WorkFirst HandBook

Engaging Parents in WorkFirst

1.2 Required Participation

The Required Participation section includes:

1.2.1 What is participation and how is it counted?

Individuals are required to participate in work or work-related activities full-time, which is defined as "getting as close as possible to 40 hours per week," with a minimum of 32 hours a week. In order to develop a full-time Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) we count the actual hours involved in an activity. When working with the parent to develop the IRP, it is very important that we make every effort to reach 40 hours of activities per week.

Work with the parents who are not in full-time (32-40 hours) activity(ies) to ensure that every hour of activity is properly recorded in the IRP, as close to 40 hours a week as possible, with a minimum of 32 hours. See 3.3 Individual Responsibility Plan section for more information on Individual Responsibility Plans.

Federal rules reduce funding for states that fail to meet a federal work participation rate. To meet the rate, states must have a percentage of parents in the required number of hours of countable activities each month. The percentage is higher for two parent families.

To be a two parent family, neither parent can be:

Federal rules define activities as “core” or “non-core”. As shown on the Core & Non-core Activity chart, some core activities only count for a limited amount of time.

1.2.2 What are the WorkFirst participation requirements?

The chart below shows WorkFirst requirements for parents and teens that are able to participate. Most parents' hourly requirements are still 32-40 hours per week. Now we want at least 20 of those hours, however, to be in core activities.

Most parents, and each parent in a two-parent family, will be expected to meet the requirements in row 1. However, WorkFirst does not require minor parents, dependent teens or exempt parents under the pregnancy to employment pathway to do core activities (rows 2 and 3 below).

 

Who

Core Activity Requirements

Core or Non-core Activity Requirements

Total

1.

Each parent or needy caretaker relative

20/hr/wk

12-20 hr/wk

32-40 hr/wk

2.

Pregnancy to Employment Infant Exemption

None

None

None (exempt)

3.

Minor parents/dependent teens (age 19 or younger

None

20 hr/wk HS, GE or BE

20 hr/wk

1.2.3 How we determine the best employment pathway?

Everyone has skills and abilities needed in today's workforce. Weaving those skills and abilities with labor market realities and education levels is the cornerstone of the new comprehensive evaluation. Designed to achieve better and quicker engagement in employment-related activities, parents will complete a three-part evaluation provided by WorkFirst partners as quickly as possible. This will help to engage families the minute they arrive to apply for assistance.

The three main parts of the comprehensive evaluation include:

The information gained from the comprehensive evaluation will be available to the WorkFirst partners and the parent to ensure that the parent is engaged in the pathway that will move them most effectively toward self-sufficiency.

The comprehensive evaluation will be a key tool in leading parents directly to employment and job search will continue to be the most appropriate pathway for the majority of parents. For other parents, the comprehensive evaluation will lead to employment through activities like Community Works, education or Community Jobs.

Using the recommendation from the comprehensive evaluation should allow for better employment-related opportunities for the parent and family. In addition, better engagement by the parent should ensue as a result of identifying options based on all the information available, such as involvement with other agencies.

If at anytime there is an indication or the family discloses involvement with Children's Administration (CA) we must work collaboratively to address the needs of the parents and children.

Families involved with CA may be required to do activities like counseling or treatment to help keep their families together. It's critical to take these activities into consideration when developing the parent's IRP and add these activities as a WorkFirst participation requirement as appropriate. We want to make sure that WorkFirst requirements do not interfere with the activities parents are taking to comply with CA requirements and resolve their family issues and emergencies.

Participation Example #1
After a newly approved WorkFirst parent completes the comprehensive evaluation, she or he will start with full-time employment services as their first activity. Full-time employment service activities and attendance are defined and directed by Employment Security staff. See 4.2 Job Preparation/Job Search section for more information on job search.

Participation Example #2
The WorkFirst parent is working 25 hours a week at a local restaurant and is also in an approved educational component for 10 hours a week. Record the actual number of hours for each activity in the IRP and input the number of hours for each component on the component screen in eJAS, for a total of 35 hours a week of participation

1.2.4 When can someone participate in the various WorkFirst activities?

Unless the comprehensive evaluation indicates otherwise, employment services is the first activity for almost everyone. The comprehensive evaluation is the key tool in leading parents to employment through job search, education, or other employment pathway activities like Community Works or Community WEX approved by the WorkFirst Program Specialist (WFPS) or WorkFirst Social Worker.

The WorkFirst employment counselor will use all elements of the comprehensive evaluation to make recommendations to refer parents to training opportunities at community and technical colleges at the time the comprehensive evaluation is conducted.

