HomeMy WebLinkAbout20063021.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE REVISIONS TO OPERATIONS MANUAL, SECTION 6.000, COLORADO
WORKS IN WELD COUNTY AND CHILD CARE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Revisions to Section 6.000, Colorado
Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures, for the Department of Social
Services Operations Manual, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said revisions, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, ex-officio Board of Social Services, that the Revisions to Section 6.000,
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures for the Department of
Social Services Operations Manual, be, and hereby are, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded,adopted by
the following vote on the 30th day of October, A.D., 2006.
BOARD OF COUN-TY COMMISSIONERS
Elsa WELD COU TY, COLORADO
ATTEST: ii.tjeY� /r / i �/1 j (AYE)
ile, Chair
Weld County Clerk to th a�
•-• A AYE
/ • , David . Lon Pro-Tem
BY: 9,
Depu Clerk t he Board v-c) 1 lam✓ NAY
Willia H. Jerke p
APP ASz \ti° (AYE)
RobeJsd�
unty ttorney 1%. �_� (AYE)
/ I Glenn Vaad
of signature:
2006-3021
SS0033
a
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
P.O. BOX A
GREELEY,CO. 80632
I Website:www.co.weld.co.us
Administration and Public Assistance(970)352-1551
Child Support(970)352-6933
VI II O Fax(970)346-7663
•
COLORADO MEMORANDUM
TO: M.J. Geile, Chair Date: October 26,2006
Board of County Commissioners
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services tilh) �/l. (/ A {c
RE: Revision to Section 6.000,Colorado Works and Child Care
Policies and Procedures, Weld County Department of Social
Services Operations Manual
Enclosed for Board approval is a revision Section 6.000, Colorado Works and Child Care Policies
and Procedures, Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual. This revision
was reviewed at the Board's Work Session held on October 4, 2006.
The revisions are to:
• Section 6.007,Colorado Works Diversions,Other Colorado Works Assistance,
Lump Sum Basic Cash assistance and Supportive Services Payments; and
• Section 6.008.1,Diversion Committee,Payment and IRC Processing,and
• Section 6.011.12,Notice of Proposed Applicant or Recipient Sanction.
The purpose of these revisions is to increase the Department's efforts to meet its work
participation rates under the Colorado Works Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families(TANF) by:
1. Increasing the annual Diversion amount per family from $3,300 to$5,000 and
adding flexibility in the use of Diversion funds for those TANF applicants and
participants who are unable to work because of giving birth, major illness or to care for
their disabled children. The use of Diversion funds is another alternative to recaling -
direct grant assistance and being included in the work participation rate. --
2. Establishing the mileage rate for TANF clients to be equivalent to the rate provided-
to County employees or a flat daily rate of$5.00, instead of$.20 per mile and:a flat 7 2
rate of$2.00.
3. Increasing the duration of the second level sanction from 30 days to 60 days and the
third level sanction from 90 days up to 180 days for non-participation of the TANF
client.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
2006-3021
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
6.007 Colorado Works Diversions,Other Colorado Works Assistance,Lump Sum
Revised 10/06 Basic Cash Assistance and Supportive Services Payments
The Department offers other assistance in addition to or instead of monthly basic
cash assistance for several reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to
the following; keep the family unit structure together, help divert clients off of
basic cash assistance, assist the client in retaining employment and for kinship
caretaker relative cases.The Department will comply with the general guidelines
established by the Colorado Department of Human Services Agency Letters and
as outlined in Section 3.600, Volume III, Income Maintenance Programs.
6.007.1 Weld County Grant Diversion Program (State)
The purpose of the Weld County Grant Diversion Program is to offer an
alternative to participants who are eligible for Colorado Works in Weld County
Program, but could avoid the need of such cash assistance if the Department
granted the recipient assistance in another form, in either a monthly payment or
lump sum payment.
6.007.11 Client Assessment
The Diversion Committee will assess per Section 6.008.1 whether a client's
needs are better satisfied or can be diverted from basic cash assistance by the use
of a diversion grant.
6.007.12 Eligible Participants
An applicant or participant in the Colorado Works Program may receive a
diversion grant under the following terms and conditions:
A. The applicant or participant meets eligibility requirements for basic
cash assistance.
