitlement in any participant to assistance or services provided pursuant to the Colorado
WORKS program or the Eagle County WORKS program.
1. Application and Assessment Process
A. Ability to apply -
Applicants shall have the option of applying for any and all programs offered by Eagle
County Health and Human Services. Applicants will be advised of various program options,
benefits, services, eligibility requirements and client responsibilities at time of application.
Applications will be available in ECHHS offices during normal working hours and by mail.
B. Action on Applications
Applicants will receive an appointment to process their application within five working
days. If an emergency housing, food, child care or medical need exists, applicants will be seen
the same working day. All applications will be processed within 45 days.
C. Assessment
Applicants for WORKS will complete an assessment of job readiness within 30 days of
application. This assessment will include a structured interview with an ECHHS case manager;
an overview of employment readiness through identification of job skills and education, child
care options, transportation, housing and other work support factors; and completion of other
additional assessments of job readiness as may be indicated by the structured interview and
overview of employment readiness.
D. Participant Responsibilities
Participants in the WORKS program are required to
> give truthful and accurate information and to provide information on the factors
that determine eligibility as required by State and County Program Regulations.
> cooperate with child support enforcement efforts
> have current immunizations for their children and provide written proof.
> participate in the job readiness assessment process.
> participate in development and signing of Individual Responsibility Contract.
> cooperate with training, education or work requirements.
> report and document compliance with their Individual Responsibility Contract.
> provide timely return of their Monthly Status Report (7th or 8th of the month).
> notify the agency in advance if they cannot keep appointments.
> follow through with the IRC plan and referrals agreed upon.
> request good cause exemptions in a timely fashion.
> voice grievances in accordance with the County's dispute resolution process.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 2
E. Agency Responsibilities
> to treat participants with dignity and respect.
> to hold private and confidential all information regarding the participant's application,
benefits, IRC and case records.
> to inform participants of their rights and responsibilities.
> to provide information on agency programs and benefits.
> to accept applications for benefits or services.
> to apply the rules of eligibility equally.
> to act in a timely and courteous manner on a participant's request for services.
> to engage the participant in the planning of services.
> to inform participants about the services or care that they will be receiving; the staff
involved; the frequency and length of service.
> to allow participants to refuse services or treatment within the confines of law and
inform participants of the consequences of their actions.
> to provide translation services or services in the participant's own language.
(including language translator, sign language, visually impaired assists)
> to notify participants of the reasons for agency decisions.
> to provide information on other community service options.
> to receive grievances and complaints about unsatisfactory treatment without reprisal;
and to investigate those grievances or complaints
> to allow participants to appeal the decisions of the Department regarding their
application for or receipt of benefits and services
II. Basic Cash Assistance
Basic Cash Assistance will be provided in accordance with statewide eligibility criteria
and the rules established by the State Board of Human Services.
A. Optional payment methods:
1. Monthly basic cash assistance grants.
2. Vendor payments.
Vendor payments will be used for Statewide and County Diversion benefits; for
lump sum payments; or, when vendor payments are requested by the participant.
3. Lump sum vendor payments : Lump sum payments will be authorized when
the participant is at imminent risk of homelessness or loss of employment and
when (1) a lump sum payment can secure housing without (2) jeopardizing the
participant's ability to participate in work-related activities or (3) the participant's
ability to meet other basic needs of their family.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 3
B. Conditions for Authorizing Vendor Payments:
1. Statewide and County Diversion : Based on the Individual Responsibility
Contract between the participant and Eagle County as approved by the County Director
or designee.
Z Lump Sum payment: That portion of the lump sum payment required to
secure housing will be identified as a vendor payment in the Individual
Responsibility Contract between the participant and Eagle County as approved by
the County Director or designee.
3. At Participant's Request : When the participant requests in writing that vendor
payments be made. The request will be reviewed and approved by the County
Director or designee.
III. Individual Responsibility Contracts
Individual Responsibility Contracts will be completed for all adults and minor parents
who are recipients of basic cash assistance, statewide diversion grants and county
diversion grants. Individual Responsibility Contracts will be developed in conjunction
with the participant and other service providers. The expectations under the IRC will be
in writing and will be acknowledged by signature of all parties to the IRC. The IRC will
be effective upon review and approval by the Director or designee.