Job skills enhancement training is available if combined with employment services or work. This training is short-term, skills refresher training, such as keyboarding or learning to use a specific type of software.

For individuals who are not successful in job related activities, it is important to determine what factors may be contributing to the lack of success. The person may have an undisclosed disability or deficit and you cannot provide assistance without knowing what obstacles he or she is facing. Inform the person that you want to see him or her succeed and that support services are available for people needing special consideration. Ask whether circumstances have changed and/or has the person disclosed all information that may be affecting his or her success.

1.2.5 What does participation look like for families in crisis situations?

Consideration and action will be taken for those families in crisis/issue resolution situations that will be counted as full-time participation. The WFPS can develop an IRP with the parent that specifically addresses the crisis issues. When necessary, consult with expert personnel for assistance, including Social Workers, tribal representatives, family violence specialists, and other WFPS or supervisors. This should be done when assistance and expertise is needed to develop specific steps the person should take to mitigate his or her circumstances.

Both state and federal rules recognize that not all parents will be able to participate all the time. It is important that we stabilize families, resolve issues and provide parents with exemptions when that is the best plan for the family.

Deferrals and exemptions will not necessarily make it harder to meet the federal rate. As shown on the WorkFirst Stacking Strategy chart , some exempt parents qualify for federal exemptions and parents in countable “X” codes may be able to add enough participation hours to meet federal participation requirements.

A small number of parents approved for WorkFirst who are unable to immediately complete the comprehensive evaluation because of an urgent issue, such as family safety, will be directed to the Social Worker for assessment and services straightway. The Social Worker will address the immediate need as well as determine whether the parent can complete the remainder of the comprehensive evaluation at that time. The parent will be directed to complete the remainder of the comprehensive evaluation as soon as he or she is able. These actions must be outlined when the IRP is developed.

For example, Betty is fleeing from her husband. Betty fled the home taking her child and now she has no place to live, clothes or food. Betty is afraid and believes her husband will kill her. Betty signs an IRP in which she agrees to show for a Social Worker appointment. The SW meets with Betty and determines that her situation is severe enough to prevent her from completing the comprehensive evaluation. The SW creates Betty's plan and excuses her from completing the CE for 15 days. (Always be sure the individual understands the action steps in the IRP. Ask the individual if any special accommodations are needed in order for her or him to take the action steps.)

After 15 days, Betty meets with the SW to determine her progress toward resolving the issue. Betty has completed the necessary action steps and the SW refers Betty back to complete the comprehensive evaluation (In some situations, parents may need more time to resolve the issue and the SW can grant an extension until the parent is able to continue the comprehensive evaluation process.)

Be sure that the person understands how and when to report progress or lack of progress in completing the steps outlined in the IRP. Completion of the activities outlined in the IRP will constitute required participation until the SW determines the issue is resolved or other activities are added to the IRP.

1.2.6 What are contracted services?

Some individuals are referred to contractors to receive specific services. These contractors include community or faith-based organizations, for profit providers, and others. Contractors provide services that are not otherwise available through the partner agencies. They may focus on barriers or issues that need to be addressed so individuals can be supported in finding and keeping employment. Contractors need to be notified of and provide any necessary accommodations.

WorkFirst has established strong certification standards for contractors and service providers. Contractors and service provides must meet the standards to obtain WorkFirst certification which occurs during the contracting process. Contractors must meet the standards for reporting to the WFPS or WFSW by providing monthly verification reports. Contractors must report non-participation immediately.

1.2.7 What if someone is not exempt but cannot participate in regular employment service activities?

Some individuals may need specialized services to participate and progress to self-sufficiency. For example, a person with a physical impairment that is not considered a condition that would exempt him or her from participation, might best participate with experts who can provide specific vocational services, such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

Coordinate with the DVR counselor or other professionals when the parent is on a waiting list for services such as alcohol treatment or DVR. In many cases, all that can be reasonably expected would be that the person completes all necessary applications and prepares for acceptance into another program such as DVR or SSI. Through consultation with WorkFirst Social Workers and other professionals, determine the appropriate activities and level of participation while the person is awaiting services. For example, an individual may be able to participate in activities such as alcohol/substance abuse/chemical dependency treatment, parenting classes, counseling, adult education, and/or money management education. Similarly, parents who need DVR services may be able to work part-time in an entry-level job while waiting for the services that will help them obtain career employment.

Some individuals may not be able to participate in employment service activities because they are working with CA. Parents working with child protective services may have court appointments, counseling, treatment or other activities that they are required to attend. If at anytime there is an indication or the family discloses involvement with CA, it is critical to take these activities into consideration when developing the parent's IRP.

