AG 2002 10 21 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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sufficiency. The New Focus, had as its primary objective, a family assessment prior to any application for assistance at DSS. Through this assessment, many needs were identified, and addressed. In 75% of the cases, an application for Work First was not needed. Due to increasing numbers applying for Work First, due to the economy, the limited employment staff has begun to encounter a backlog of cases that require attention with employment services to help them secure a job, and be free of public assistance before their time-clock runs out. After discussions with several counties, who have taken the New Focus and modified it for their needs, Cabarrus DSS has once again modified their plans to meet its needs. This is done so that applicants can get a clear picture of: 1) what the expectations are of someone applying for Work First, and 2) existing Work First families can be serviced with employment services. Cabarrus County DSS is presently planning on testing a project to accomplish both objectives. The system that is being tested operates as follows; · When a potential applicant Comes to the department and requests Work First on the agency fact sheet, they see eligibility Intake. If it is an adult case, the applicant is informed that they must do the following: 1. Attend an orientation session prior to applying for WFFA. They are given a flier which informs them of the schedule for Orientation, which is the first step in the Work First application process. 2. Encouraged to see an ESC Employment Consultant to complete a tst Stop registration before they attend Orientation. If a client is an applicant for WFFA, they must complete a 1 st Stop registration in order to apply for WFFA cash benefits. 3. Have the opportunity to apply for Medicaid and/or Food Stamps and see a Crisis worker about any program in that area. · At Orientation, the applicant sees the Work First Employment social workers in a group setting, and is informed about the following: 1. A description of the WFFA application process 2. A detailed description of employment services requirements, including work requirements, time limits, sanctions, supportive services, terminations, etc. 3. The benefits of becoming self-sufficient and self-supporting, discouraging dependency on welfare, and emphasizing work and responsibility. · As a result of Orientation, the applicant has a clear picture of the Work First program at DSS, and can decide on one of two options: 1. Apply for WFFA and comply with employment services requirements 2. Not apply for WFFA and either leave or apply for any other assistance they so choose.