erie county - office of temporary and disability...

Attachment B

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Temporary Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment Plan

January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2019

Erie County

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Contents Section 1- Assurances

Section 2 Administration

Section 2.1 Administrative Structure

Section 2.2 TA and SNAP Employment &Training (SNAP E&T) Provider Agencies

Table 1 - Contracts Associated with TA and SNAP Employment Programs and Services

Table 2 – Other Service Providers

Section 2.3 OTDA Jobs Staff Agreement

Section 2.4 Access to Services at Comprehensive Career Centers

Section 3 Engagement and Work Preparation

Section 3.1 Federal “Engaged in Work” Requirement (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2 (f))

Section 3.2 Orientation (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.5)

Section 3.3 Assessment and Employment Planning

Section 3.4 Participation Rates and Work Activities (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.8 and 385.9)

Section 3.5 Job Development

Section 3.6 Training Approval and Activity Enrollment Policies (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.9)

Section 3.7 Work Verification

Section 3.8 Strategies/Procedures for Accommodating Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

Section 3.9 Strategies/Procedures for Increasing Program Attendance

Section 3.10 Strategies/Procedures for Engaging Sanctioned Temporary Assistance Participants

Section 3.11 Strategies for reducing the need for Temporary Assistance

Section 4 Support Services (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.4)

Section 4.1 TA and Non-TA SNAP Applicants and Recipients in Work Activities Approved by the District

Section 4.2 Transitional Support Services

Section 4.3 Extended Support Services

Section 5 Conciliation, Sanction and Dispute Resolution Procedures

(Reference 18 NYCRR 385.11 and 385.12)

Section 5.1 Conciliation

Section 5.2 Sanctions

Section 5.3 Dispute Resolution

Section 6 Disability Determinations, Documentation and Requirements of Exempt Individuals (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2)

Section 6.1 Disability Determination Process and Tools

Section 6.2 Mental Health Screening and Assessment

Section 6.3 Requirements for Exempt Temporary Assistance Participants (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2 (e))

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Temporary Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment Plan

January 1, 2018– December 31, 2019 Section 1- Assurances As a condition of the receipt of federal and State funds the Erie County Department of Social Services submits this Temporary Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment Plan (Plan) to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Plan outlines the administration of employment services for Temporary Assistance (TA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants and recipients for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. As Commissioner of Erie County Department of Social Services, I hereby affirm that employment services programs will be administered in accordance with all applicable federal and State policies, laws, regulations and provisions of this Plan.

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Amendments to this Plan:

Date Approved OTDA Section(s) Amended

(To be completed by OTDA)

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Section 2 Administration

Section 2.1 Administrative Structure This agency’s organizational chart is attached. It identifies the units and staff within the agency that are involved in the operation of the district’s employment program. Following is a description of the office(s) in and/or outside of the Department of Social Services that are involved in the operation of the district’s employment program. The responsibilities of each office are described below.

ERIE COUNTY WORK CENTER (ECWC) The Erie County Work Center emphasizes an employment focused approach for applicants applying for Temporary Assistance (TA). The ECWC Employment Counselors hold seven employment orientations daily to inform applicants of work requirements and expectations. Orientation requirements include an explanation of applicants’ rights and responsibilities, as well as, the benefits and obligations of applicants’ participation in work activities. Applicants are informed of TA time limits, requirements to engage in work activities, school attendance requirements for teen parents and responsibility for finding child care. TA applicants are assessed prior to case opening to determine employability status, identify and address any immediate barriers to participation in job search and referred to an employment activity or other services simultaneous to the application process. The assessment interview includes questions regarding job skills, prior work experience, educational levels, including literacy and English language proficiency, medical limitations, supportive services and child care needs. Employment Counselors also conduct the state mandated alcohol and drug abuse screening referral form LDSS-4571 and make referrals to Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC) for an alcoholism/substance abuse assessment based on the screening results. Employment Counselors review the Self Sufficiency Agreement Form B-4319 (Attachment #2) and the Employment Registration Agreement Form B-2341 (Attachment #3) with the applicants. If a medical condition is claimed which would limit an applicant’s ability to participate in assigned work activities a medical form LDSS-4526 is given to them to obtain medical documentation from the applicant’s medical provider. In those instances where the applicant does not have a medical provider, a referral is made to Be Well Healthcare Medicine (d/b/a Great Lakes Physician Services) for a medical evaluation to determine employability. Based on final employability determination, nonexempt applicants are assigned to job search activities which include TANF, Safety Net and Spanish Accelerated Job Clubs or private job search. COORDINATED SERVICES TEAM The Coordinated Services Team is a specialized Team of Employment Counselors who service applicants of Temporary Assistance determined to be in need of drug and/or alcohol treatment services by a contracted Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Employment Counselors complete assessments, develop Employment Plans and refer individuals to appropriate treatment services. Compliance with treatment is monitored during the application process, as it is a condition of eligibility. CASAC’s are co-located in the Team to conduct alcohol and substance abuse assessments, determine the level of care needed and recommend the employability status of each applicant. The Team is co-located with the Temporary Assistance Employment and Financial Planning team that is responsible for determining eligibility for applicants of Temporary Assistance benefits. Other functions of the Team include monitoring of the employability status and case management of recipients that are victims of domestic violence. JOB CLUB Job Club provides job readiness training, focusing on promoting the benefits, financial and otherwise, of going to work. Participants learn: to identify job skills, prepare resumes, interview techniques and job retention skills. They also learn about: job search techniques, tips for filling out employment applications, employer

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expectations, problem solving on the job, work ethic, proper dress and hygiene. Job leads are provided while motivating participants in their job search. Finding quality day care is discussed and daycare registration material is distributed. Employment Counselors closely monitor compliance with program requirements. Upon completion, applicants are scheduled for an assessment interview. Failure to comply without good cause, results in case denial. ASSESSMENT The Assessment Unit evaluates and refers clients to appropriate work activities in compliance with federal and state mandated work participation requirements, with the intent of directing the clients toward self-sufficiency. Case management ensures compliance with employment activities and receipt of the supports necessary for client success on a job or in an assigned work activity. Employment Counselors complete employment assessments, develop employability plans, counsel clients in overcoming barriers to employment, authorize supportive services, monitor clients’ progress and compliances and initiate non-compliance procedures. Activity referrals may include work experience, educational training, vocational training, job skills training and job development. MEDICAL/MAAT UNIT The Medical/MAAT Unit is responsible for monitoring the medically exempt population and monitoring services to recipients of Temporary Assistance who have been determined to be in need of drug and/or alcohol treatment services by a contracted Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Staff requests medical documentation from clients; reviews the provided documentation to determine employability and notifies the client of exempt/non-exempt status. The Unit refers clients to Industrial Medicine Associates (IMA), as needed, for consultative medical examinations, and monitors for compliance with treatment plans recommended by the medical provider. Incapacitated/disabled clients with medical documentation indicating that an application for SSI is appropriate, may be referred to the Legal Advocacy for the Disabled (LAD) Unit to pursue SSI or SSD. When clients are determined non-exempt from employment activity requirements based on medical documentation, the clients are assessed and employability plans are developed, taking into consideration each individual’s limitations and need for accommodations. CASAC’s, are co-located in the Unit and conduct alcohol and substance abuse assessments, determine the level of care needed and recommend the employability status of each recipient. Employment Counselors refer each recipient to an appropriate treatment agency and monitor compliance. When it is determined that the client is no longer exempt form employment activities in respect to drug or alcohol abuse, an Employment Counselor completes an employment assessment and develops an employability plan, referring the individual to an appropriate work activity or monitoring the medical disability. JOB DEVELOPMENT The Job Development Unit is a resource available to Temporary Assistance and SNAP applicants and recipients. Job Development staff identifies potential job leads for participants, recruits new employers for placement, matches participants with job opportunities, screens applicants for employers and provides pre and post-employment services to ensure a smooth transition to work and self-sufficiency. Job Development staff provides interviewing techniques, job coaching and case management, coordinates day care and transportation and works as a liaison between the participant and employer. A network of employers and community partners has been established to work with participants and provide job placement opportunities into unsubsidized and subsidized jobs. Monthly Job Fairs are held to help connect participants with employers and vocational training opportunities. The Job Development Unit utilizes the Placing Individuals in Vital Opportunity Training Program (PIVOT), a six month wage reimbursement program that places TANF participants into permanent job opportunities.

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CONTRACT COMPLIANCE TEAM The Contract Compliance Team monitors service providers for compliance with performance measures. This team is also responsible for the oversight of contract expenditures and monthly invoicing. In addition, monitoring work activity compliance, management of client attendance and entering the data into WTWCMS system, issuance of bus passes and program quality assurance. COMMUNITY RESOURCE TEAM The Community Resource Team is responsible for identifying community resources, referrals and linkage to resources and supportive services. This team also serves as the liaison to the Summer Youth Employment Program provider. Staff manages and monitors the youth holding pool which is comprised of youth ages 16-20. They assist with vocational training placements and the coordination of educational sessions and development of community activities. ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS (ABAWD) TEAM The Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) Team informs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) clients of ABAWD eligibility requirements, consequences for failure to meet the ABAWD requirements and qualifying work activities that meet requirements. Staff monitors and tracks ABAWD's participation in qualifying work assignments to maintain eligibility for SNAP benefits, grants exclusions and performs (ABAWD) related override transactions to adjust data elements that are used as part of the ABAWD tracking process based on case circumstances. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)-WORK REGISTRANT AND ABAWD This division administers the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Social Welfare Examiners determines eligibility for SNAP benefits. Staff also determines and notifies all applicants/recipients of work registrant and ABAWD status. An appropriate SNAP employment code and ABAWD indicator is assigned by the worker. TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE UNDERCARE UNIT Clients with an attachment to employment, recent unemployment or the possibility of employment after short-term medical issues are handled in the Temporary Assistance Undercare Unit. Services provided by this Unit include: determining primary needs and connecting clients to the most appropriate assistance program, service area or community resources that will lead to self-sufficiency. The Unit is comprised of Social Welfare Examiner series staff who work closely with Employment Counselors on these cases. Functions performed by this Unit include: authorization of Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits, child care assistance, transportation allowance, imposing employment related sanctions and monitoring wages. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM Child care subsidies are available for working families that meet program and income eligibility guidelines. Parents contribute toward the cost of care based on a sliding income scale. Low income child care assistance is available to employed families who earn 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Transitional child care assistance is available to recipients of Temporary Assistance who become ineligible for cash benefits due to earned income. Transitional child care assistance is guaranteed for 12 months after case closing if the working family earns 200% or less of the poverty level. The Unit is comprised of Social Welfare Examiner series staff and clerical staff. Examiners determine program eligibility and authorize day care assistance payments. Clerical staff provides support to the Unit through record maintenance, management of reports and supportive services to both clients and examiners. The Unit works closely with the Child Care Resource Network and the Office of Children and Family Services to ensure access to high quality child care.

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Section 2.2 TA and SNAP Employment &Training (SNAP E&T) Provider Agencies

Table 1 - Contracts Associated with TA and SNAP Employment Programs and Services Table 1 lists the local contracts or agreements with agencies to provide employment services to TA and SNAP clients. These activities and services may include, but are not limited to: employability determinations; development of assessments and employment plans; conciliation and grievance activities; provision of work activities such as job readiness training; education and job skills training; monitoring and support for compliance with treatment plans for exempt individuals with the potential for restoration to self-sufficiency; job development; job placement and retention services; and other employment related activities. Each contract listed in Table 1 contains an assurance that the activities are not otherwise available from that provider on a non-reimbursable basis, and, if not a performance-based contract, a statement regarding use of a cost allocation methodology that satisfies Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as well as the requirements of U.S. Office of Management and Budget Circulars A-122 for nonprofit organizations, A-21 for educational institutions, or A-87 for State and local governments.

Provider

Total Contract Cost

(per year)

Funding

Source(s) (Check all that apply)

Categories of

Clients Served

(Check all that apply)

Programs, Services or Activities Provided

Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Program

$236,600.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other

FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%

Work Experience, HSE and ESL Educational Services, Workplace Literacy, Job Readiness Training, Vocational Training, Job Placement and Retention Services, Case Management Services

Erie Community College - CAST

$500,000.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Work Experience, Job Skill Training, Vocational Training, Job Readiness Training, Job Placement and Retention Services, Case Management Services

Goodwill Industries-Worksite Management

$300,000.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Work Experience, Job Skills Training, HSE, Job Placement and Retention Services, Case Management Services

Goodwill Industries-Subsidized Employment Services

$500,000.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Subsidized Work Assignments, Case Management, Job Placement and Retention Services

WNY Independent Living-Mental Health Peer Connections

$250,000.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Work Experience, Job Placement and Retention Services, Case Management Services for Individuals with Drug/Alcohol or Mental Health Diagnosis

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Provider

Total Contract Cost

(per year)

Funding

Source(s) (Check all that apply)

Categories of

Clients Served



Salvation Army $200,000.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Work Experience, Job Skills Training, Job Readiness Training, HSE, Job Placement and Retention Services, Case Management Services

United Way Works: Belmont Shelter Corp, Catholic Charities Lackawanna, The Belle Center, Gloria J. Parks, Literacy NY, Lt. Col Matt Urban Ctr. Northwest Buffalo Community Center, Seneca Babcock Community Center

$1,355,400.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Work Experience, Job Skills Training, HSE, ESL, Computer Literacy, Financial Literacy Provided at Community HUB Sites

Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) CASAC Services

$397,493.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC), determine need for treatment, level of care and employability status

Be Well Healthcare Medicine DBA/Great Lakes Physician Services

$22,500.00 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


Medical Evaluations to determine employability of TA applicants Fee for Service - $75/Examination Maximum referrals 25 per month

Erie County Employers/ (PIVOT) Wage Subsidy Program

$2,541,411 FFFS SNAP

E&T Local Other


6 month wage reimbursement employment training contracts

Total $6,303,404.00

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Table 2 – Other Service Providers

Table 2 includes agencies/providers that offer services to participants and to which the district expects to refer participants but which have no direct financial agreement with the district.