1.2.8 What are the WorkFirst requirements for dependent teens and pregnant and parenting minors?

Consider five groups when thinking about teens and pregnant and parenting minors, each with their own participation requirements, and some for whom an IRP is required:

The list below summarizes participation requirements for dependent teens/young adults and pregnant or parenting minors that do not have a High School Diploma or GED.

Younger dependent teens (13-15):

It is the parent's responsibility to ensure the child is in school. There are no WorkFirst requirements for these children. However, if a child is not enrolled in school, then a referral to Children's Administration (CA) is appropriate.

Older dependent teens (16-17):

These children are mandatory WorkFirst participants and must be enrolled and attending school (unless they are exempt from the WorkFirst program). A comprehensive evaluation is not required. If the child is not in school, then the family's grant can be sanctioned. A referral to CA may also be appropriate.

Young adults (18-19) receiving WorkFirst/SFA with a parent:

Attendance and progress in a secondary school or equivalent program is a requirement for TANF/SFA eligibility and is a WorkFirst requirement. If the young adult is not enrolled and making progress, then the person may lose TANF/SFA eligibility and/or be sanctioned. ( See EAZ Manual – Age Requirements for more information)

Pregnant and Parenting Minors (under 18, on own grant, neither married nor emancipated):

Enrollment and satisfactory attendance in a secondary school or equivalent program is the participation requirement, unless exempt. This group has special TANF/SFA eligibility rules related to school attendance and DSHS approval of living arrangements. ( See EAZ Manual – Teen Parent for more information.)

1.2.9 Home Schooling

Teens and young adults that are home schooled can meet the WorkFirst participation requirement for schooling when it is approved by the household's local school district and meets the state law requirements. See RCW 28A.200 for more information .

When a parent reports they are providing, or intend to provide home-based instruction, they must submit a signed statement to the school district declaring their intent to home school. This is a yearly requirement. Once this document is filed and a copy provided to the WFPS, then the home schooling can be added to the IRP.

Home schooling is WorkFirst participation for the child only. A parent or guardian providing the home schooling cannot satisfy WorkFirst participation requirements by providing the instruction.

1.2.10 What is the participation requirement after 60 months of WorkFirst?

Participation requirements for individuals that have received WorkFirst for more than 60-months is limited to the following:

A family may also receive a time limit extension if they are deferred, exempt or in sanction. See EA-Z Manual and the WorkFirst Handbook Time Limits Staffing section.

1.2.11 eJAS/ACES codes
1.2.12 Participation - Step-by-Step Guide

Refer to the IRP section for a step-by-step guide to regular participation. For all others, the WFPS or WFSW looks at the age of all assistance unit members to determine participation.

  1. A dependent teen or young adult, age 16 through 19:
    1. Require high school or GED participation for 16 to 17 year olds.
    2. Require high school, GED or another work activity for 18 to 19 year olds.
    3. Develop an IRP with the dependent teen and her or his parent, including the school requirements, the satisfactory progress expectation, and available support services. The parent and teen sign the IRP.
    4. Refer teens, as needed, to the Social Worker to get enrolled in school or GED completion course.
    5. Document participation in eJAS (HS or GE).
    6. Verify school enrollment and attendance (or for some young adults, other activities) on a regular basis.
  2. A pregnant/parenting minor (regardless of age):
    1. Require high school or GED completion and refer the minor parent to the Social Worker or teen parent case manager for a teen living assessment. Pend the WorkFirst application until the assessment is completed.
    2. The Social Worker:
      • Completes a home visit for all minor parents who are not living with a legal guardian or parent (coordinating with CPS if an open case exists). If it is unsafe to visit the teen at home, living arrangements are denied, and the assessment is done at the CSO.
      • Uses the DSHS 14-427(X), Teen Parent Living Assessment tool to determine the appropriateness of the teen's living arrangement and identify any other issues that may need resolution.
    3. If the Social Worker determines the teen's alternative living arrangement is appropriate, the Social Worker obtains CSOA approval, forwards a copy of this approval to Headquarters, and notifies the case manager.
    4. Once school requirements are met and living arrangements are met, then open the case and assign a protective payee for teens who are not living with a parent or guardian.
    5. If the teen is ineligible (due to school or living arrangements), then approve a “child only” grant and assign a protective payee. The teen parent receives medical and may receive child care through the Working Connections Child Care Program.
    6. The Social Worker will manage the case and provide support until the minor reaches 18 years old, working with the WFPS to ensure the appropriate activities are recorded in eJAS. An IRP is recommended.

Resources

Related WorkFirst Handbook Sections
Other Resources

For more information about the WorkFirst HandBook, contact Olga Walker, WorkFirst Program Manager.