B. The applicant or participant does not need long-term cash
assistance, or a basic cash assistance grant as determined by the
assessment.
C. The applicant or participant demonstrates a need for a specific item
or type of assistance, including but not limited to, cash, supportive
services, housing, or transportation.
D. Such assistance may be provided in the form of vendor payments
or in-kind services.
E. The applicant or participant enters into a written mutual agreement
that shall be the IRC that shall:
1. Document the reason why the participant does not need a
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
basic cash assistance grant; and
2. Define the expectations and the terms of the diversion
grant; and
3. Specify the need(s) for and the specific type(s) of non-
recurring cash payment being delivered; and
4. Specify the possible impacts on other assistance including
Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Child Care.
F. The applicant or participant shall agree not to apply for any further
Colorado Works assistance in the county where he/she received the
diversion grant or any other county for a period of time to be
established by the county.
G. If the participant through circumstances beyond his/her control, is
unable to sustain the agreement of the IRC, he/she may apply for
and the county may grant basic cash assistance or a diversion grant
prior to the period of time that was established and agreed upon by
both the county and client in the IRC.
H. All recipients of state diversion who receive a one-time or non-
recurrent cash payment are not required to assign child support
rights, and their time clock does not advance.
6.007.13 Payment Limit and Types of Payments
The client may be eligible for payments, not to exceed $5,000 for a family unit
per year for diversions to either keep the family unit; structure together, self
sufficient, employed and/or to assist in making them job ready as follows:
A. Vision correction necessary for employment-related activity.
B. Tools necessary for employment-related activity.
C Cost of repair of a vehicle to enable transportation to employment-related
activity.
D. Clothing/Grooming necessary for employment-related activity.
E. One-way transportation and/or moving expense assistance to relocate to
site of new employment or continued employment(only if the employer
does not pay for it as per employer policy).
F. Dental assistance necessary for employment-related activity.
G. Medical assistance not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Children's
Health Plan Plus or any other private insurance that is cost-effective and
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
keeps one or more members in a employment-related activity.
H. Any other reasonable job-related expenses as determined by the
Diversion Committee.
I. Any basic living needs that may assist in keeping a family unit structure
together, employed or job ready that can include, but not limited to the
following as determined by the Diversion Committee:
1. Rent or mortgage payment(s).
2. Food (Food Stamp benefits will be taken into the determination
of any additional need).
3. Utilities (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program benefits will
be taken into the determination of any additional need).
4. Clothing(Only after referring to any other outside agency for
assistance).
6.007.14 Payment and IRC Processing
Payment processing will be defined in Section 6.008.2
6.007.2 Job Retention and Skills Training Program (County Diversion Program)
The Department will conduct or implement a County Diversion Program through
the Job Retention and Skills Training Program that could include supportive
services referenced in Section 6.007.5.
6.007.21 Client Assessment
The Diversion Committee will assess per Section 6.008.1 whether a client's
needs are better satisfied or can be diverted from basic cash assistance by the use
of a diversion grant.
6.007.22 Eligible Participants
Eligible participants of the Job Retention and Skills Training Program will
be those individuals who:
A. are employed in unsubsidized, continuous, and full-time
employment; or
B. were recipients who terminated their participation from the
Colorado Works Program or an equivalent TANF program in
another state; and
C. have a present income of below 185% of the poverty level for their
household size; and
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
D. request job retention supportive services within one year of
termination of financial assistance in the Colorado Works Program
or equivalent TANF program in another state and whose
termination from the Colorado Works Program is a result of
employment. Subject to the approval of the Director, the
Department may allow an individual whose termination from
financial assistance from the Colorado Works Program or
equivalent TANF program in another state was longer than one
year but less than three years to receive job retention supportive
services if the purpose of such services is to assist the individual
retain employment; or
E. request job retention supportive services to maintain the job that if
they did not get the supportive services would otherwise be
unemployed; and
F. May be assessed by the Diversion Committee to determine the
need for financial assistance or supportive services.
6.007.23 General Requirements for Training
A. Under the Job Retention and Skills Development Agreement, the
employer may participate in the program as follows:
1. For an initial three month period, the employer may train
his or her employee in, but not limited to, mentoring
services for purposes of job retention,job specific training,
basic skills development, English as a Second Language,
necessary for the participant to retain or obtain
employment.