Provider

Funding Source(s) (if known)

Categories of Clients Served



Industrial Medicine Associates

Revenue Intercept


Medical and Psychiatric

NYS Department of Labor


Job Placement Services

Buffalo Employment Training Center

WIOA FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%

Job Placement Services, Employment Workshops

Erie Community College One Stop

WIOA FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%

Job Placement Services, Employment Workshops

ACCES VR FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%

Vocational Training for Individuals with Disabilities

Cornell Cooperative Extension


Nutrition Education

Center for Employment Opportunities


Re-Entry Employment Services

Summer Youth Employment Program


Youth Employment Services

WIB Health Professionals Opportunity Grant


Vocational Training

Jewish Family Services


ESL, Career Counseling

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens


Worksite Sponsors

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Provider





Buffalo City Mission


Worksite Sponsors


Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy


Worksite Sponsors

City of Buffalo


Worksite Sponsors

Delavan Grider Community Center


Worksite Sponsors

Friends of Night People


Worksite Sponsors

George K. Arthur Community Center


Worksite Sponsors

Gerard Place


Worksite Sponsors

Hispanics United of Buffalo


Worksite Sponsors

New Life Residential Center


Worksite Sponsors

Buffalo Zoo FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%

Worksite Sponsors

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers


Worksite Sponsors/Skills Training

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Provider





Educational Opportunity Center


Vocational and Educational Training

Catholic Charities of Buffalo


Worksite Sponsors/HSE/ESL

Erie 1 Boces


Vocational Training

Journey's End Refugee Services


ESL/Vocational Training

Restoration Society Inc.


Job Placement Services, Career Counseling

Society for the Advancement of Construction - Related Arts (SACRA)


Vocational Training

Child Care Resource Network (CCRN)


Child Care Resource & Referral Agency

Help Me Grow WNY


Child Development and Parenting Topics

Buffalo Urban League


Youth Services

Workforce Development Institute (WDI)


Child Care Subsidy Facilitated Enrollment Program

Beacon Center


Drug and Alcohol Treatment Provider

Erie County Medical Center/Out Patient Clinics



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Provider





Endeavor FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%


Evergreen Health



Cazenovia Recovery Systems



Best Self Behavioral Health



Horizon Health Services



Spectrum Health Services



BryLin Hospital



Veterans Hospital



Catholic Health System



CAO/DART FA SNA Family SNA Individual SNAP TANF 200%




Section 2.3 OTDA Jobs Staff Agreement OTDA Jobs Program Services – Target Groups

(“X” signifies those that apply in this district)

Services Target Groups

Assessment/Employment Plan Applicants Supervised Job Search FA & SNA with children Job Readiness Training SNA without Children Job Club SNAP Job Placement Services TANF 200% Grant Diversion Job Development (employer outreach) WOTC pre-certifications

Other Services Requested

Described below are additional services/duties which will be requested of Jobs staff (e.g.,WTWCMS data entry, case conferencing, job fairs)

Section 2.4 Access to Services at Comprehensive Career Centers

In New York State, TANF is a required WIOA partner and must coordinate access to TANF services with the comprehensive Career Centers.

a. Below is a description of how the district provides access to its programs and services with

Career Center partners. Check all that apply:

The district has employee(s) physically present at a Career Center

The district has contract staff physically present at a Career Center

The district makes available direct access to its program staff via phone or technology at a Career Center

The district makes available copies of the LDSS-2921 (Common Application) at a Career Center

Other:

b. Please provide a description of how the district coordinates with Career Center partners with

providing services to the district’s clients, including referral and information sharing

mechanisms.

The district and one-stop career center partners have an agreement to participate in a customer focused referral system that will assist job seekers to access resources. Each partner offers information on services, program eligibility, and how to apply for program services. A referral liaison is available for each program partner to arrange for service referrals and appointments. With appropriate client release, assessment and individual Employment Plan information is shared.

Section 3 Engagement and Work Preparation Section 3.1 Federal “Engaged in Work” Requirement (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2 (f)) For purposes of satisfying the federal requirement which states that parents or caretakers must be engaged in work as soon as the district determines they are ready, but no later than within 24 months of receiving federally funded assistance, district’s definition of “Engaged in Work” is:

Compliance with assessment, employment planning, all activities included in the individual’s Employment/Self-Sufficiency plan including any need to attend treatment/rehabilitation programs, or any of the work activities listed in Section 3.4. Also included is pursuit of other forms of income such as SSI and SSDI.

Include any additional information regarding the district’s local “engaged in work” requirements:

Section 3.2 Orientation (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.5) Check one of the following:

The district provides orientation in accordance with 18 NYCRR Section 385.5 and no additional information is provided at orientation.

In addition to the requirements outlined in 18 NYCRR Section 385.5 of the regulations,

the district’s orientation provides the following:

The district's orientation will also cover the "Work First" philosophy, Medicaid/Managed Care, and the Work Support Checklist (Attachment #4A, #4B, #4C, #4D, #4E, #4F, #4G, #4H).

Described below is the manner in which the district completes the required orientation for all applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance (e.g., in a group setting, individually, or a combination of both), including the orientation procedure for exempt individuals and non-exempt individuals, if different:

The orientation is delivered by Employment Counselors on day 2 of the TA application process. It is conducted in a group setting with individual follow-up by an Employment Counselor on the same day. Individuals are asked to sign a statement of understanding “Employment Orientation” (Attachment #5) but no negative action is taken if the individual declines to sign this form. The orientation for recipients is provided individually at recertification.

Section 3.3 Assessment and Employment Planning Temporary Assistance Assessment (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.6 and 385.7)

a. Check one of the following:

The district conducts assessments as required by 18 NYCRR 385.6(a) and 385.7(a):

The district enters assessments directly into WTWCMS

The district uses the LDSS 4980 (New York State Assessment) and later enters information into WTWCMS.

The district conducts assessments using a local equivalent tool, and later enters information into WTWCMS. Attached is the local equivalent.

The local equivalent does not contain additional elements other than what is required.

The local equivalent does contain additional elements beyond what is required, listed below:

b. Describe the local district procedure for the completion of an employment assessment:

All adults in households with dependent children, and 16 and 17 year olds who are not in school, are assessed by Employment Counselors within 90 days of eligibility. Adults applying for Temporary Assistance and residing in households without dependent children are assessed within a year following the application. Through the use of WTWCMS “Search Folders with Alerts” we monitor to ensure that all applicants are assessed within the specified time frame.

c. The district administrative unit or contractor responsible for conducting assessments is:

The Comprehensive Employment Division of the Erie County Department of Social Services.

d. The qualifications of the employees conducting the assessment are at minimum: [Refer to requirements listed in 18 NYCRR 385.6(c) and 385.7(c)]

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree, and one year of experience in either educational or vocational guidance or employment interviewing, employment counseling or employment placement work; and either: a. One additional year of experience as described above; OR b. Completion of 30 graduate semester credit hours with specialization in guidance or counseling; OR c. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

e. Applicants in households with dependent children are required to participate in

completion of an assessments: Yes No

f. Applicants in households without dependent children are required to participate in

completion of an assessments: Yes No

g. Exempt adults in households without dependent children are required to participate in

the completion of an assessment: Yes No

Temporary Assistance Employment Plans (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.6(b) and 385.7(b))

a. Check one of the following: The district develops individual employment plans as required by 18 NYCRR 385.6(a) and 385.7(a):

The district enters employment plans directly into WTWCMS.

The district uses the LDSS 4978 (New York State Employment Plan) and later enters information into WTWCMS.

The district develops individual employment plans using a local equivalent tool and later enters information into WTWCMS. Attached is the local equivalent.

The local equivalent does not contain additional elements other than what is required.

The local equivalent does contain additional elements beyond what is required, listed below:

b. Check one of the following: The same administrative unit or contractor that conducts employment assessments also develops employment plans.

A different district administrative unit or contractor develops employment plans, and their qualifications include:

Section 3.4 Participation Rates and Work Activities (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.8 and 385.9)

a. Described below is how the district plans to meet federal and State Temporary Assistance participation rate requirements. Included is the weekly hours standard participation requirement for individuals in the different case and household types, along with the typical time period it takes for nonexempt individuals to be engaged in activities for both newly opened cases and individuals who status changed from

exempt to nonexempt. Information regarding engaging exempt individuals is entered in Section 6:

Erie County utilizes a very proactive strategy to ensure that participation rate

requirements are maximized. Nonexempt applicants completing the job search activity required during the

application process, are assessed and referred to an appropriate work activity at or as close to case opening as scheduling and staff levels permit.

Cases pending certification (“CERT” status), are placed in a WTWCMS holding

pool and monitored regularly for changes (openings). Active cases are then assigned to Employment Counselors to monitor engagement.

The typical timeframe between the referral to an activity and the actual start date

varies from 1 to 10 days depending on the activity. The participation maximization calendar is referenced to ensure a timely enrollment for monthly participation credit. Compliance for all referrals is monitored through regular communication with worksites via telephone, email, fax, or site visit.

Due to work limitations or other case circumstances, appropriate hours of activity

for case participation are often determined on a case-by-case basis. The standard assignment of hours for a client with an employment code of 29 is up to 25 hours per week with WEP being limited to the hours determined by dividing the household’s TA grant plus SNAP allotment by the higher of the federal or State minimum wage. TANF and Safety Net Family case types with an employment code of 20 will be assigned up to 35 hours per week, with WEP being limited to the hours determined by dividing the household’s TA grant plus SNAP allottment by the higher of the federal or State minimum wage. If the budget does not support assignment of 30 hours for a TANF or SNF recipient, then a dual enrollment is required. The client would be assigned to a combination of work experience and educational or job skills activity not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Monitoring the participation rate has been enhanced with the ability of all

Supervisory staff with access to the Cognos reporting system. Cognos reports provide local district staff with timely data to aid in monitoring and maximizing participation of non-exempt adults and status changes.

b. Estimate the number of individuals expected to receive employment services:

Households with Dependent Children

Average Monthly

Households without Dependent Children

Average Monthly

Individuals

3,774

3,549

c. Described below is a description of how the district uses work participation

management reports available through Cognos or other reports and activities to monitor district progress toward meeting work participation requirements and ensuring full engagement by adults in work or work preparation activities:

Erie County utilizes WTWCMS reports, Cognos reports and District reports to monitor progress and client participation.

The following Cognos reports are reviewed monthly: Employability Code Duration Report Possibly Miscoded Non-Legal Union Families with Children in Common

Report Clients with Manual Folders PA Clients with Schedules Associated with FS Case Numbers TANF and

SN MOE Detail Report Preliminary Federal Countable Not Countable Report Earned Income/Employment Reports Adults with Budgeted Earned Income and No Current Employment

Schedule Adults with No Budgeted Earned Income and Current Employment

Schedule Participation and Engagement Status Reports Adults in Vocational Education 9 Months or More Exempted Caretaker of Child < 1 Exceeding 12 Month Limit Adults with No Activity Status > 3 Months ABAWD Enhanced Caseload Listings

d. Describe the extent to which the district requires Non-Temporary Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NTA SNAP) applicants and recipients to participate in SNAP E&T work activities. If the district is not mandating SNAP E&T work activity assignments, please describe how NTA SNAP work registrants are informed of the services available, upon request, for assistance with job search activities. (Please note: At a minimum, districts are required to make available job search as a SNAP E&T activity to NTA SNAP applicants and recipients):

Erie County does not mandate NTA-SNAP individuals to work activities. NTA-

SNAP applicants/recipients work registrants interested in job search assistance are referred at eligibility determination and redetermination to the Comprehensive Employment Division. A job search Resource Center is available where job referrals, interviewing skills and information on training programs is provided. Referrals to services available through the NYS Department of Labor, Buffalo Employment and Training Center, ECC One Stop and the Adult Learning Center. The district will provide an ABAWD qualifying activity to at-risk ABAWDs who request such an assignment to maintain his/her SNAP eligibility for more than three months in the 36 month fixed period.

e. Please describe the local district procedure for Job Search, including the required number of job search contacts and hours per week assigned. Also include a description of how often individuals are generally required to report job search outcomes and if activities other than job search are routinely expected:

1. The district assigns TA applicants to Job Search. Yes No

If yes, the process for engaging TA applicants is: • Safety Net Accelerated Job Search (SN AJS) is a three week job search

program designed to provide single Safety Net applicants with a meaningful job search activity. Employable Safety Net applicants are required to report on time each day to participate in the classroom segment which includes job search techniques, interviewing techniques and job retention skills. A resume is done for each participant in SN AJS. Additionally, all applicants are registered with the NYS Department of Labor Career Center. Applicants are required to complete 3 job applications per day. Employment Counselors closely monitor applicants’ compliance with program requirements. Failure to comply, results in the denial of the pending application. Upon completion of SN AJS, the applicants are scheduled for an assessment interview and work activity assignment. Weekly presentations are provided by the NYS Department of Labor and Cornell Cooperative Extension "Eat Smart NY" Program.