IV. Employment and Job Preparation Requirements
All WORKS applicants are expected to participate in work-related activities.
A. Fair and objective criteria for the determination of exception from work-related
requirements:
1. Parent Ability to Work: The parent/caretaker does not have a disability that
interferes with work activity. Objective Criteria: physician statement or receipt of
SSI/OASDI.
2. Disabled Child Needing Care: The parent/caretaker is required in the home on a
full-time basis. Objective Criteria: physician statement or certification by a
Community Centered Board agency.
3. Lack of Child Care : There is no available child care while the parent participates
in work activity. Objective Criteria: The Department will verify the absence of
relative, legally exempt or licensed child care.
4. Transportation : There is no transportation to work activity.
Objective Criteria: The Department will verify the absence of public transportation,
the absence of private transportation that could be accessed by the participant.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 4
B. Work-related activities
The following activities are recognized by the county as meeting work related
requirements:
1. Unsubsidized employment
2. Subsidized private sector employment - through JTPA
3. Subsidized public sector employment - through JTPA
4. Work Experience
5. On -the -Job Training - for # 2 & 3 above
6. Job Search and Job Readiness Activities
7. Community Service Programs as available in the community.
8. Vocational educational training - not to exceed 12 months/individual
9 Provision of child careservicess to a participant in a community service program.
10. Job Skills Training directly related to employment - employer specific.
11. Education directly related to employment in the case of a participant who has not
received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.
12. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to
acertificatee of generalequivalencee, in the case of a participant who has not
completed secondary school or received such a certificate.
Special Note : Items 10-12 are not considered work activities under the Federal Law
and do not fulfill an individual's requirement to be engaged in work related activities
within 24 months.
V. Other Assistance
A. Cash
Additional cash assistance may be provided to a WORKS' client to support employment and
job training goals that are outlined in the client's Individual Responsibility Contract as reviewed
and approved by the Director or designee. Additional cash assistance may be one-time
assistance or may be ongoing assistance.
1. One - time cash assistance:
One time cash assistance may be equivalent to no more than one month's basic cash
assistance level. One time cash assistance may be authorized for the following:
> employment related transportation expenses
> employment required tools, equipment or clothing.
> glasses or other prosthetic devices necessary for employment and not covered under
Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Vendor payments will be utilized
wherever possible.
> relocation assistance with a firm job offer that will result in self-sufficiency and
termination of WORKS benefits.
> housing or utility deposits.
> installation of phone service.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 5
2. Ongoing additional cash assistance:
Ongoing additional cash assistance may be equivalent to no more than '/2 the monthly
basic cash assistance grant. Ongoing additional cash assistance above that of the
basic cash assistance grant may be provided to assist with the following:
> employment related or job preparation transportation - not exceeding .13/mile.
> training, work supplies and equipment expenses not otherwise covered by JTPA.
> personal care items and services needed for entering work related activities.
> other work-related expenses identified by the participant, specified in the IRC and
approved by the County Director or designee.
B. Services
Eagle County Health and Human Services will connect WORKS participants with other
community services which support self-sufficiency goals. Those services which are generally
available in the community without cost to the family or the Agency include the following:
> Literacy and English as a Second Language services.
> Adult Basic Education or General Equivalency Diploma services.
> Pre-employment skill building including self-esteem services.
> Parenting education and support services.
> Family and interpersonal communication skill building services.
> Substance Abuse treatment.
> Domestic violence prevention and treatment.
> Financial and household management education and coaching.
> Job coaching - how to look for and apply for a job, resume writing, interviewing.
> Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
> Medical case management services.
> Child welfare core services, protective services, placement services.
> Eagle County Juvenile WRAP program services.
> Family Planning.
> Attendance and school performance services.
> Child Support Enforcement services.
> Legal services related to domestic relations and landlord/tenant issues.
Eagle County Health and Human Services will utilize WORKS funds to purchase services
for WORKS participants when the following services are not available without cost:
> Translation services that would aid in application for employment or participation
in work related activities.
> Adult Basic Education or General Equivalent Diploma services.
> Pre-employment skill building including self-esteem services.
> Substance Abuse treatment.
Purchased Services may be provided in a total amount not to exceed the equivalent of
six months basic cash assistance grant.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 6
C. Time Limits for Other Assistance
1. Cash Assistance
One-time assistance - no more than one payment in a calendar quarter.