2. An additional three month period may be authorized by the
Employment Services, if the employee requires additional
training in, but not limited to, mentoring services for
purposes of job retention,job specific skills, basic skills
development, English as Second Language, necessary for
the employee to retain or obtain employment.
3. If at the end of the initial three-month period or at the end
of the additional three-month period, the employer is
eligible for an additional six-month training period for the
employee who the employer promotes and gives a salary
increase.
B. The Employment Services will authorize with the employer the
training plan for the participant including training criteria, methods
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
by which the training outcomes will be measured, and associated
costs.
C. The employer may choose to provide this training directly or to
provide this training, through subcontracts, with training providers.
Training providers are defined, but not limited to, as public
schools, private non- profits, private for profit, post secondary,
community colleges, and proprietary schools.
D. The Employment Services will authorize training providers in the
training areas identified by the employer.
E. To ensure that the job specific and mentoring training meets the
local demand of employers, local private sector employers, through
the Weld County Private Industry Council, will recommend to the
Employment Services the authorization of training plans and
training providers.
F. The Department may authorize the job specific training plan and
associated costs not to exceed $1,800 as follows:
1. A training allowance bonus of$300 to be reimbursed at the
end of the initial three-month period.
2. A training allowance bonus of$300 to be reimbursed at the
end of the additional three-month period.
3. A training allowance bonus of$500 for the employee
whom the employer promoted and successfully completed
the initial three month period and, if applicable, an
additional three month period of training. This training
allowance bonus will be reimbursed at the end of a three-
month period.
4. An additional training allowance bonus of$500 for the
employee whom the employer promoted and continues his
or her training. This training allowance bonus will be
reimbursed at the end of a three-month period.
6.007.25 Payment Limits and IRC Processing
Payment processing will be defined in Section 6.008.2. County diversion may
not exceed $5,000 per year per family unless other limitations apply.
6.007.3 Other Colorado Works County Assistance
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
6.007.31 Summer Activities for Youth - Calendar Year 2006
The Department will fund appropriate and available summer activities as a
diversion program. The activities will be offered for the period April 2006
through September 2006 to low-income youth and foster care/adopt children.
The purposes of these activities are to:
• prevent youth from entering the child welfare system
• support County Certified Foster Care Parents and Adoptive Parents with
summer activities for foster and adoptive children
• promote a continuum of educational and community experiences through
established recreation or education programs in the summer
• promote work ethics by re-establishing a work experience program for
youth age fourteen to fifteen who can no longer participate in the
Summer Youth Employment and Training Program through the Weld
County Department of Human Services. The goals for the work
experience program will be to:
1. Enhance their academic performance, including their reading and
mathematics comprehension, as measured by attainment of
school credit,completion of grade level in the learning lab, or
successful completion of other classes, as determined by pre- and
post-testing and reports from remediation/enrichment component
instructors.
2. Enhance their occupational skills as measured by attainment of
workplace competencies. The workplace competencies
incorporate the SCANS competencies and were developed by the
Weld County School to Career and adopted by the Weld County
Workforce Development Board.
3. Enhance their skills by using relevant learning experiences, life
skills training, as well as by using the Weld County Workforce
Board's approved competencies which meet or exceed the
SCANS Foundation Skills and which evaluate attendance, work
attitudes, completion of assigned tasks, etc.
6.007.311 Eligible Participants
A. Children ages infant through seventeen years of age; and
B. Children who are in families receiving TANF,Medicaid, and Food
Stamps and have incomes below 185%of poverty level; or
C. Children who are foster care/adopt children and are placed in the County
Certified Foster Care Homes and Group Homes.
6.007.312 Authorized Programs
A. Recreational and Educational for Children ages infant through seventeen
years of age.
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
Authorized programs will include recreational or educational activities
sponsored by the City of Greeley, City of Evans, City of Windsor, City
of Ft. Lupton, Aims Community College, the University of Northern
Colorado, and other governmental or educational entities.
Maximum registration or activity fees per child is $125.00 per summer.
B. Work Experience Programs for children ages fourteen to fifteen years of
age.
The Summer Youth Employment Program's anticipated impact is to
enhance the academic, occupational, citizenship skills of the youth, and
to provide work experience and academic enrichment components for
each youth participant that encourages them to remain in school or return
to school.