• TANF Accelerated Job Search (TANF AJS) is designed to provide TANF

applicants who have a limited work history with a meaningful job search activity prior to case opening. Employable TANF applicants are required to report on time to three classroom sessions during a three week period. Job search techniques, tips for filing out applications, proper dress and hygiene, interviewing techniques and how to find quality day care are discussed. Additionally, all applicants are registered with the NYS Department of Labor Career Center. Applicants are required to complete 12 applications during the three weeks of TANF AJS. Employment Counselors closely monitor applicants’ compliance with program requirements. Failure to comply, results in the denial of the pending TA application. Upon completion of TANF AJS, the applicants are given day care registration materials, and scheduled for an assessment interview and work activity assignment. Weekly presentations are provided by the Child Care Resource Network and NYS Department of Labor.

• Spanish Accelerated Job Search is designed to provide Spanish-

speaking applicants with a meaningful job search activity prior to case opening. Employable Spanish-speaking applicants are required to report on time to three classroom sessions during a three week period. Job search techniques, tips for filing out applications, proper dress and hygiene and interviewing techniques are discussed. Applicants are required to complete at least 12 applications during the three weeks of AJS. Employment Counselors closely monitor applicants’ compliance with program requirements. Failure to comply, results in the denial of the pending TA application. Upon completion of Spanish Job Club, the applicants are scheduled for an assessment interview and work activity assignment.

• Applicant Job Search is a self-directed job search for those applicants

with a recent work history or those determined through the assessment process not appropriate to participate in Accelerated Job Search. TANF applicants are required to document 3 employment applications per week and SN-IND 15 employment applications per week. The applicant is scheduled to return 3 weeks from the date

assigned to applicant job search. Employment Counselor provides the applicant with Job Search forms B-5764 & B-5525 (Attachment #6 and #7) and explains to the client the requirements and consequences if non-compliant, answering any questions the client may have. Failure to comply, results in the denial of the pending TA application. Upon completion of the job search, applicants are scheduled for an assessment interview and work activity assignment.

2. The disDistrict assigns TA recipients to Job Search. Yes No

If yes, the process for engaging TA recipients is: Safety Net Recipient Job Club (SNR) is a four week, job search program to assist

Safety Net Recipients in addressing barriers to employment. Classroom activities focus on how to get a job when you have limited work experience and/or dated work history. Participants complete self-assessments to increase awareness of attitude, motivation and the need for change. Participants report 2 days a week, and complete 3 applications per day. Upon completion of Safety Net Recipient Job Club, the participants are scheduled for an assessment interview and work activity assignment. Participants that fail to comply with Job Club program rules are offered conciliation and may be subject to an employment sanction.

The Supervised Job Search Program is available to all clients. The client

is scheduled for weekly meetings with an Employment Counselor in the Job Developemt Unit to review: interviewing techniques, resume writing, appropriate dress and hygiene, filling out applications, identifying employers, job openings, and identifying job search engines online. At each weekly appointment the Employment Counselor will monitor the job search progress. If the client is assigned to job search as their sole activity, the client is expected to spend at least 30 hours weekly with a minimum of 20 contacts per week on job search efforts. Job search activities include identifying potential employers, preparing and/or submitting resumes, interviews, writing employer follow up letters or attendance at job fairs. When job search is combined with another work activity, the Employment Counselor will determine the minimum weekly hours and/or contacts needed for job search. Employment Counselor will be responsible for assessing a client’s progress on applications, interviews, and number of contacts. Employment Counselors use a Job Referral Form B-2342-A-2 (Attachment #8) to verify that the client had contact with the documented employers and for possible outcomes. Employment Counselors also utilize on site Job Fairs for employment referrals and verification of contacts for each client. This process will enable clients to utilize additional resources and contacts.

f. Describe the district’s process and policy, including the guidelines workers follow, when determining whether participation in self-employment is approved as part of an

Applicant Job Search

Number of Contacts

Number of Hours

Additional Information

TANF and SNA

MOE

4/week

18 weekly

Report 1 time weekly for 3 weeks

SNA Individuals

15/week

40 weekly

Report daily for 3 weeks.

Includes JRT and Job Search

individual’s required work activities. If the district always approves self-employment as part of an individual’s required work activities, please note this policy below. Individuals are assessed on a case by case basis to determine if appropriate to approve self-employment as an approved activity. Clients that meet the hour requirement, that do not meet the minimum wage requirement will be assessed in three months to determine if this is an acceptable path to self-sufficiency or if supplemental, countable work activities are needed. Additional time may be permitted as determined by the district based on case circumstances. g. The allowable work activities that are available in the social services district are listed and defined in the table on the next two pages. An “X” in the appropriate check box indicates the activity is available for individuals receiving Family Assistance (FA), Safety Net Assistance for households with children (SNA Fam), Safety Net Assistance for households without children (SNA IND), and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. A blank check box indicates the activity is not available for that case type.

Activity and Definition

FA SNA Fam SNA Ind SNAP

Unsubsidized Employment - Full time or part time employment in the public or private sector that is not subsidized by TANF or any other public program (excluding employer tax credits). Unsubsidized employment includes self-employment and/or paid internships.


Subsidized Private Sector Employment - Employment in the private sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from TANF or other public funds (excluding tax credits) to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing and training a recipient in accordance with New York State Social Services Law 336-f. Subsidized private sector employment will include positions subsidized through grant diversion/Transitional Employment Advancement Program (TEAP), supported employment programs, and paid college work study programs at private institutions. Individuals participating in subsidized private sector employment are paid wages and receive the same benefits as unsubsidized employees who perform similar work. An employment situation will be subsidized for up to the full amount of wages/benefits provided to the program participant and will be subsidized for the length of time as determined appropriate by the State or social services district.

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Subsidized Public Sector Employment - Employment in the public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from TANF or other public funds (excluding tax credits) to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing and training a recipient in accordance with New York State Social Services Law 336-e. Subsidized public sector employment will include positions subsidized through grant diversion/TEAP, supported employment programs, and paid college work study programs at public institutions. Individuals participating in subsidized public sector employment, and work study unless otherwise permitted under a federal work study program, are paid wages and receive the same benefits as unsubsidized employees who perform similar work. An employment situation will be subsidized for up to the full amount of wages/benefits provided to the program participant and will be subsidized for the length of time as determined appropriate by the State or social services district.


Work Experience - Unpaid work performed at a public or not-for-profit organization to enable a participant who has not obtained unsubsidized employment to improve his or her employability. Work experience provides participants with an opportunity to acquire training, knowledge, work habits, and work references necessary to obtain and retain employment. Participation in work experience includes training required for the participant to complete the work experience assignment. For example, an individual who is expected to provide clerical support in a government agency may be provided training to develop or refine filing and data entry skills as needed to perform the tasks required as part of the work activity assignment. In addition to those components noted above, work experience will include unpaid internships that are part of any non-graduate student’s education curriculum. (Note: Paid internships are to be reported as employment.)

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Training in a public or private sector employment setting during which the participant receives work-essential paid training while he or she is engaged in productive work that provides the knowledge and skills essential to attain full and adequate performance of the job. OJT will be unsubsidized (for which the employer does not receive a subsidy) or subsidized using TANF funds or other funds to offset the cost of the training provided to the participant. A subsidized OJT will be subsidized for up to the full cost of providing such training and wages/benefits provided to the program participant. Positions will be subsidized for the length of time determined appropriate by the State or social services district. OJT is distinct from subsidized employment since the individual must participate in workplace training to attain full and adequate job performance and the subsidy provided is intended to offset the cost of such training.


Community Service - A structured program in which participants perform work for the direct benefit of the community under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations. Community service placements must be projects that serve a useful community purpose in fields such as health, social services, environmental protection, education, urban and rural redevelopment, welfare, public recreation, public facilities, public safety, and childcare. Community service programs are designed to improve the employability of participants not otherwise able to obtain unsubsidized employment. Participation in community service may include training that is directly required for the participant to complete the community service assignment. For example, an individual who is expected to provide clerical support to a food pantry may be provided training to develop or refine filing and data entry skills.

Community service assignments will primarily be voluntary in nature including participation in VISTA, Americorps, and unpaid volunteer activities at a school, Head Start programs, religious or faith-based institutions, community organizations or a nonprofit or public agency but will also include such mandated participation when court ordered. Participation in activities to support these organizations is deemed to provide a service to the community. In those instances, where the participation could meet the federal definition of work experience or community service and the district or program provider would like to have another recipient provide childcare for the community service individual, such hours of work may be reported as participation in community service.


Job Search - The act of seeking or obtaining employment or preparing to seek or obtain employment and will include: looking for suitable job openings in a group or individual setting; making contact with potential employers; learning appropriate workplace expectations and behaviors in preparation for submitting job applications and interviewing; preparing and applying for, and/or interviewing for jobs and related activities.

Activity and Definition

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Job Readiness Training (JRT) Activities - Participation in programs that include seeking and preparing for work. JRT includes two types of activities: (1) traditional activities of resume preparation, training in interviewing skills, and instruction in workplace expectations, training in effective job seeking, including life skills training; and (2) activities that improve an individual’s employability, such as substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or rehabilitation activities in which a qualified medical or mental health professional has certified that such treatment is necessary.

Traditional JRT activities will include: resume preparation, training in interview skills, instruction in workplace expectations, training in effective job seeking, life skills essential to workplace success, time management, goal setting, budgeting, basic math and literacy skills, household management, interpersonal skills, decision making ski lls, anger management, parenting skills when it has been determined that such training could help reduce unplanned work leave or apprehension toward entering employment.

For TANF and SNA MOE funded families, JRT also includes substance abuse and other treatment and rehabilitative services that are required for individuals who are unable to work or individuals whose employability and employment retention requires such services. Such services, which should be reported on WTWCMS as such, will be deemed within WRTS participation rate logic to be JRT for recipients of TANF and SNA MOE funding but will be deemed to be Community Service for recipients of SNA non-MOE, include:

• Physical health treatment and rehabilitation services including attending necessary physical therapy, and doctor appointments. Such treatment will include medical, behavioral and other treatment necessary for individuals suffering from substance abuse (current and former users) with such required treatment ranging from detoxification services to after care/abstinence maintenance.

• Mental health services including therapy, counseling, and other services to address mental or emotional disorders that can interfere with an individual’s daily life functions, ability to work, looking for work or the ability to retain employment.


Vocational Education - Vocational education is defined as an organized educational program that directly relates to the preparation of individuals for current or emerging occupations that require training up to a four-year degree. Vocational education does not generally include basic or remedial education or English as a Second Language (ESL) but may include work focused general education and language instruction that is a regular or integral part of a vocational education program. Social services districts are responsible for ensuring that any such remedial education or ESL is a regular part of the program for participants with similar skill sets as the TANF/SNA MOE client, is determined necessary by the program provider, and is limited in hours to less than one half of program participation. Vocational education programs include the completion of activities that provide individuals the knowledge and skills to perform a specific trade, occupation or vocation. Vocational education must be provided by an education or training organization.

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Job Skills Training - Training or education in job skills to improve a participant’s employability, to ensure clients have the basic skills competencies required by employers to support job entry and/or to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace. Where identified as needed, such training may include the development of basic workplace skills including professional workplace behaviors and decision making skills. Job skills training may include customized or technical training designed to provide participants with additional workplace skills, post-secondary education courses leading to a bachelor’s or other advanced degree, or other training included under the definition of vocational education training. Job skills training may include literacy instruction, English language instruction, or other basic education for an individual who has already obtained a high school diploma or equivalency when determined from a client’s assessment that such instruction is needed to improve the participant’s employability.


Education Training - Education directly related to employment for a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or equivalency must be related to a specific occupation, job or job offer or otherwise determined based on a client assessment as necessary to improve the participant’s employability to support job entry, retention or advancement. Education directly related to employment may include courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills for general or specific occupations or work settings to ensure clients have the basic skills competencies required by employers and may also include adult basic education, ESL instruction and education leading to a high school equivalency diploma as determined as necessary to improve the participant’s job opportunities in potential occupations. Where identified as needed such training may include the development of basic workplace skills including professional workplace behaviors and decision making skills.

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Secondary School - Regular attendance in accordance with the requirements of the secondary school or a course of study at a secondary school or other State accredited institution leading to a high school equivalence (HSE) diploma, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received a certificate of general equivalence. Secondary school participation may include general adult basic education or ESL if it is linked to attending secondary school or leading to a HSE diploma as determined necessary by the educational institution. Secondary School or HSE programs that routinely include ESL, career training, alternative school, tutoring, dropout prevention, teen pregnancy or parenting programs as a requirement of program participation as determined by the educational institution will also be permitted.

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Provision of Childcare for Individual Participating in Community Service - Providing unpaid childcare to enable another Temporary Assistance (TANF/SNA MOE funded) recipient to participate in a community service program.

FA SNA Fam

SNA Ind SNAP

Other - Any work activity that does not meet the criteria of any of the above countable activities constitutes participation that is not countable toward federal and State participation rates.

Section 3.5 Job Development

The district conducts or accesses job development services to expand job opportunities for TA and SNAP clients. Yes No If yes, the district participates in job development activities in the following manner:

District staff contacts employers to solicit jobs for Temporary Assistance participants.

