WorkFirst HandBook
Resolving Issues
6.1 Overview
The Resolving Issues Overview section includes:
- 6.1.1 What is resolving issues?
- 6.1.2 When do we resolve issues?
- 6.1.3 What are the principles for resolving issues?
- 6.1.4 What is the role of the WorkFirst Program Specialist?
- 6.1.5 What is the role of the WorkFirst Social Worker?
6.1.1 What is resolving issues?
Resolving issues begins with identifying issues that can interfere with a person's ability to look for work or work or participate in other WorkFirst activities. When issues are identified, we can provide necessary supports to help the parent engage in activities that will ead to employment.
Many WorkFirst individuals will need to resolve some issues to succeed in WorkFirst. People come to us without basic supports or perhaps, not much experience in being a working parent. And, although we may not even think of authorizing child care or making a family planning referral as “resolving issues” -- it is.
Many individuals come to us with more serious concerns that will take longer to resolve, like disabilities or family violence. It is important to start working through these problems as quickly as possible – and add other activities as soon as individuals are able – so they can start building on their strengths while eliminating some negatives.
Last, some individuals face issues so severe, that it is unlikely they will be able to enter the job market. WorkFirst Social Workers (WFSWs) may need to work intensively with these individuals, perhaps helping them apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
6.1.2 When do we resolve issues?
We look for issues that may need to be resolved at:
- Application.
- Comprehensive evaluation.
- Eligibility reviews.
- Assessment.
- Anytime upon the parent's request.
If issues are identified when a parent starts working or participating in WorkFirst activities, you should work with the individual to resolve these issues.
As shown in the chart below, the level of intervention required to work with issues varies, depending on the type of problem the person faces.
| Issue | Likely intervention |
| Lacks basic supports | Likely a shorter-term intervention by the WorkFirst Program Specialist (WFPS) or WorkFirst Social Worker (WFSW) to:
|
| Lacks expert advice | Likely a shorter-term intervention by the WFSW (that can be combined with looking for work or work) to provide:
|
| Family & health concerns | Likely requires a longer-term WFSW intervention. These situations may need to be stabilized before adding other activities.
|
6.1.3 What are the principles for resolving issues?
There are some common themes you will see whenever we talk about resolving issues.
Overall principles for resolving issues
Identify and begin to resolve issues as soon as possible to give the parent any additional supports they need to succeed.
The purpose of issue resolution is to help the parent find ways to participate in WorkFirst activities while also assuring the family's medical and other needs are addressed. Employment remains a major focus with self-sufficiency as the ultimate goal.
Temporary deferments may be necessary and appropriate in some situations. Most parents, however, want to work and may see work as very therapeutic in helping them cope with other concerns.
Finding creative ways for the parent to participate without a temporary deferment is usually the best option. It is often possible to accommodate a family's special needs while at the same time supporting the parent's employment efforts.
Resolving issues, while encouraging employment, can help us increase WorkFirst cash assistance exits, reduce WorkFirst returns, and keep caseloads down.
6.1.4 What is the role of the WorkFirst Program Specialist?
The WFPS is a central player in identifying issues. He or she collaborates with the WFSW and other service providers to:
- Determine needs.
- Obtain resources.
- Complete the foundation section of the comprehensive evaluation,
- Develop the IRP with the parent’s input, using recommendations from Employment Security’s employment plan, and consideration of other relevant information.
- Ensure the person has adequate child care and transportation and coordinates other services as necessary.
6.1.5 What is the role of the WorkFirst Social Worker?
The WFSW plays a key role in providing screening, assessment, referral services, and has valuable expertise in intensive case management for individuals. The WFSW coordinates services with other WorkFirst partners and other service providers as needed. WFSWs assist in helping parents resolve issues, including:
- Hard to engage or sanctioned individuals.
- Mental, physical, and learning disabilities
- Alcohol or substance abuse/chemical dependency.
- Family violence.
- Homelessness,.
- Family planning.
- Children with special needs.
- Teen parenting.
- Early childhood development (First Steps).
- Pregnancy to Employment.
Upon referral the WFSW will:
- Complete assessment.
- Provide intervention and support to help the person address issues that may interfere with their ability to complete the comprehensive evaluation or impede movement toward economic self-sufficiency;
- Develop a plan for issues identified and make appropriate referrals to specialized services to help resolve these issues.
- Help the parent resolve issues identified by Employment Security Department or the community colleges.
- Stack services, if appropriate, to help parents engage in activities that will lead to employment.
- Attend case staffings.
- Provide specific, intensive, and time-limited services to parents at risk of losing benefits or services.
- Provide follow-up services, as needed, to keep the person engaged.
Resources
Related WorkFirst Handbook Sections
- 3.2.1 Comprehensive evaluation
- 3.3.1 IRP
- 3.4 Intensive Services
- 2.1 Supports for WorkFirst Participants