Each youth participant will be assessed to determine their basic skills and
supportive services needs. The interest/preference of the youth will be
used to determine job assignments in the program whenever possible.
Each participant will have an Individual Service Strategy (ISS)which
will indicate selected training components and any supportive services
needed. Each participant will have an ISS included in their client file.
The ISS will address goals for employment and education services, as
well as positive life skills enhancement activities such as:
a. Health Career Exploration
b. Re-Think Anger Management
c. Abstinence Training
d. Pregnancy Prevention
e. Drop-out Prevention
f. Drug& Alcohol Prevention
g. Conflict Resolution Training
h. Gang Involvement Prevention
i. Money Management
j. College for Kids
It will be described how these activities will assist youth in overcoming
barriers to employment, and in setting and reaching goals.
Other youth serving agencies, such as drug and alcohol
prevention/treatment centers, and community service agencies which
serve youth may participate as a work site, as an outreach tool, or will
provide services to youth as needed. In addition, participants of the
program will be encouraged through a financial incentive to volunteer in
the community and attend age appropriate seminars.
The Learning Lab and Destinations Learning System located at Weld
County will be used for remediation/academic enrichment activities
unless noted otherwise in the participant's ISS. Coordination will occur
with the local school districts for those in need of remedial education in
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
math and reading, as well as summer school.
All participants will be required to attend the Weld County Learning Lab
for two hours each week. The youth will also be encouraged to complete
a minimum of two hours of community service/volunteer work as well as
attend as many of the Life Skills Enhancement activities as possible in
order to obtain bonuses.
The Weld County Division of Human Services will provide work
experience and academic enrichment components to youth who can no
longer participate in the Summer Youth Employment and Training
Program.
Youth can earn the Federal minimum wage per hour for 24 to 32 per
week for approximately eight weeks. The youth will have worker's
compensation and provided supportive services as necessary.
6.007.313 Authorized Summer Budget Expenditures for Calendar Year 2006
The Department is authorized to expend a maximum of$130,000 for the
period beginning April I, 2006,through September 30,2006.
6.007.314 Reimbursement Transfer Authority from the Department to Employment
Services
The Department will remit to Employment Services an amount not to exceed
$60,000 of maximum allowable expenditures authorized under Section 6.008.43.
This remittance will be for costs associated with services provided as described
in Section 6.008.42(B)and will include staff and overhead. The billing is based
cost per youth schedule as follows:
A. Work Experience
1. Youth who work under 50 hours =$480.00
2. Youth who work between 51 hours and 100 hours =$ 855.00
3. Youth who work more than 100 hours =$1305.00
A. Work Shop Bonuses
In addition to the wages received there will also be an opportunity to
earn a bonus of$27.50 for each life skills workshop attended. In order
to earn the bonus,the participant will be required to attend the learning
lab for a minimum of two hours each week as well as attend a life skill
workshop. If the youth does attend the lab and a life skills workshop,
he/she will then be eligible for a$27.50 bonus for each life skills activity
attended for a maximum of$220.00.
1. 20% of the participants will receive a total bonus of$55.00
2. 60% of participants $110.00
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
3. 20% of individuals receiving the full bonus of$220.00
6.007.32 Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS) Contingency Plan
The Weld County Department of Social Services may use TANF County
Diversion funds or TANF Segregated Funds in emergency situations. TANF
Segregated Funds would be available to those clients who are eligible for adult
categorical programs. Emergency situations for this purpose are defined and
limited to times when State or County Computer systems (CBMS)become
disabled and the benefit calculation and distribution of benefits is delayed for one
week or longer.
In order to be eligible for these emergency funds individuals or families must:
A. Have gross incomes below 185% of poverty and,
B. Have been determined eligible for categorical public assistance programs
(Food Stamps, Medicaid, Adult Categorical Programs, LEAP).
In order to receive these emergency funds families and/or individuals must be in
a crisis situation that required immediate action. The family must be without
food, shelter, clothing, or other basic necessities that would normally be provided
by categorical assistance programs. These funds would not be in addition to
categorical program assistance.
Benefit amount would not exceed the amount of public assistance benefit that the
individuals would have been eligible for had there not been computer/system
failure.
6.007.33 Emergency Food Assistance through the Weld Food Bank
A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended to reimburse
the Weld Food Bank for the cost of"emergency food boxes."