Below is the description of how this is done, including number of staff, frequency of contacts, etc.:

The Job Development Unit consists of 3 Employment Counselors and 1 Supervisor. Employment Counselors are assigned to specific work experience sites; collaborating with the worksite supervisor to identify and engage those clients who are work ready, (i.e. consistently showing up on time and performing well). Employment Counselors are also assigned to the Assessment Unit to work with employable clients who have recently completed Job Club. Employment Counselors will identify job opportunities in the community that match the education, skill level and work interests of each client. These clients will work with Employment Counselors on a weekly basis until that client is placed into a job. Employment Counselors work with a database of over 300 employers which is used to match clients with job openings in the community. Employment Counselors will assist clients with job interviews, provide case management and supportive services (i.e. transportation, day care, etc.) to ensure a smooth transition into employment and self sufficiency. The Job Development Unit also receives referrals from other Social Service Divisons for clients that are job ready and need assistance and referrals to employment. Employment Counselors will conduct a Job Fair each month in the District Office. This involves contacting various companies that have job openings and are in need of employees. Employers come to the Job Fair and hold interviews at the District office which enables the employers to screen clients and recruit employees for permanent positions available. Employment Counselors utilize Placing Individuals in Vital Opportunity Training (PIVOT) Subsidized Employment Program. This wage subsidy program is designed for TANF clients and enables the Employment Counselors to offer employers a wage subsidy. The PIVOT Program subsidizes a client's wages for an employer that would not ordinarily hire that client because of training that is needed. Employment Counselors works closely with employers to facilitate a client's smooth transition into employment and jobs that offer permanent long term positions.

District contracts or has an agreement with another agency to contact employers and solicit jobs for Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP participants. Below is the description of how this is done, including number of staff, frequency of contacts.

OTDA Jobs Program staff are charged with job development as indicated in section 2.3. Additional

information, if any, is described below:

Section 3.6 Training Approval and Activity Enrollment Policies (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.9)

a. Describe how the district identifies appropriate education program providers for services of Adult

Basic Education, High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma preparation, and English Language

Instruction that are available to clients whose assessment indicates such services would be an appropriate work activity assignment:

The district has developed 13 worksites referred to as “Dual-Enrollment Worksites”. These

worksites offer a combination of work experience activities (which is required for the core activity for case participation) and also offer classroom instruction and training for ABE, HSE, ESL, and/or Computer Skills training. If the assessment indicates that the client requires such services to increase or enhance employability, the client will be referred for enrollment to one of the dual-enrollment worksites. Several sites also offer vocational training. The standards used to identify appropriate education program providers is outlined in Section 3.6(h).

b. Describe how the district identifies appropriate providers of Vocational Education and Job Skills

Training programs that are available to clients whose assessment indicates such services would be an appropriate work activity assignment:

The providers of training in the district area are well versed in the requirements of ECDSS and offer a wide range of vocational/educational opportunities for clients. The Buffalo State Advanced Manufacturing Program, BOCES I, BOCES II, Journeys End, Health Professions Opportunity Grant, EOC, Adult Learning Center, Buffalo Olmsted Parks, Lt. Col. Matt Urban Center, Society for the Advancement of construction - related arts, Salvation Army, Erie Community College CAST Program and NYS Dept. of Labor offer vocational training in demand occupations. Routine presentations are made by these providers in a constant effort to keep Employment Counselors informed of any new opportunities. The District partnered with Catholic Charities and Center for Employment Opportunities to provide a wide range of services including community work experience/job skills training, HSE and computer training for ex-offenders. Communication with parole officers help to identify clients that would be appropriate for referral to these providers.

c. Describe the process and guideline workers follow to ensure that individuals who have not attained

a basic literacy level and/or have not attained a high school diploma are offered the opportunity to participate in an educational activity:

In the assessment process, educational options will be reviewed and discussed. The district will encourage all individuals to participate in educational activities if a high school diploma or basic literacy level has not been attained. These clients would be referred to one of our established “dual enrollment” worksites which offer a combination of work experience activity and educational instruction. The clients are TABE tested to determine grade level. Educational services are provided by; The Adult Learning Center, Catholic Charities and Literacy New York.

d. Describe the district’s process and policy, including the guideline workers follow, when determining whether participation in educational activities is approved for individuals who have not attained a high school diploma who are interested in participating in an educational activity. Include in this section instances when the agency would deny participation in educational activities:

The assessment process will determine if it is appropriate to approve an individual for an educational activity. The district will consider various factors in the determination process. Approval consideration will be given based on the client’s history of compliance, educational needs and aptitude. Other factors would include the feasibility of approving a particular program. An Employment Plan is developed for each individual that is assessed; but in determining work activity assignments, the social services district must give priority to the needs of the district to meet the prescribed participation rate.

e. Describe the district’s process and policy for determining whether or not a participant is

approved/assigned to participate in job skills or vocational education activities:

During the assessment interview education skills and interests of individuals will be evaluated to determine if the individual is appropriate to participate in job skills training or a vocational activity. There will be an active effort made by staff to ensure that these services are made available to participants that need to enhance their marketable skills in areas that have opportunities in the local employment sector. The district must then also consider program duration and the client’s ability to complete the training based on the limited time in which they can participate in these activities (08ADM-07).

f. Describe the highest level of post-secondary level education that the district will approve as a work

activity, up to a four-year college program: A four year college program would be the highest level of post-secondary level education that could be approved. This approval would be determined based on the individual's assessment plan toward self-sufficiency and the district's need to meet Federal and State work participation requirements. Approval for enrollment considers factors such as: the individual's ability to successfully complete the program; whether it is necessary for the achievement of the individual's employment goals outlined in their Employment Plan; and whether such goals relate directly to obtaining employment in an occupation with favorable job prospects. Continued approval of enrollments is based on the participant maintaining satisfactory progress. Verification of school attendance is the responsibility of the participant.

g. Describe how the district will ensure that enrollments in post-secondary education beyond the 12

month lifetime limit are combined with a weekly average of at least 20 hours in paid employment activities which may include work study, work experience or community service:

Clients are called in one month prior to the 12 month vocational lifetime limit expiring. A re-assessment and new Employment Plan is completed and work activities are assigned at that time and monitored monthly.

h. Education and training providers are evaluated by the following standards:

1. Are licensed, certified training facilities with qualified staff. 2. Have demonstrated a demand for the occupation(s) for which they are training. 3. Have demonstrated a training-related placement rate of at least 75%. Training programs may be approved on a case by case basis.

i. The district procedure for advising participants of approved training providers is:

At the time of assessment, depending upon the needs and circumstances of the client, all appropriate training options are reviewed and discussed. Those in self-initiated training will be evaluated for the appropriateness of those training. In addition, the district office also conducts one (1) Job Fair per month as discussed in section 3.5. Applicants as well as recipients are informed of these opportunities, where training programs are offered by various vocational education providers, schools, colleges and employers in the areas of Home Health Aides (HHA), Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA), Customer Service Representatives, hospitality, advanced manufacturing and more. Some training providers have opportunities that enable the client to prepare for their Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) in conjunction with occupation training. Job Fair announcements are also displayed throughout the district building, informing clients of these opportunities prior to the scheduled event. Emails are sent to other agency staff and work experience sites to share with clients.

j. The district procedure for notifying participants of approval for training or enrollment in a work activity is:

Recipients approved for self- initiated training programs are advised via Local District Forms B-3854 (Attachment #9 Front and Reverse) or B-3854-A (Attachment #9A). Individuals approved by the district for a training program or referred to a work activity are advised at the assessment and given a copy of their completed and signed Employment Plan. It serves as confirmation of approval for training and referral/enrollment to a work activity.

k. In accordance with 18 NYCRR 385.9(b), regardless of whether the college program is approved for

the participant as an employment work activity, the district will approve as a work activity a work-study, internship, externship or other work placement that is part of a non-graduate student’s curriculum unless one or more of the following conditions applies as checked below:

It has been determined that the student voluntarily quit a job or reduced earnings to qualify for

initial or increased Temporary Assistance. A job or on-the-job training position that is comparable to the work-study, internship,

externship or other work placement cannot reasonably be expected to exist in the private, public or not-for-profit sector.

The student is not maintaining a cumulative C average (or the equivalent). The district may disregard this provision if the student documents an undue hardship.

The institution or student fails to monitor and report information regarding the student’s attendance and performance as required.

The student fails to progress toward the completion of a course of study without good cause, as determined by the district.

The student has previously enrolled in work-study, internship, or other work placement and failed to complete the work placement without good cause as determined by the district.

Additional reasons as stated below:

l. To verify continued exempt status, the local district will monitor the high school attendance of 16-18 year old students in the following manner:

Teens are required to adhere to the school attendance policy of the school district within which he/she resides. The schools are required to submit to ECDSS attendance reports as needed.

m. The district’s procedure for ensuring that an individual’s health related limitations are

accommodated when assigning the individual to a work activity is: When a health-related limitation is identified, the district will make all accommodations to comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including assigning said individual to a specialized worksite that will accommodate the work limitation. All providers and worksites are notified in writing of an individual’s work limitation. The district may make unscheduled visits to worksites to monitor compliance with our notification of client work limitations to ensure that worksites are complying. We will also confer with clients regarding their work assignments.

Section 3.7 Work Verification

Consistent with New York State’s approved Work Verification Plan (WVP), and in accordance with the requirements established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, districts must develop a quality assurance plan to ensure that the data reported, from which their work participation rates are derived, are accurate. The plan must include the district’s procedure for monitoring reported scheduled and actual attendance in paid employment and unpaid work activities and the controls in place to ensure that reported exemption statuses resulting in federal exclusions from the work participation rate calculation are accurately made, work eligible individuals are correctly identified, hours of attendance reported are accurate and documented, data entry is accurate and that the district and its providers adhere to the approved work activity definitions and the determination of countable excused absences and holiday reporting within federal limits. Each district must maintain the documentation to verify what is being reported to NYS OTDA.

Each district must describe how it will conduct periodic self audits to determine that system entries are consistent with documentation in case files. The district must also explain how it will choose the sample size, select sample cases and establish the review period (no less frequently than semi-annually). The plan must indicate the district will maintain documentation on all pertinent findings produced through its self audit process and that case records for all reviewed cases will be available for State and other auditors in their review of the local work verification system for the standard 6 year period associated with such reviews.

After each self audit is completed, the district must submit a summary of findings for State review including specific information on each of the errors identified. In addition, when monitoring reveals substantial problems, the district must describe the corrective action it will take.

The Quality Assurance plan must explain how staff will:

• Ensure that documentation of wages and actual hours of employment is verified and accurately projected/reported and present in the case file, is actual and is projected correctly;

• Ensure that the documentation for actual hours, supervision/attendance, excused absences, and holidays in other activities is present in the case file;

• Assess whether participation in the work activities reported for work eligible individuals meets the approved federal definition for the activity;

• Assess that the data entered into either WTWCMS, NYCWAY or other automated systems used for reporting work activities is accurate, including actual hours, excused absences and holidays; and is based on documentation in the case record; and

• Ensure that documentation necessary to determine an individual to be exempt due to being the caretaker of a disabled household member (Employability Code 38 or 48), and/or parent or caretaker relative of a child in the household under 12 months of age, (Employability code 31), is present in the case file and that individuals meet the exempt status based on the required documentation.

Please describe the process the district will use to review district worker collected documentation and data entry of the above listed elements (include a description of how a case sample for review will be selected, sample size and frequency of reviews):

The district will perform a random sample of (24) cases semi-annually for paid work activities to review district worker collected documentation and data entry. Both the temporary assistance and employment case files will be reviewed. Hours of employment will be verified through receipt of pay stubs, employer

verification forms or collateral contact with the employer. The review will ensure the hours of employment on the ABEL budget are consistent with the hours reported on WTWCMS and documentation is in the file to support hours reported on WTWCMS and that the scheduled hours on WTWCMS is consistent with the documentation. The district will perform a random sample of (24) cases semi-annually for participation in unpaid work activities to review district worker collected documentation and data entry. The employment case files will be reviewed. Actual hours of attendance will be documented by attendance sheets showing actual hours of attendance, any excused absences during the month, any unexcused absences during the month, and holiday time. The review will ensure the actual hours of attendance reported on the monthly attendance sheets has been correctly reported on WTWCMS, excused absences and holiday time are documented in the case file and correctly reported on WTWCMS in accordance with federal limitations, and documentation of actual hours of attendance is accurate and matches the hours of participation reported on WTWCMS by district or provider staff. The district will perform a random sample of (12) cases semi-annually in which a case member is reported as an employability code 38-needed in the home fulltime or employability code 48-time limit exemption to care for a disabled household member to review district worker collected documentation and data entry. The temporary assistance case file will be reviewed to ensure there is presence of medical documentation to support the exemption and that the documentation has a timeframe for the exemption and that the individual is the appropriate caretaker. The district will perform a random sample of (12) cases semi-annually in which a case member is reported as an employability code 31-caretaker of a child under the age of 12 months to review district worker collected documentation and data entry. The temporary assistance case file will be reviewed to ensure there is documentation from hospital, birth certificate or social security card present to verify the child under the age of one. Temporary assistance records will also be reviewed to ensure that the household composition is in fact a one parent case and that the individual has not exceeded the 12 month lifetime limit.

In each of the above samples, the district will assess and verify that participation in the reported work activities meets the State approved definition for the activity. The district will sample cases from each month within in the (6 month) semi-annual period. The October to March review will be due by May 20th. The April to September review will be due by November 20th. The district will maintain supporting documentation for the cases that are reviewed and make them readily available for review by A&QI auditors upon request. The results of these audits will enable the district to identify policies, processes or cases that may need corrective action. The district will ensure that a summary report will be prepared following each review

period and forwarded to: [email protected] Does the district utilize and separate providers to collect documentation and enter data directly into WTWCMS?