On-going assistance - up to 24 months.
2. Purchased Services - throughout the time of WORKS eligibility and for six
months after achieving self-sufficiency.
D. Restrictions on Other Assistance
1. Cash Assistance : Must be eligible under the Colorado WORKS program.
Additional needs must be documented and included in the Individual Responsibility
Contract between the participant and Eagle County as reviewed and approved by the
County Director or designee.
2. Services : Service needs must be documented and included in the Individual
Responsibility Contract between the participant and Eagle County as reviewed and approved
by the County Director or designee. All services except for services related to training and
employment will be available to client families on a VOLUNTARY basis. Eligibility and
appropriateness for services will be determined by service vendors. Eagle County WORKS
will only authorize payment for employment related services for WORKS eligible
participants when the participant is not otherwise eligible for services under other programs.
VI. Statewide Diversion
A. Criteria for receipt of a statewide diversion grant
1. The family is NOT in need of long-term cash assistance as determined by:
a. Client statement
b. Verification of employment and other income that will be sufficient to
assure long-term self-sufficiency. Determination of self-sufficiency will compare
total monthly income to total monthly expenses for shelter, food, transportation,
medical needs and personal items as identified by the client.
2. The family, at time of application, meets the eligibility criteria for the
Colorado WORKS program.
3. The amount of diversion payment, up to the equivalent of three month's basic
cash assistance under WORKS, is sufficient to divert the family from assistance
and assure long-term self-sufficiency.
B. Method of Payment
Vendor payments will be utilized for statewide diversion grants.
C. Limits on reapplication
Applicants for Statewide Diversion grants will agree in writing to NOT apply for
basic cash assistance or diversion grants for a period of 12 months.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 7
D. Services
Eagle County Health and Human Services will make the following in-kind
services available to recipients of statewide diversion grants:
> Parenting education and support services.
> Family and interpersonal communication skill building services.
> Financial and household management education and coaching.
> Job coaching - how to look for and apply for a job, resume writing,
interviewing.
> Translation services that would aid in application for employment or
participation in work related activities.
> Child Support Enforcement services
> Information and Referral services to other community agencies.
Employment related services may be purchased on a one-time, lump sum basis in
accordance with the limits of the Statewide Diversion program.
VII. County Diversion Program
A. Criteria for receipt of a county diversion grant
1. The family's income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level.
2. The family meets all the other criteria for eligibility under the Colorado
WORKS program.
3. The family is NOT in need of long-term cash assistance as determined by:
a. Client statement
b. Verification of employment and other income that will be sufficient to
assure long-term self- sufficiency. Determination of self-sufficiency will
compare total monthly income to total monthly expenses for shelter, food,
transportation, medical needs and personal items as identified by the
client.
4. The amount of diversion payment, up to the equivalent of three month's basic
cash assistance under WORKS, is sufficient to divert the family from assistance
and assure long-term self-sufficiency.
B. Method of Payment
Vendor payments will be utilized for county diversion grants.
C. Limits on reapplication
Applicants for County Diversion grants will agree in writing to NOT apply for
basic cash assistance or diversion grants for a period of 12 months.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15,1997
Page 8
D. Services
- Eagle County Health and Human Services will make the following in-kind
services available to recipients of county diversion grants:
> Parenting education and support services.
> Family and interpersonal communication skill building services.
> Financial and household management education and coaching.
> Job coaching - how to look for and apply for a job, resume writing,
interviewing.
> Translation services that would aid in application for employment or
participation in work related activities.
> Child Support Enforcement services
> Information and Referral services to other community agencies.
Employment related services may be purchased on a one-time, lump sum basis in
accordance with the limits of the County Diversion program.
VIII. Sanctions and Fraud
A. Basic Cash Assistance
1. Sanctionable Items
Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with State rules for sanctions and
disqualifications. Sanctionable items include:
> Refusal to participate in work related activities - terminate adult benefits.
> Failure to cooperate with Child Support Enforcement - terminate adult benefits.
> Failure to participate in work related activities in the IRC - 3 tier sanction.
> Failure to secure immunizations for children - 3 tier sanction.
> Fraud - removal of caretaker from the grant for 12 month period for the first
offense, 24 months for the second offense and lifetime for the third offense.