B. Reimbursement will be made at the rate of$20.00 per food box.
C. Reimbursement will be made if the food box recipient meets the
following criteria:
1. Is referred by the Weld County Department of Social Services.
2. Gross family income is below 185% of poverty.
3. Has an emergency food assistance need as determined by the
Weld County Department of Social Services.
4. Has not received four or more Emergency Food Boxes in a six
(6)month time period.
6.007.34 Child Care Assistance for Working Families of the Low-Income Program
under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended for eligible
working families of the Low Income Program under the Colorado Child
Care Assistance Program Recipients.
B. Eligibility for the Low Income Program under the Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program is defined in Section 6.0014 of the Colorado Works
in Weld County Policies Operations Manual.
6.007.35 Emergency Assistance Program will serve families with dependent children
within the 5"'degree of kinship with incomes of$75,000 or less per year.
6.007.36 Clothing Assistance for Women through Leanna's Closet,a Project of The
Women's Fund of Weld County
A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended to reimburse
The Women's Fund of Weld County for the cost of clothing assistance
for women under its project, "Leanna's Closet".
B. Clothing assistance includes an outfit, suitable to the type of job that
includes: pants, skirt, top, blazer, plus shoes, purse, and jewelry.
C. Reimbursement will be made at the rates as follows:
1. $5.00 for one outfit for ajob interview.
2. $10.00 for two outfits, suitable for the job,to begin employment.
3. $5.00 for one outfit at the successful retention of continuous
employment on the job for three months.
D. Reimbursement will be made if the recipient meets the following criteria:
1. Is referred by the Weld County Department of Social Services.
2. A woman seeking employment or maintaining employment.
3. Gross family income is below 185% of poverty.
4. Has a clothing allowance need as determined by the Weld county
Department of Social Services.
5. Has not received four or more outfits in a six(6)month period.
6.007.4 Lump Sum Basic Cash Assistance Payments
A one time lump sum basic cash assistance payment can be made to clients based
off of the same policies as state diversions as listed in Section 6.007.1 except for
the total dollar amount per year and it counts towards the TANF 60 month clock.
6.007.41 Client Assessment
The Diversion Committee as per Section 6.008.1 or the Assistance Payments
Administrator will assess whether a client's needs are better satisfied from a
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
lump sum basic cash assistance.
6.007.42 Limitation on Lump Sum Basic Cash Assistance Payments
A one time lump sum basic cash assistance payment can be issued to a client
and/or the provider(s)that is equal to or less than what the client would have
received during a six month period for basic cash assistance.
6.007.43 Payment and IRC Processing
Payment processing will be defined in Section 6.008.2
6.007.5 Supportive Service Payments
6.007.51 General Requirements for Supportive Services
The Department will assess a client who requests Job Retention Support Services
as follows:
A. Determine the client's financial eligibility for Job Retention Supportive
Services.
B. Identify the level of benefit the individual is in need of and eligible for.
The benefit level cannot exceed $1,650 per family assistance unit the
first six months for Job Retention Support Services and an additional
$1,650 in the second six months of eligibility.
6.007.52 Types of Purchases Made Through Supportive Services
Supportive Service purchases for eligible clients includes, but not limited to the
following:
A. Tools necessary for employment
B. Vision correction necessary for employment that is not covered by any
other employee insurance plan or any other means.
C. Dental assistance necessary for employment that is not covered by any
other employee insurance plan or any other means.
D. Cost of repair of a vehicle to enable transportation to employment-related
activity.
E. Any other reasonable job-related expense as determined by the Diversion
Committee, Employment Services or the Department.
6.007.53 Transportation
Those transportation costs necessary and directly related to Colorado Works in
Weld County work and/or training component participation shall be made
according to the individual's situations:
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
A. Calculated at the county employee reimbursement rate per mile; or
B. A flat daily rate of$4.50 may be provided;
Transportation will be paid either to the provider(s)or put on the client's EBT
card. These transactions will be randomly audited by the paying agency's
supervisor.