Yes No If yes, describe the process the district uses to review provider collected documentation and data entry into WTWCMS of the above listed elements (include a description of how a case sample for review will be selected, sample size and frequency of reviews):

mailto:[email protected]

Section 3.8 Strategies/Procedures for Accommodating Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

Following is a description of how the district accommodates the needs of Non-English speaking participants in accessing employment activities and services: Bilingual staff and contracted interpreters are available to assist staff with Non-English speaking clients. The District utilizes the International Institute’s IMSS (Interpreter Management Scheduling Software) system to arrange “Language Days” where multiple interpreters are scheduled to maximize the number of clients being assessed in a day. For walk-ins, quick questions, or short interviews, staff has access to the Language Line telephonic interpretation service, which allow workers and clients to communicate through a third party interpreter via a 3-way call. The providers for clients with limited English are well versed in the requirements of ECDSS and offer a wide range of services. Catholic Charities, Adult Learning Center, The Belle Center, Northwest Community Center, and Lt. Col. Matt Urban Center can accommodate Non-English speaking participants with work experience activities while simultaneously providing on site ESL instruction. The Language Identification Tool is posted in District Offices. Section 3.9 Strategies/Procedures for Increasing Program Attendance Describe district policies and/or procedures in place to reduce the amount of time participants fail to participate in work activities, including absences that are with good cause: Clients have input in the development of their Employment Plan. Clients are advised to have a child care plan and a backup plan in place. Clients assigned to work experience sites are called by case managers one week prior to their start date. This process has increased client's attendance and helped decrease the high percentage of no-shows at various sites. They are instructed to schedule personal appointments around their assigned work activity schedule. If appointments are scheduled during this time clients are afforded the opportunity to make up the hours. Clients are routinely assigned to more hours than the minimum required for participation. WEP hours are limited to the hours determined by dividing the household’s TA grant plus SNAP allotment by the higher of the federal or State minimum wage. In those instances where the client is a no show for the initial enrollment or they have missed 3 consecutive days a notification of pending termination is sent to the client advising them of their non-compliance with work requirements and the potential for sanction or case closing if good cause is not established. The intent is to re-engage them into the program. Pre-dated monthly evaluation reports, with the ten legal holidays documented, are annually distributed to each work activity provider (December 2017 Monthly Evaluation Calendar Attachment #10). This completed attendance report, indicating the actual hours, excused absences and the attached verification is returned to the local district office no later than the 5th of the month following the participation month. Designated district staff makes biweekly visits to each provider to reconcile the WTWCMS generated list against those enrolled at the work activity site. A WTWCMS list is provided to

each work activity provider during the last week of the month to ensure that a monthly evaluation report is completed for each client assigned to them. Regular communication with supervisors at the work activity sites ensures accurate and timely reporting of attendance, non-compliance issues and resolutions. Section 3.10 Strategies/Procedures for Engaging Sanctioned Temporary Assistance Participants

District attempts to engage sanctioned participants as soon as they are sanctioned using the following strategies: • TANF and SN-FAM clients serving initial sanctions are immediately scheduled for an appointment with their Employment Counselor in an effort to address any barriers, lift the sanction and engage the client in a work activity. • TANF and SN-FAM clients serving a durational sanction may be referred for an eight week subsidized employment opportunity if they meet the criteria for participation in the program. Successful candidates may transition into unsubsidized employment. • TANF and SN-FAM clients who are employable, and deemed appropriate, may be referred to our Job Development Unit for assistance with a Job Search.

District attempts to engage sanctioned participants when the durational period of the sanction is completed using the following strategies: • TANF and SN-FAM clients who have served their durational sanctions are scheduled for an appointment with their Employment Counselor in an effort to address any barriers, lift the sanction and engage them in a work activity • A FAST track appointment may be made with the client for a review of their eligibility and barriers.

District attempts to engage sanctioned participants during different times in the sanction period using the following strategies. • A FAST track appointment may be made with the client for a review of their eligibility and barriers. FAST Track is an eligibility review and case management appointment. At the eligibility review meeting, individuals are required to explain how their household is meeting its expenses since they are sanctioned. We may inquire about household circumstances, including their income and resources. The self-sufficiency plan will be updated and any barriers to participation in work activities will be discussed. We work together to resolve the issues that resulted in sanction and assist them in returning to employment, work related activities, and complying with Temporary Assistance Employment Requirements. Section 3.11 Strategies for reducing the need for Temporary Assistance District’s strategies for reducing the need for Temporary Assistance are described below: Diversion services include payment for work related clothing, licensing fees and required safety equipment.

Section 4 Support Services (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.4)

Section 4.1 TA and Non-TA SNAP Applicants and Recipients in Work Activities Approved by the District

a. The social services district will provide childcare in accordance with the childcare section of the

district’s Child and Family County Services Plan. The district will also provide for participants the following expenses which the district deems necessary for the individual to participate in orientation, assessment, employment planning, approved work activities and activities to restore self-sufficiency:

The district will provide payments for transportation (as described below), work related clothing, licensing fees, required safety equipment and tools. Allowances are determined on a case by case basis for the specific work activity with supporting documentation and justification of need and to the cost of the required expense.

b. The district will use the following approach to assist those participants who need transportation to and from an approved work activity site, including any applicable mileage reimbursement rate, and the method used by the district to arrive at that reimbursement rate. OTDA policy establishes a mileage reimbursement rate of no less than the IRS established rate for medical/moving purposes. In all instances, should the actual cost of transportation needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate determined by the district, the district will reimburse for the actual costs based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant.

Please check all that apply:

Bus pass/token Gas card/voucher Mileage reimbursement at IRS Business rate, (effective 1/1/17 is 53.5 cents/mi) Mileage reimbursement at IRS Medical/Moving rate, (effective 1/1/17 is .17

cents/mi) Other mileage rate, (please explain methodology used to establish

reimbursement rate):

The District authorizes a seventy-five dollar ($75.00) monthly transportation allowance to each participant in an approved work activity whose mode of transportation is a private vehicle.

c. OTDA policy establishes a distance not to exceed 2 miles as the maximum distance that the

district can require a participant to walk to a work activity assignment or to access public transportation. The district’s policy states that an individual may be required to walk up to the distance described below each way to a work activity or to access public transportation:

There are a limited number of individuals that live in areas where public transportation is not available. Placements in these areas can be difficult and require an individual approach to each case. Clients that have a license and a car are issued a transportation allowance in the amount of $75.00 per month (equivalent to the cost of bus pass) to help reimburse the cost of vehicle operation. Should the actual cost of gas to the client exceed $75.00 per month, the district will provide reimbursement to meet fuel costs based on submitted documentation of expense and calculation of mileage. Clients are not expected to

walk more than one (1) mile to a worksite. Occasional placements have been made in which the client was picked up via van transportation by the worksite. All reasonable accommodations are made for individuals with work limitations.

d. The district will provide the following services to assist individuals at risk of needing temporary

assistance to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment:

Individuals at risk of needing temporary assistance are provided the followings services: Job Club, Job Fairs, referrals to the One-Stop Centers and the NYS Department of Labor. In addition they are given a Work Support Check List.

Section 4.2 Transitional Support Services

The district will provide the following supports and strategies to support job retention:

All clients are provided a Work Supports Checklist that outlines services and resources available to ensure that they receive all the assistance they need to remain in the workforce and improve their financial well-being. Transitional day care may be guaranteed up to 12 months after the TA case is closed for eligible families. Clients are eligible to receive a bus pass for 6 months if they are engaged in Subsidized Employment.

The district will provide the following support services, for up to 90 days after case closing, to individuals whose Temporary Assistance cases have closed due to employment: A bus pass for up to 90 days if their temporary assistance case closes due to excess income. Also

clients are provided case management and job coaching.

Section 4.3 Extended Support Services

As long as funding is available (through FFFS, etc.), the district will provide the following supportive services for individuals who are eligible under the TANF Services 200% of poverty eligibility guidelines:

Clients may be eligible for a bus pass for 3 months if their TA case has closed and they can verify they

are employed a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week. If clients are eligible under the 200% of poverty eligibility guidelines, transportation assistance is provided for an additional 3 months. At the end of the 12 month guarantee transitional daycare program they are recertified for eligibility for low income subsidy daycare.

Section 5 Conciliation, Sanction and Dispute Resolution Procedures (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.11 and 385.12)

Section 5.1 Conciliation

The district’s conciliation process for Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients is in accordance with 18 NYCRR 385.11(a). Conciliations are conducted (check all that apply, and describe the procedure.):

in person by phone by mail, etc.:

A notice of conciliation is sent to those who fail to comply with employment requirements. The individual must respond within 10 days from the date of the conciliation notice to request conciliation. A third party is not required for conciliation; however, a supervisor will be available to mediate a client dispute if the need arises.

The Temporary Assistance good cause/willfulness determination is made by:

client’s employment worker a supervisor separate entity:

If an individual fails to respond to the conciliation notice or if we determine from the conciliation that the individual’s refusal or failure to comply was both willful and without good cause, we issue a notice of denial or a ten-day notice of intent to discontinue or reduce temporary assistance. The district’s conciliation process for SNAP recipients is in accordance with 18 NYCRR 385.11. Conciliations are conducted (check all that apply, and describe the procedure.):

in person by phone by mail, etc.:

A notice of conciliation is sent to those who fail to comply with employment requirements. The individual must respond within 10 days from the date of the conciliation notice to request conciliation. A third party is not required for conciliation; however, a supervisor will be available to mediate a client dispute if the need arises.

The SNAP E&T good cause/willfulness determination is made by:

client’s employment worker a supervisor separate entity:

If an individual fails to respond to the conciliation notice or if we determine from the conciliation that the individual’s refusal or failure to comply was both willful and without good cause, we issue a notice of a ten-day notice of intent to discontinue or reduce SNAP. The district’s procedure for engaging SNAP recipients in a work activity to demonstrate compliance to avoid a SNAP E&T related sanction is: The notice of conciliation will offer the client the opportunity to avoid the SNAP sanction before issuance of the SNAP sanction notification. Demonstration of compliance will be accomplished by the client completing a job search. Job Search Record B-5701 (Attachment #11) will be issued with each TA/SNAP conciliation notice. Individuals may demonstrate compliance to avoid a SNAP sanction simultaneous to the conciliation process. The due dates are the same for completion of the Job Search log to demonstrate compliance and to respond to the conciliation. The due dates are indicated on the conciliation notice. Individuals will be required to provide the log with at least 5 job contacts. If the client provides the job search log by the due date, with the required minimum 5 valid job contacts, the district will not impose a SNAP sanction. Failure to comply with job search requirements to avoid SNAP sanction by the due date will result in a SNAP sanction if the non-compliance is determined to be willful and without good cause.

Section 5.2 Sanctions

a. The district’s procedure for determining compliance for those Temporary Assistance recipients who wish to end their employment sanction (18 NYCRR 385.12, 385.13), including the time period established for demonstrating compliance to the satisfaction of the district is:

A durational sanction, which has been served, may be lifted when a client that is able to work has agreed to comply and appears for assessment. An updated Employment Plan will be developed, based on the assessment, to determine the most appropriate work activity. If the individual demonstrates compliance and accepts the work activity referral, the sanction will immediately be lifted. TA benefits will be restored retroactive to the date the individual demonstrated a willingness to comply, but not before the durational sanction period has been served. A durational sanction, which has been served, may be lifted when a client that is not able to work is assessed to develop an updated Employment Plan. The assessment will determine the barriers to employment and the sanction will be lifted immediately. Clients who claim a physical or mental health disability must follow the disability review procedure. Failure to comply with this process will result in case closing. Clients who fail to comply with drug and alcohol requirements will be subject to another sanction. A durational sanction will be lifted for employed clients, who are meeting participation requirements, upon receipt of employment verification, but not before the durational sanction period has been served.

b. The district’s procedure for determining compliance for those SNAP recipients who wish to end their employment sanction (18 NYCRR 385.12, 385.13), including the time period established for demonstrating compliance to the satisfaction of the district is: A durational SNAP sanction, which has been served, may be lifted when a client that is able to work has agreed to comply and appears for assessment. An updated Employment Plan will be developed, based on the assessment, to determine the most appropriate work activity. If the individual demonstrates compliance by accepting the referral to a work activity, the sanction will immediately be lifted and SNAP benefits will be restored retroactive to the date the individual demonstrated a willingness to comply, but not before the durational sanction period has been served. A durational sanction, which has been served, may be lifted when a client that is not able to work has agreed to comply and is assessed to develop an updated Employment Plan. The assessment will determine their barriers to employment. The sanction will be lifted immediately. Clients with a physical or mental health disability must follow the disability review procedure. Failure to do so will result in case closing. Clients who fail to comply with drug and alcohol requirements will be subject to another sanction. A durational sanction will be lifted for employed clients, who are meeting participation requirements, upon receipt of employment verification, but not before the durational sanction period has been served.

Section 5.3 Dispute Resolution

The district’s procedure for individuals who wish to dispute their work activity assignments, including individuals who dispute the district’s response to their request for health-related accommodations is conducted in accordance with 18 NYCRR 385.11.