> Misrepresentation of information to receive assistance in two states or two
counties at the same time - ineligible for a period of 10 years.
2. Three tier consecutive sanction for basic cash assistance
First Sanction: 1 month or until cured
Second sanction: 3 months or until cured
Third sanction: 6 months or until cured
3. Reasons for good cause of not imposing sanctions:
> incarceration.
> jury duty.
> time-limited family emergencies such as a death in the immediate family;
illness in the immediate family, documented by a physician as requiring the
care of the parent or caretaker; a family disaster such as a fire, flood or major
crime victimization; eviction necessitating a search for housing; or other
situations which are reviewed by the County Director as meeting the
definition of a time-limited family emergency.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 9
4. Process for establishing good cause:
A participant may request a good cause exception from the imposition of sanctions.
Recipients must contact their worker within 48 hours of any emergency unless that
individual is incapable of making such contact. A request for good cause exception
must be accompanied by written documentation of incarceration; jury duty; or family
emergency or signed releases for the agency to obtain such written documentation of
good cause. Verification of a family emergency and review by the County Director or
designee will be accomplished within two working days of the request. During the
period of the review, sanctions will not be imposed. If the good cause determination
is not approved, the participant will be notified in writing of imposition of sanctions
in accordance with the general procedures of the Colorado WORKS program. Further
review may be requested pusuant to section IX, Dispute Resolution. If an appeal
under section IX is requested, the Director will review the decision to impose
scantions and provide the participant with information on further appeal of the
Department's decision.
B. Other Assistance
Sanctions on other cash assistance and purchased services will be applied in the same
proportions as sanctions on the basic cash assistance grant. Reasons for good cause will be
the same as in basic cash assistance. Client notice, decision making and review of decisions
will be conducted in the same manner as in basic cash assistance.
C. Statewide Diversion Grants
The Statewide Diversion program is a one-time authorized payment plan. Sanctions, other
than the agreement to not reapply for 12 months, will not be imposed. Applicants who
misrepresent their need, income, resources and situation will be prosecuted for fraud.
Good cause exception to the requirement that a family not reapply for assistance within a 12 month
period following the provision of benefits under the Statewide Diversion program:
> death of a caretaker.
> disability of a caretaker as documented by a physician.
> the disability of a child that now requires full time care by the parent in the home.
> dissolution of marriage.
> separation due to domestic violence or child abuse.
> layoff from a reduction in force.
> incarceration of the primary wage earner.
> family disaster such as a fire, flood or major crime victimization; eviction, through
no fault of the family, necessitating a search for housing; or other situations which are
reviewed by the County Director as meeting the definition of a family disaster.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted September 15, 1997
Page 10
D. County Diversion Grants
The County Diversion program is a one-time authorized payment plan. Sanctions, other than
the agreement to not reapply for 12 months, will not be imposed. Participants who
misrepresent their need, income, resources and situation will be prosecuted for fraud.
Good cause exceptions to the requirement that a family not reapply for assistance within a
12 month period following the provision of benefits under the County Diversion program:
> death of a caretaker.
> disability of a caretaker as documented by a physician.
> the disability of a child that now requires full time care by the parent in the home.
> dissolution of marriage.
> separation due to domestic violence or child abuse.
> layoff from a reduction in force.
> incarceration of the primary wage earner.
> family disaster such as a fire, flood or major crime victimization; eviction, through
no fault of the family, necessitating a search for housing; or other situations which are
reviewed by the County Director as meeting the definition of a family disaster.
IX. Dispute Resolution
Participants may request a meeting with the County Director or her designee to review the
factors of their individual situation and the basis for the county decision regarding cash
benefits, services or sanctions. Meetings with the County Director or designee will occur
within 5 working days. Benefits will continue during the period of County dispute
resolution. Participants who disagree with the Director's review of their situation will be
provided information on the their right to appeal the county's decision. Eagle County will
NOT provide interim relief when a participant appeals an agency decision after the prior
notice period has expired.
Adopted by the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners
on this day of Septemb r, 1997.
Attest: * Johnnette Phillips, Chairpers n
h.
cotoao Eagle County Board of Commissioners
Eagle County lerk and Recorderes E. J son,airperson
George ates, Commissioner