6.007.54 Payment and IRC Processing
Payment processing will be defined in Section 6.008.2
6.007.6 Supportive Service Payments Made to Caretaker Relatives on Behalf of
Children in Their Care(Not an Adoptive or Natural Parent)
The Department will provide Colorado Works in Weld County supportive service
payments made on behalf of dependent children who are in the custody of
relatives, other than biological or adoptive parents, to the 5t°degree of kinship
and eligible for ongoing basic cash assistance as outlined in Volume HI of the
Colorado Department of Human Services public assistance guidelines.
Supportive payments am in addition to the standard Basic Cash Assistance
payment.
6.007.61 Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria must be met for Colorado Works in Weld
County supportive service payments.
A. A dependent child is living in the home of a caretaker relative(other than
a biological or adoptive parent)when the relative has custody of the child
more than 50% of the time in the month in which application is made for
supportive service assistance.
Living in the home of the caretaker relative will be considered even
though:
1. The child is under the jurisdiction of the court.
2. Legal custody is held by an agency or individual that does not
have physical custody of the child.
3. The child is in regular attendance at a school away from home or
home schooled as verified within the applicable school district.
4. Either the child or the relative is away from the home receiving
medical treatment.
5. Either the child or the relative is temporarily absent from the
home for less than forty-five (45) calendar days.
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
6. The child is in voluntary foster care placement for a period not to
exceed three (3)months. Should the foster care plan change
after the initial three months and the placement becomes court
ordered,the child is no longer considered to be living the home
as of the time of the foster care plan is changed.
7. The caretaker relative does not receive Colorado Works in Weld
County Basic Cash Assistance cash assistance payment.
8. There is an active cash assistance case for the dependent child.
B. The dependent children meet the age and other basic eligibility criteria as
defined in Volume III of the Colorado Department of Human Services
regulations to be eligible for and receiving Basic Cash Assistance.
C. Resources of the child may not exceed the State maximum of$2000.00
6.007.62 Supportive Service Payment Limit
The child may be eligible for supportive service payments,not to exceed
$3300.00 per child per year. The Department will provide payments only on
behalf of a child and in order to enhance the child's quality of life and promote
stability. Payments will include but not limited to, clothing, school supplies and
fees, vision and activity fees. All requests for supportive services must be in
writing. All receipts must be sent to the technician after purchase.
6.007.63 Authorization of Payment for Supportive Services Limitations
Supportive services annual purchases per child will be limited to the following
unless there is Director approval:
A. Clothing Allowance$500
B. School Supplies$75
C. Activity fees $125
D. Christmas assistance $100
6.007.64 Purchases Over$100
For any purposed purchase over$100 per item for goods or equipment that was
not mentioned in Section 6.027.31 will require three quotes. These quotes may be
obtaining including, but not limited to the following ways:
A. Internet
B. Newspaper
C. Fax
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
D. Manually written by the supplier
6.007.7 Emergency Assistance Program will provide services to families.
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
6.008.1 Diversion Committee,Payment and IRC Processing
Revised 10/06
6.008.11 Diversion Committee
The purpose of the Diversion Committee is to determine whether or not an
applicant or current basic cash assistance recipient may be eligible for a state
diversion, a county diversion, up to six month"lump sum" basic cash assistance
payment and/or supportive services that will keep the family unit in any one or
more of the following:
A. Assisting in keeping the family unit's structure together.
B. Assisting in keeping the member(s) of the family unit employed.
C. Assisting any member(s)of the family unit to become job ready.
6.008.12 Diversion or Supportive Services Determination
The determination will be made by examining information which includes, but
not limited to the following:
A. The client's application with supporting documentation.
B. Identify the level of monthly benefits the client is eligible to receive.
B. Assessments administered by Employment Services.
C. Assessments administered by community providers.
D. A potential employer verifying an employment opportunity in writing.
E. A client must demonstrate that he or she has the opportunity,willingness
and ability to participate in work-related activity.
F. Any additional information and/or documentation that the Diversion
Committee may request to assist them in the assessment of the assistance
unit's needs.
G. A client does not have major supportive service issues or barriers that
would prohibit his or her success in securing or maintaining employment
and result in long-term dependency on Colorado Works in Weld County
cash assistance.
H. The Family Service Plan with the applicable caseworker to better assist
the family.
1. Phone calls to the client or personal appearance by the client before the
Diversion Committee may be required to discuss the diversion or lump
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
sum basic cash assistance payment.