The grievance is mediated by:

An agreement with an independent entity Supervisory staff who are trained in mediation and who have no direct responsibility for the

individual’s case Designated supervisory staff who have no direct responsibility for the individual’s case and who

are not trained in mediation

Section 6 Disability Determinations, Documentation and Requirements of Exempt Individuals (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2)

Section 6.1 Disability Determination Process and Tools

The district’s process for determining an individual’s disabilities and/or work limitations is in accordance with 18 NYCRR 385.2(d). Check all that apply, and describe the process:

District participates in the OTDA managed contract for independent medical evaluations. District contracts directly with a physician to provide independent medical evaluations. District accepts physician’s statement provided by participant. District accepts physician’s statement provided by participant but refers for an independent

evaluation when deemed necessary. Other process (please describe):

Clients who claim a disability are pended for 10 days to provide medical documentation from their health care provider. The district may send individuals without a health care provider to a contracted provider or to IMA for evaluation to determine employability status. The district may also refer individuals who provide a physicians statement to IMA to obtain a second opinion. The local process for reviewing the medical documentation to determine if the individual is exempt, nonexempt, or work limited is as follows:

District directs the contracted physician or individual’s physician to determine status. District review team reviews and determines status (described below). Specialized disability/medical staff or unit reviews and determines status (described below) Other:

Completed medical forms are submitted to agency staff. Based on the information given by the independent health care provider or contracted physicians, the employment staff determines: 1. If the client is fully employable or employable with restrictions as noted on the submitted medical document; 2. If the client requires a temporary medical exemption from employment requirements (exempt periods range from 30 to 180 days); 3. If the client has an unemployable determination of 12 months or more. Clients in this category may be referred to the agency’s LAD (Legal Advocacy for the Disabled) Unit, which specializes in helping recipients pursue other resources such as SSI or Social Security Disability. Clients are notified of the results of the employability determination and the right to a fair hearing to contest the determination. The client is not assigned to work activities during the medical review or if the client requests a hearing within ten days of a medical determination. Additionally, Employment Counselors regularly identify recipients who may be temporarily or permanently disabled either because of the individuals’ histories of medical exemptions or because of their medical or mental illnesses manifesting themselves during their employment related activities. These recipients are referred to the agency’s specialized disability/medical team, who are responsible for linking the involved recipient to the appropriate medical clinic or mental health agency in order to obtain detailed medical documentation of their condition. Clients are contacted 30 days prior to the expiration of their medical exemption to obtain any updated information regarding their condition.

Section 6.2 Mental Health Screening and Assessment The district is administering a screening tool for Temporary Assistance participants to help determine

whether a referral for a mental health evaluation is warranted, in addition to screening for a disability

that occurs as part of the application or disability determination process

Yes No (If No, section 6.2 is complete)

If yes: Describe the district’s policy for determining when a program participant is offered a mental

health screen.

If yes: Does the district use the LDSS 5009 - Mental Health Screening Tool and/or the computer assisted version of the Modified Mini Screening tool (MMS)? Yes No

If using the MMS, indicate the district’s cutoff score (7, 8 or 9) for referral to a mental health evaluation:

If using a screening tool other than the MMS, indicate the screening tool used:

Describe the district procedure for referring a participant for a mental health evaluation, when warranted by the screening result:

Section 6.3 Requirements for Exempt Temporary Assistance Participants (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.2 (e))

An exempt individual who has the potential to be restored to self-sufficiency through rehabilitation may be required to accept medical care to assist the individual in recovering from a mental or physical impairment, accept referral to and enrollment in a program of vocational rehabilitation, training, and/or other essential rehabilitation, and provide requested evidence that he/she is participating in the assigned program.

a. Following is the district’s procedure for determining if an individual who is unable to work due to mental or physical impairment has the potential through treatment or other rehabilitative activities to improve the ability to work. This determination is different from the determination of the individual’s disability exemption as covered in Section 6.1 of this plan. Included here is who (e.g., medical practitioner, employment worker, Temporary Assistance worker, local review team, etc.) makes or assists in this determination that an individual can restore or improve employability through treatment or other rehabilitative activities. Also included is the source and type of information used to make the determination (e.g., information from individual’s medical practitioner, district contracted provider, specialist evaluation obtained as result of district referral, etc.): The determination that an individual, who is unable to work, has the potential through treatment or other rehabilitative activities to improve the ability to work, is determined by the Employment Counselor who carefully reviews the medical form completed by a medical provider. The district adheres to the recommendation of the medical provider regarding the need for treatment or rehabilitative activities.

b. Following is the district’s procedure for developing a treatment plan and for referring the participant to appropriate treatment, etc. Please be specific: The treatment plan for the individual is based upon the recommendation of the health care provider. The client is regularly assessed to determine compliance with the treatment plan. Appropriate clients may be referred to ACCESS-VR for services.

c. Following is the district’s procedure for tracking the participant’s compliance with the treatment plan, including who in the district is responsible for monitoring compliance. Include elements such as monthly confirmation of attendance at rehabilitation or other factors to judge participation and progress, along with how often the treatment plan is updated: Compliance with the treatment plan is the responsibility of the Employment Counselor assigned to monitor the case. Clients are reassessed in accordance with the exemption period as determined by their health care professional. At each review, the client is required to provide updated medical documentation which is used to determine compliance and employability status.

Employment Program Operation

COMMISSIONER DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Acting Commissioner Marie Cannon

1st DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

MARIE CANNON

ASSISSTANT DEPUTY

COMMISSIONER

KAREN RYBICKI

DIRECTOR OF TEMPORARY

& EMERGENCY SERVICES

CHARBRENNA MARKS

TA-EFP

TA-TAU TA-TAC/ES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

FAMILY INDEPENDENCE

JACQUELINE HALL

DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

SANDRA NEUBERT

SUBSIDY

DAYCARE

23 STAFF

COORDINATED SERVICES 4 STAFF

MEDICAL MAAT

22 STAFF

ASSESSMENT 33 STAFF

JOB CLUB 10 STAFF

JOB DEVELOPMENT

6 STAFF

CONTRACT COMPLIANCE

5 STAFF

5 STAFF

WORK CREWS 10 STAFF

NPA-SNAP ABAWD 6 STAFF

ECWC ORIENTATION

12 STAFF

COMMUNITY RESOURCE

5 STAFF

Contracted Agencies Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division

Erie Community College-CAST Goodwill Industries of WNY

Mental Health Peer Connection Salvation Army

United Way WORKS

DIRECTOR OF SNAP

BARB OZARK

Service Providers Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)-CASAC

Be Well Healthcare Medicine

Industrial Medicine Associates (IMA)

Wage Subsidy Program Placing Individuals in Vital Opportunity Training

PIVOT

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT DIVISION

EMPLOYMENT REGISTRATION AGREEMENT FORM

DUTIES OF A NON-EXEMPT PERSON

As a non-exempt person, you are expected to meet one or more of the requirements listed below

as assigned by this Agency. The purpose of these requirements is to assist you in finding and

keeping a job so that you will no longer be in need of temporary assistance.

If you are receiving Family Assistance, the law and regulations that allow us to do this are

Title 9-B of the Social Services Law and 18NYCRR385.

If you are receiving Safety Net, the law and regulations that allow us to do this are Title 9 -B

of the Social Service Law and 18NYCRR385.

If you are only receiving SNAP Benefits, the law and regulations that allow us to do this are

18NYCRR385.

You must actively seek employment at all times and provide evidence of such activity if

requested by the Social Services District.

You must report any and all employment obtained while receiving temporary assistance

to your Social Welfare Examiner for proper budgeting.

You must participate in an initial assessment and in the preparation of an employability

plan.

You must accept job referrals and/or any legal and suitable offer of employment.

You must provide medical verification and/or undergo a medical examination or other

diagnostic assessment necessary for the purpose of determining any limitations to your

employment activity.

You must participate in any work activity as assigned by the Social Service District.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have read the above requirements, I understand them, and I agree to comply.

Signature of Applicant Date

Signature of Employment Counselor Date

B-2341 (Rev. 11/15)

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WORK SUPPORTS FOOD/NUTRITION

PROGRAM WHO GETS IT? DOCUMENTS

REQUIRED HOW TO APPLY? BENEFITS

SNAP (Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance

Program) Formerly the Food

Stamp Program

Low income households

Proof of: Identity, DOB, SSN,

address, income (4 weeks), expenses (shelter, util ity, childcare &

medical)

Online www.mybenefits.ny.gov

By phone (716) 858-7239 Fax completed applications to

(716) 858-6834 or Mail to: ECDSS, PO Box 120

Buffalo NY 14201 Attn: SNAP Division

In person: 158 Pearl Street 1st Floor, Buffalo NY 14202

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SNAP benefit value depends on household size, income and expenses. Maximum benefits: 3 people-up to $511 4 people-up to $649

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) A Federal

Nutrition Program administered by Catholic

Charities

Income eligible pregnant women,

breastfeeding women &

children under age 5

Proof of: Income (includes public assistance) and vaccination

records for the child

Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline 1-800-522-5006 to locate the WIC

local agency nearest to you. Online: http://www.ccwny.org/wic

Provides food vouchers, nutrition education and referrals

HEALTH

PROGRAM WHO GETS

IT? DOCUMENTS


Medicaid

Adults & Children with

l imited incomes & resources

Proof of: Income, resources,

expenses, identification, citizenship/

immigration, residency and SSN

Online: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov In person: 158 Pearl Street 4th Fl.

Buffalo, NY 14202 Monday through Friday,

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (716) 858-6244

By phone: 1-855-355-5777

Health insurance

Child Health Plus (under 19 years old)

Family Health Plus (19-64 years old)

People with l imited incomes

that do not qualify for Medicaid

Proof of: Identity, SSN, citizenship or

immigration status, residence, income,

employer based health insurance availability and

child care

Apply through

New York State of Health Marketplace:

www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov (855) 355-5777

For more information: 1-800-698-4543 Child Health Plus

1-877-934-7587 Family Health Plus

Health insurance

Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club Prescriptions Savings Program

All are eligible Prescription from

Doctor

No application- plan provides for commonly prescribed dosages of

generic prescriptions. See www.Walmart.com for l ist of

medications.

Low cost prescriptions $4 fee for 30 day supply. $10 fee for 90 day supply.

Community Health Center of Buffalo Federally Qualified

Health Center

People with no health insurance

or high deductible and/

or copay

Per program requirements

Walk-ins are welcome 34 Benwood Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 986-9199 www.chcb.net

Low-cost Medical, Dental, Family Planning, and Pharmacy services for a fee based on income & household size.

http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/

http://www.ccwny.org/wic

http://www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

http://www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

P a g e | 2

HEALTH CONTINUED

Good Neighbors

Health Care

People with l imited incomes

Per program requirements

175 Jefferson Ave.,

Buffalo, NY (716) 856-2400

No appointments

1st come, 1st served basis. Limited space. Call for hours.

www.harvesthouse.ws/goodneighbors

Services include medical, vision, dental, and chiropractor care.

Medicaid Cancer

Treatment Program (MCTP)

Certain uninsured individuals who have been diagnosed with or are being treated

for certain cancers and are not eligible for

other Medicaid Programs

Proof of identity, citizenship or

immigration status, residence, income,

and certain expenses such as child care

Cancer Services Program 1-866-442-2262

Medicaid Help Line

1-800-541-2831

Free treatment for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer.

CHILD CARE



Transitional Child

Care

People who are transitioning from

Temporary Assistance to

employment, with incomes below

200% poverty level

Proof of: ID for all household members, income

(including child support), household

composition, & provider information

Temporary Assistance (TA) Recipients

should contact their TA Worker regarding transitional child care

Transitional child care assistance is available up to 12 months

Subsidized Child Care

(Low Income Child Care Assistance)

People with incomes 200% or

less of the poverty level.

Cost of care is based on a sliding

income scale

Proof of: ID for all household members, income

(including child support), household

composition & provider information

ECDSS Day Care Unit Erie County Dept. of

Social Services Rath Building 95 Franklin St

4th floor Buffalo, NY 14202

858-8953 (TYKE)

www2.erie.gov/social

services

Assistance with child care costs

Child Care Resource Network

Anyone in need of child care assistance

1000 Hertel Ave Buffalo, NY 14216 (716) 877-6666 or

www.wnychildren.org

▪ Locating child care ▪ Parenting education ▪ Provider training ▪ Info for businesses

YMCA School Age Child Care

(SACC)

Anyone with children ages 5-12

Register at your Local YMCA

or Online

www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/

Programs.html

• Child Care

• Financial Assistance available to those who qualify

http://www.harvesthouse.ws/goodneighbors

http://www.wnychildren.org/

http://www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/

http://www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/

P a g e | 3

HOUSING

PROGRAM WHO GETS

IT? DOCUMENTS


Belmont, Section 8 & Housing

Authority

Low income families,

elderly and disabled

individuals

Proof of Income

Belmont (716) 884-7791 www.belmonthousingwny.org

BMHA (716) 855-6774 www.ci.buffalo.ny.us HUD (716) 551-5755

www.racbny.org

Government subsidies to reduce rents of those eligible

Security Agreement An agreement with the landlord that replaces a

security deposit

Low income individuals

and Temporary Assistance

(TA) Recipients

ID, Landlord form,

Inspection form, Proof of income

Erie County Dept. of Social Services Housing Unit 478 Main St. 1st floor

Buffalo, NY 14202

Security agreement

CHILD SUPPORT

PROGRAM WHO GETS

IT? DOCUMENTS REQUIRED HOW TO APPLY? BENEFITS

ECDSS Office of Child Support Enforcement

Child support services are

provided upon application, to all individuals

▪ The name of the absent

parent

▪ His/her Social Security

Number

▪ Name and location of

their most recently

known employer

▪ Last known address of

absent parent

▪ Most recent court order

If you are currently receiving Temporary

Assistance or Medicaid, fi l ing with the local Child

Support Unit is automatically done for

you.

If you are not receiving benefits from TA or

Medicaid you will apply in person: Office of Child Support Enforcement

Rath Bldg. 95 Franklin St, 7th Floor

Buffalo, NY 14202

Application for Child Support Services. 1-888-208-4485

www.childsupport.ny.gov

▪ Assists you in locating an

absent parent for your

child

▪ Helps in the

establishment of

paternity for your child

▪ Assists in the obtainment

of a child support order

for your child

▪ Enforces the child

support payment as well

as delinquent payments

▪ Assists in the actual

collection phase of child

support collection

▪ Assists in the process to

gain additional support

for your child

http://www.belmonthousingwny.org/

http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/

http://www.racbny.org/

http://www.childsupport.ny.gov/

P a g e | 4

UTILITIES



Lifeline

Eligible low-income subscribers.

Families receiving Medicaid, HEAP, SSI, TA,

SNAP, VA benefits, Housing Assistance, Lunch

Program Assistance or families w/ low incomes.

Only one life line per household.

Proof of earned and unearned income.

The subscriber must

present the same type of documentation

covering 3 consecutive months within the

previous 12 months, if the documentation does not cover a full

year of income.

Contact your telephone company.

Verizon Wireless: 800-417-3849

Cricket Communications: 800-975-37083

T-Mobile: 800-892-2253

Safelink Wireless: 800-SAFELINK

Time Warner Cable:

800-892-2253 Verizon:

800-837-4966

Provides discounts on monthly telephone (wire l ine or wireless) service Eligible household can receive up to $9.25 per month in discounts.

SafeLink Wireless

Wireless telephone service offering

Lifeline services to qualified customers.

Families with low income and no other l ifeline

services in the household. Individuals are eligible if already participating in other State or Federal

assistance programs such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, TANF, SNAP,

SSI, HEAP, and/or Medicaid.

Proof of income. Documents that are

accepted include: Medicaid statement,

supplemental security income statement,

document that contains your program

ID, 4 months of consecutive pay stubs,

letter from your employer, last year’s income tax return,

employer W-2 form

1-800-SAFELINK (1-800-723-3546)

www.safelinkwireless.com

FREE cellular phone with plan that provides up to 250 minutes and 1000 texts every month

HEAP (Home Energy

Assistance Program) Federally funded assistance with home heating

costs and energy conservation for

eligible households.

Families with limited income and resources

Proof of: Residency, income,

resources, expenses, birth certificates &

SSN for all household members and a recent

fuel bill.

Apply in person or mail application to:

Erie County HEAP Program 478 Main St—1st floor

Buffalo NY 14202 For Additional information:

Social Services HEAP: 716- 858-7644

Senior Services HEAP 716-858-7870

https://otda.ny.gov/programs/

Components include electricity, weatherization referral, and cooling assistance (in summer months- based on medical necessity).

http://www.safelinkwireless.com/

https://otda.ny.gov/programs/

P a g e | 5

UTILITIES CONTINUED

Weatherization Assistance

Program (WAP)

Assists families & individuals by reducing their

heating/cooling costs & improving the safety of their

homes.

Available to both homeowners and renters

with low income or receive government

assistance through the following programs: SSI,

TANF, SNAP, or HEAP.

Proof of income or categorical eligibility.

For residents outside city of Buffalo:

Supportive Services Corp www.supportiveservices.org

(716) 685-6252

For East Side of Buffalo Residents: Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of W.N.Y.

www.urbanctr.org (716) 893-7222

For South Buffalo Residents:

NHS of South Buffalo www.nhssouthbuffalo.org

(716) 823-3630

Services may include, but are not l imited to insulation of attics and walls; heating system repairs or replacement; hot water tank and pipe insulation; installation of energy-efficient l ighting and refrigerators; window and outside door repair or replacement, correction of ventilation problems that can lead to mold growth, and identification of lead paint hazards.

Neighbor For

Neighbor Heat

Fund

The fund provides grants to assist individuals to:

• Prevent

disconnection of their utility

service

• Pay current

or past due energy bills.

• Purchase home heating fuel of any kind.

You may qualify if you are 55+ years old OR a

member of the household must be handicapped or

have a disability that reduces the household's

income OR have a certified medical emergency OR be

receiving unemployment benefits. Also, you must reside in National Fuel's

service territory. However, you do not need to be a National

Fuel customer

Proof of: identification, monthly income, and monthly

expenses. Also, applicants must show proof that they have

made an effort to make their utility

payment (proof of at least four monthly payments over the

past 12 months other than those provided

by HEAP or other assistance programs)

Contact:

The Salvation Army at (716) 883-9800 extension 230 or

Catholic Charities at (716) 856-4494 or (716) 218-1400

(ask for Parish Outreach)

NHS of South Buffalo www.nhssouthbuffalo.org

Supportive Services Corp

www.supportiveservices.org

Each Neighbor for Neighbor grant is determined by individual need, with a maximum amount of $300. All grants go directly to the home heating supplier. A household can only receive one grant during a program year.

TAX

PROGRAM WHO GETS IT? DOCUMENTS REQUIRED HOW TO APPLY? BENEFITS

Earned Income Tax Credit (Fed/State)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with

low to moderate income.

Individuals who have earned income and

adjusted gross income within certain limits

and meet certain rules.

Photo ID, Proof of SSN’s for all, foreign status, if applying for an ITIN, birth dates for all, wage statements

(Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers, interest income, copy of last year’s federal and state returns, bank account number and

routing number, total paid to daycare provider and the daycare provider's

tax identifying number

You must fi le a tax return to claim EITC.

Income Tax returns may be fi led at a VITA site

FREE of charge

IRS information 1-800-829-1040

www.IRS.gov

Taxpayer Credit. EITC reduces the

amount of tax you owe and may give

you a refund

http://www.supportiveservices.org/

http://www.urbanctr.org/

http://www.urbanctr.org/

http://www.nhssouthbuffalo.org/

http://www.nhssouthbuffalo.org/

http://www.supportiveservices.org/

http://www.irs.gov/

P a g e | 6

TAX CONTINUED

Voluntary Income Tax Assistance

(VITA)

IRS certified volunteers provide free basic income

tax return preparation with electronic filing to

qualified individuals.

For individuals who generally make $53,000 or

less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and

limited English speaking taxpayers who need

assistance in preparing their own tax returns

Photo ID, Proof of SSN’s for all, foreign status, if

applying for an ITIN, birth dates for all, wage

statements from all employers, interest income, copy of last

year’s federal and state returns, bank account number and routing

number, total paid to daycare provider and

the daycare provider's tax identifying number

VITA sites are generally located at community and

neighborhood centers, l ibraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient

locations across the country. To locate the

nearest VITA site near you, use the VITA Locator tool at

www.IRS.gov or call 800-906-9887.

Free basic income tax return preparation with

electronic fi ling to qualified individuals.

Child Tax Credit

Must have a child under 17 years old that has l ived with you more than half the year and does not provide more

than half of support for themselves. Child must also

be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident

alien. Child must be claimed as a dependent on your

federal tax return

Proof of: Income-W2

Child’s citizenship or resident alien status.

Tax Form 8332

Tax Form 1040 or 1040A must be completed.

IRS

1-800-829-1040 or

NYS taxes 1-800-225-5829

www.irs.gov

Tax credit that may be worth as much as $1,000 per qualifying child depending upon your income

Child & Dependent Care Credit

• Your child is under 13 years old and requires day care services

• A qualifying individual that is physically or mentally incapable of self-care has been living with you

To claim credit, you must meet criteria:

• Have earned income and cannot pay another dependent for care.

• Child or dependent must have lived w/ you for more than ½ year.

Tax Form 2441 and 1040 or 1040A must be completed. More information can be

obtained at: 1-800-829-3676

www.irs.gov

The credit amount is a percentage of the amount of work-related expenses you paid to a care provider for the care of a qualifying individual. The percentage depends on your adjusted gross income

Education Credit Helps with the cost of higher education by

reducing the amount of tax owed on your tax return. There are two

different types of education credit: ▪ American

Opportunity Tax Credit (AOT)

▪ Lifetime Learning Credit (LL)

You, your dependent or a third party pays qualified education expenses for

higher education. An eligible student must be

enrolled at an eligible educational institution and must be you, your spouse, or a dependent you list on

your tax return

Proof of Income- W2 form

Income Tax Form

More information can be obtained at:

www.tax.state.ny.us

www.irs.gov

The American Opportunity Tax Credit can help parents and students pay part of the cost of the first four years of college. Maximum annual credit is $2500 per student. The Lifetime Learning Credit can help pay for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree courses--including courses to acquire or improve job skills. The credit is worth up to $2000 credit per tax return.

http://www.irs.gov/

http://www.tax.state.ny.us/

P a g e | 7

TAX CONTINUED

NYS Household

Credit

You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone

else’s federal income tax. Fi l ing status:

Single <$28,000 Families <$32,000

Proof of income- W2 form

For Forms: 1-800-462-8100

Tax dept. info: 1-800-225-5829

IT-214 NYS Tax Rebate

Single-up to $75

Joint-$20-$90 plus $5-$15 more per additional exemption claimed.

Real Property tax credit

Tax credit or check to homeowners/ renters who pay a high % of

income on rent/property tax.

Homeowners & renters who meet financial

eligibility criteria; based on income, property taxes or

amount of rent paid

Maximum yearly household gross income:

<$18,000 Adjusted average rent must not exceed $450.

www.tax.state.ny.us

Households with at least one person over 65 can receive up to $375. Households with members under 65 can receive up to $75.

MISC.

PROGRAM WHO GETS

IT? DOCUMENTS


Harvest House of South Buffalo Baby

& Children’s

Ministry

Low income families

Clients must bring a Baby & Children's Ministry

Referral Slip with them at their first visit, and a new referral slip is needed for each additional child not

on the original form. Referral slips must

be renewed every 3 years. ID is required each

visit

175 Jefferson, Buffalo, NY (716) 824-7818

Baby & Children’s Ministry www.harvesthouse.ws/

Provides FREE clothing, safe cribs, car seats, strollers, toys, books, etc.

http://www.harvesthouse.ws/

P a g e | 8

HELPFUL WEBSITES: www2.erie.gov/socialservices For information on all Social Services programs

www.mybenefits.ny.gov This website is a prescreening tool which provides a quick and easy way for people who live in New York State to find out if they might be able to receive:

Help with buying food

Temporary Assistance (TA)

Special tax credits

Home Energy Assistance

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Various Health Insurance programs for individuals, families, children, and sole proprietors

WIC - Women, Infants and Children

HIV Uninsured Care Program

A wide variety of services for older New Yorkers, including:

• Health insurance information, counseling and assistance (HIICAP)

• NY Connects-Information on long term care and assistance in l inking to services

• Legal assistance

• Nutritional services

• Help with the purchase of prescription drugs

This website will take you about 10 minutes to use. When you're finished, it will tell you if you might be able to receive help through programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

***************************************************************************************************

200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines Chart (Income eligibility guidelines for Child Care Assistance)

June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018

Family Size Monthly Annual

1 $2010 $24,120

2 $2707 $32,480

3 $3403 $40,840

4 $4100 $49,200

5 $4797 $57,560

6 $5493 $65,920

7 $6190 $74,280

8 $6887 $82,640

B-5664 (2017)

http://www2.erie.gov/socialservices

http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/

Employment Orientation

1 | P a g e

• Erie County has a Work First policy.

• As an applicant for, or recipient of, Temporary Assistance you must:

▪ Continually look for a job, even if you are not assigned to do so, and be

prepared to provide evidence that you have been looking for employment.

▪ Accept a job offer when one is available.

▪ Participate in assessment of your ability to work and participate in work

activity assignments.

▪ Participate in work activities as assigned by the Department of Social

Services, unless a determination has been made that you are exempt

from work activities. You may also be required to get a medical

examination or medical statement to verify that you have a medical

condition that prevents you from working.

▪ If a determination has been made that you are exempt from participation

in work activities, you may be required to accept medical care or other

employment services to restore your ability to work. You may also be

required to attend a meeting with the Department of Social services staff

to provide evidence to determine whether or not you continue to be

exempt from work requirements.

• Employment Counselors will evaluate your job skills and ability to work and will conduct a

New York State drug and alcohol screening with you.

• As an applicant you will be assigned to a job search activity. This will be a three (3) week

supervised job search to help you find employment.

• If you do not find an employment, and your Temporary Assistance case opens, you will be

placed in a work activity.

▪ You may be required by state and federal law to participate in work activities up

to forty (40) hours a week to gain skills and experience.

▪ Work experience provides participants with an opportunity to acquire the general

skills, training, knowledge and work habits necessary to obtain and retain

employment.

▪ Your assignment will continue until you find a job, you are determined to be

exempt, or your case closes.

▪ The Employment Division Staff will assist you with supportive services such as

child care and transportation during your assigned work activity.

• If you do not comply with employment requirements, job search or the medical

evaluation process your application may be denied.

• It is very important that you be early or on time for all appointments. Failure to do so

without good cause may result in the denial of your application. If denied, you will be

required to file a new application.

• You are responsible for the repayment of student financial aid.

• If your Temporary Assistance case opens and you are approved, you may be eligible for

remedial education or vocational training at no cost to you.

Employment Orientation

2 | P a g e

• You must cooperate with Department of Social Services in establishing paternity and

collecting support.

• If you are under 18 and you are a parent who is not married and who is caring for a child

and have no children under twelve weeks of age, you must be enrolled in an educational

activity. This includes working towards a high school diploma or its equivalent (if you have

not completed high school), or participating in an alternative educational program approved

by your Employment Counselor.

• When you find employment and your Temporary Assistance case closes, you may be

eligible for transitional child care.

• Temporary Assistance is subject to the follow time limits in New York State:

▪ 5 years (60 months) for families with children

▪ 2 years (24 months) for single individuals and childless couples.

Effective January 1, 2016. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households are

limited to the receipt of SNAP benefits to individuals who are determined to be an Able-Bodied

Adult without Dependents (ABAWD) to three (3) months in a 36 month period, unless the

individual is participating at least 80 hours each month in qualifying work activities.

An ABAWD is a person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents, is not disabled

and who is receiving SNAP benefits.

To maintain eligibility for SNAP benefits for more than three (3) months in the 36 month period

starting January 1, 2016, the ABAWD must:

• Participate in an assessment of your ability to work;

• Provide information regarding your employment status and availability to work;

• Work or participate in an approved program for at least 80 hours/month; and

• Accept a job or a referral to an actual or potential job opening.

Failure to comply with these requirements without good cause may result in the loss of SNAP

benefits. In addition, the ABAWD must provide documentation of participation in unpaid work

activities each month and report to the social services district within 10 days after the end of the

month if your work hours go below 80 hours.

Signature__________________________________________Date____________

APPLICANT JOB SEARCH REFERRAL

Department of Social Services Division of Family Independence | Comprehensive Employment Division - ECWC B-5764 (3/18)

Name (First, Last, Middle) Date

CIN or last four digits of SS#:

Use the attached forms to record and document your job search efforts. Attach as many additional pages as needed.

Job Search Requirements:

TANF- Submission of 12 employment applications. Any applications submitted prior to today’s date will not be accepted.

SN- Submission of 45 employment applications. Any applications submitted prior to today’s date will not be accepted.

Re-Establish Eligibility for ABAWD*- 80 hours job search activities and/or work activities in a 30 day period, including a minimum of 45 employment application submissions.

ABAWD*- 80 hours job search activities and/or work activities for the month.

* ABAWD Job Search - Document all time spent looking for work , including such activities as researching available jobs (online, newspaper, etc.), completing and submitting job applications (online or at employer), preparing for interviews, participating in an interview, participating in a job search workshop or work ing with a job placement specialist. Each month you should use www.jobzone.ny.gov or http://newyork .us.jobs to locate job openings.

If you fail to document the required job search activity, your application for Temporary Assistance (TA) will be denied and your eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP) benefits may be impacted.

• No more than one application per company may be recorded.

• You must be qualified for the position you are applying for.

• Failure to accept an offer of employment without good cause may result in the denial of your

application.

• On-line application receipts must be attached to the job search record.

Please report with your completed Applicant Job Search Record to:

158 Pearl St., 2nd floor, Window 1

on ______________________________ at _______________

You must wait to be seen to be given your next work assignment; otherwise your application may be denied.

I understand that I am required to complete job search activities as indicated above and failure to do so may result in the denial of my application for TA and/or SNAP benefits.

Signature Date

http://www.jobzone.ny.gov/

http://newyork.us.jobs/

APPLICANT JOB SEARCH RECORD

Department of Social Services Division of Family Independence | Comprehensive Employment Division - ECWC B-5525 page 1 of 2 (3/17)

APPLICATIONS FILED

All fields must be completed for each application filed. Attach online application receipts.

Company Name

Complete Address (include street number)

Contact Person Phone Number

Position Applied For Date of Application

Time spent

Minutes/Hours In person

Online

Company Name




Time spent


Online

Company Name




Time spent Minutes/Hours

In person

Online

Company Name




Time spent Minutes/Hours

In person

Online

Company Name




Time spent


Online

Company Name




Time spent


Online

Company Name




Time spent


Online

Company Name




Time spent


Online

Total Number of Applications Filed Total Time Spent (Minutes/Hours)

I understand that if I fail to submit the required number of applications or document the required job search related activity hours, my application for assistance may be denied. All information reported on this document is t rue and accurate and I understand that this information is subject to verification for determining compliance.

Signature Date

APPLICANT JOB SEARCH RECORD

Department of Social Services Division of Family Independence | Comprehensive Employment Division - ECWC B-5525 page 2 of 2 (2/17)

JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES

Date Activities Completed Total Time Spent

During Day (minutes or hours)

Total Time Spent on Job Search Activities (minutes or hours)

I understand that if I fail to submit the required number of applications or document the required

job search related activity hours, my application for assistance may be denied. All information reported on this document is true and accurate and I understand that this information is subject to verification for determining compliance.

Signature Date

ERIE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT DIVISION ( ) 290 Main Street, Room ( ) 158 Pearl Street, Room

Buffalo, New York 14202

THIS WILL INTRODUCE: __________________________________

APPLYING FOR POSITION OF: _________________________________

TO SEE: __________________________________

NAME OF COMPANY/AGENCY: __________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________

DATE: TIME: __________

APPLICANT ELIGIBLE FOR:

( ) TEAP ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (Training and employment assistance program)

( ) PIVOT (placing individuals in vital opportunity training)

( ) InVEST (individual vocational education and skills training)

( ) WOTC (work opportunity tax credit)

REFERRED BY EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR: __________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: DATE: _________

* * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE FILLED OUT AND RETURNED BY EMPLOYER

APPLICANT'S NAME: COMPANY/AGENCY: ( ) HIRED STARTING DATE: ( ) NOT HIRED REASON: ( ) DID NOT REPORT FOR INTERVIEW ON DATE: HIRING OFFICIAL: DATE: ( ) WOTC VOUCHER COMPLETED AND SENT TO NYSDOL EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR:

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

B-2342-A-2 (Rev. 03/04) White - Client; Yellow - Counselor; Pink - Supervisor

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES EMPLOYMENT COMPLEX 290 MAIN ST. – 5th FLOOR BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

( ) Date

( ) Case Number

( ) Category

Dear Recipient: The training program you are enrolled in at

[ ] Has been Denied - Reason

[ ] Has been Approved from to

[ ] You will be receiving a TANF Employment Related Training allowance for this period. It is to assist you in meeting your educational and/or training needs.

[ ] You will receive a once-only allowance of $ to cover the period to

(Please allow at least 10 days for processing) [ ] You will receive a recurring, semi-monthly allowance of $ to cover the period to This allowance is for: [ ] Transportation [ ] Other

[ ] You will not receive an employment related training allowance because: [ ] Grant information incomplete on B-1383 [ ] No schedule submitted [ ] Grants exceed costs of tuition fees, books and supplies [ ] Other

REMINDERS 1. Each semester or session you must provide this office with the following: (A) Verification of enrollment and financial aid (B-1383). (B) An official copy of your school schedule showing your hours. (C) A copy of your report card or transcript. 2. Your monthly attendance must be 100% according to TANF regulations. If your attendance falls below this point

for any given month you will be required to provide a valid excuse for the poor attendance or face possible sanction procedures. This can result in a loss of or reduction in your Public Assistance.

3. When you leave or complete the program you will need to contact your employment counselor and provide: (A) Date and reason for leaving if you did not complete the program requirements. (B) A copy of your certification, diploma or degree.

If you have any question regarding your allowance, or the TANF Program requirements, please call your

Employment Counselor at 858- .

Sincerely, Employment Counselor B-3854 Front (REV. 1/14)

B-3854 Reverse (1/14) Attachment #8 (Reverse)

NAME: ADDRESS: CASE NUMBER:

SNAP IMPLICATIONS: This notice applies only to your requirements to participate in temporary assistance work activities. You may or may not be

required to participate in SNAP Employment and Training (FSET) activities. You were notified of the SNAP employment responsi bilities and exemptions

in the LDSS-4148A: What You Should Know About Your Rights and Responsibilities, Book 1. If you have any questions about your SNAP employment

requirements, ask your worker.

CONFERENCE AND FAIR HEARING SECTION – DO YOU THINK WE ARE WRONG?

If you think our decision was wrong, you can ask for a review of our decision. If we made a mistake, we will correct it. You can do both 1 and 2:

1. Ask for a meeting (conference) with one of our supervisors; 2. Ask for a State fair hearing with a State hearing officer.

1. CONFERENCE (informal meeting with us) – If you think our decision was wrong, or if you do not understand our decision, please call us to set up a meeting,

To do this, call the conference phone number on the front of this notice or write to us at the address on the front of the notice. Sometimes this is the fastest way to

solve any problem you may have. If you ask for a conference you are still entitled to a fair hearing. If you do not want to have to comply with work requirements

until a fair hearing decision is issued, you must request a fair hearing in the way described below. A request for a conference alone will not remove your requirements

to participate in work activities.

2. STATE FAIR HEARING – YOU HAVE 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE TO REQUEST A FAIR HEARING.

HOW TO ASK FOR A FAIR HEARING: You can ask for a fair hearing by mail, by phone, by fax or online.

Mail: Send a copy of this notice completed to the Office of Administrative Hearings, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, P.O. Box 1930,

Albany, New York 12201. Please keep a copy for yourself.

I want a fair hearing, I do not agree with the agency’s action. (You may explain why you disagree below, but you

do not have to include a written explanation.)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone:800-342-3334 (Please have this notice with you when you call.)

Fax: Fax a copy of the front and reverse of this notice to: (518) 473-6735 or

Online: Complete an online request form at: http://otda.state.ny.us/oah/forms.asp.

If you cannot reach the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance by phone, by fax or online, please write to ask for a fair hearing before the

deadline.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A FAIR HEARING: The State will send you a notice that tells you when and where the fair hearing will be held. At the hearing, you

will have a chance to explain why you think our decision is wrong. You can bring a lawyer, a relative, a friend or someone else to help you do this. If you cannot

come yourself, you can send someone to represent you. If you are sending someone who is not a lawyer to the hearing instead of you, you must give this person a

letter to show the hearing officer that you want this person to represent you at the hearing. At the hearing, you and your lawyer or other representative will have a

chance to explain why we are wrong and a chance to give the hearing officer written papers that explain why we are wrong.

To help you explain at the hearing why you think we are wrong, you should bring any witnesses who can help you. You should also bring any papers you have, such

as: pay stubs, leases, receipts, bills, doctor’s statements. At the hearing, you and your lawyer or other representative can ask questions of witnesses which we bring

or which you bring to help your case.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE: If you think you need a lawyer to help you with this problem, you may be able to get a lawyer at no cost to you by contacting your local

Legal Aid Society or other legal advocate group. For the names of other lawyers, check your Yellow Pages under “ Lawyers”.

ACCESS TO YOUR FILE AND COPIES OF DOCUMENTS : To help you get ready for the hearing, you have a right to look at your case file. If you call or

write to us, we will provide you with free copies of the documents from your file that we will give to the hearing officer at the fair hearing. Also, if you call, write or

fax to us, we will provide you with free copies of other documents from your file that you think you may need to prepare for your fair hearing. To ask for documents or

to find out how to look at your file, call us at the Record Access phone number on the front of this notice or write to us at the address on front of this notice.

If you want copies of documents from your case file, you should ask for them ahead of time. They will be provided to you within a reasonable time before t he date of

the hearing. Documents will be mailed to you only if you specifically ask that they be mailed.

INFORMATION: If you want more information about your case, how to ask for a fair hearing, how to see your file, or how to get additional copies of documents, call

us at the phone numbers on the front of this notice or write to us at the address on the front of this notice.

http://otda.state.ny.us/oah/forms.asp

DECEMBER 2017

NAME_______________________________________________PHONE#________________CIN # __________________ SITE_____________________________________

SUPERVISOR ____________________________ PHONE # _________________CED WKR_________________________________ PHONE# 858-___________

WKLY HRS: WORK EXPERIENCE _________VOCATIONAL TRAINING _________ EDUCATIONAL TRAINING_________ JOB SKILLS TRAINING____________

KEY: H = Holiday* Ex. H-6

EA = Excused Absence - Attach verification to report.

Terminated: ________ YES _________NO

Date Terminated __________________( Explain in

remarks)

START DATE: ______________ SHIFT START: _____________ END: _____________

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY TOTAL WEEKLY HOURS

WE/VT ED/JST WE/VT ED/JST WE/VT ED/JST WE/VT ED/JST WE/VT ED/JST WE/VT ED/JST TOTAL 11/27 11/28 11/29

11/30

12/1

12/4 12/5 12/6 12/7 12/8

12/11 12/12 12/13 12/14 12/15

12/18 12/19 12/20 12/21 12/22

12/25

H

H 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/29

EVALUATION: A. EXCELLENT B. AVERAGE C. BELOW AVERAGE

REMARKS: _____________________________________________________________________________________MONTHLY TOTAL _________ ________ ________

EMPLOYMENT:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TASKS PERFORMED THIS MONTH: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUPERVISOR’S SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________ DATE: ___________________________________ ___

PLEASE DELIVER OR FAX THIS REPORT TO CAROLYN SAMPER AT 858-1065 NO LATER THAN THE 5TH OF EACH MONTH B3683 (11/08)

JOB SEARCH RECORD TO AVOID SNAP SANCTION Department of Social Services Division of Family Independence | Comprehensive Employment Division B-5701 (3/17)

Name Case #

The conciliation process includes the opportunity to avoid the SNAP sanction by demonstrating compliance with employment requirements. You may show compliance by completing at least 5 job applications and returning this completed Job Search Record to your Employment Counselor by _______/________/_______. Failure to complete this document in full or provide good cause for your non-compliance may result in a SNAP benefit sanction. All fields must be completed for each application filed.

1

Company Name




2 Company Name




3

Company Name




4 Company Name




5

Company Name




All information reported on this document is true and accurate and I understand that this information is subject to verification for determining compliance.

Signature Date