J. Does the client have an outstanding Intentional Program Violation.
6.008.13 Diversion Committee Members and Presenters
The Diversion Committee may include, but not limited to the following
members:
A. The two Family Services Unit Managers or their designees.
B. The Employment Services Program Coordinator or his/her designee.
The presenters for a diversion and/or supportive services on behalf of the client
may include but not limited to the following members:
A. The eligibility technician who has the most information or knowledge
about the applicant's or recipient's eligibility situation. This could be the
following person(s):
1. The technician that interviewed the client; or
2. The technician who previously had the ongoing case; or
3. The technician who currently has the ongoing case.
B. The case manager who has the most information or knowledge about the
applicant's or recipient's work history. This could be the following
person(s):
1. The case manager who completed or assisted in the initial
assessment; or
2. The case manager who previously had the ongoing case; or
3. The case manager who currently has the ongoing case.
6.008.14 Diversion Committee Meeting Times
The Diversion Committee will meet at least two times a month or as needed. The
Committee may also conduct business through e-mail,telephone or
communication methods to ensure that decisions are made and diversions, lump-
sum payments and/or supportive services are processed in a timely manner. The
Committee may also make decision via e-mail, phone or personal contact.
6.008.2 Payment and IRC Processing
6.008.21 Authorization of Payment under the Individual Responsibility Contract
All diversion and lump sum basic cash assistance payments will only be paid if
the client agrees to the terms of the Individual Responsibility Contract.
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
Diversion benefits will generally be paid to the provider(s)on the client's benefit
unless approved by the Diversion Committee to be put on the electronic benefit
transfer(EBT) card in limited circumstances.
6.008.22 Failure to Comply with the Individual Responsibility Contract for Diversion
Payments
Failure to comply with any part of the IRC without good cause will generate a
recovery of the full amount or a prorated share of the diversion or lump sum
basic cash assistance that was specifically identified in the IRC.
6.008.23 Eligibility Waiver Period for Colorado Works in Weld County Assistance
Clients receiving diversion assistance shall agree to waive eligibility for
Colorado Works in Weld County assistance payments for a period specified in
the Individual Responsibility Contract. The duration of the waiver is negotiable
between the Diversion Committee and the client. The duration of the waiver
should generally be calculated by dividing the grant diversion payment by the
client's monthly grant assistance amount or any other method determined by the
Diversion Committee that must be documented in the case.
6.008.24 Submission of Payment
The Department's Family Services Unit will generate payment for the grant
diversion payment once each of the following procedural steps is completed:
A. The Department's Eligibility Technician submits the Individual
Responsibility Contract to the Diversion Committee for authorization.
B. The Diversion Committee reviews the Individual Responsibility Contract
for thoroughness, accuracy and reasonableness. If a contract meets
standards, all members present at the Diversion Committee signs contract
authorizing purchase of product or service.
C. If the Diversion Committee approves the diversion or lump sum basic
cash assistance and the Individual Responsibility Contract,the IRC will
be given to the Eligibility Technician who coordinates with the
provider(s)to purchase the product or service and the Department
designee will put the funds on the EBT card.
6.008.25 Vendor Accepts Voucher Payments
If a vendor accepts vouchers from the Department,the Eligibility Technician or
Case Manager issues a voucher to the client specifying:
A. The vendor from whom product or service is to be purchased,
B. The maximum dollar amount authorized for payment,and
C. The expiration date of the voucher. This date shall be a period of from
one day to one month, depending on the type of assistance being
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
provided and the circumstances of the case.
D. Acknowledgment of the vendor that the Department is exempted from
Colorado State Sales Tax requirements.
6.008.26 Vendor Does Not Accept Voucher Payments
If a vendor does not accept vouchers from the Department,the Eligibility
Technician or Case Manager requests that the vendor issue an invoice to the
Department. This invoice must include the following information:
A. The name of the client being served.
B. The specific products and/or services being provided.
C. Detailed breakdown of the price of each product and/or service being
provided.
D. Total amount of payment requested.
E. Acknowledgment of the vendor that the Department is exempted from
Colorado State Sales Tax requirements.
6.008.27 Responsibility of the Department's Eligibility Technician or Case Manager
The Eligibility Technician or Case Manger submits copy of an authorized
Individual Responsibility Contract and either the Invoice from Vendor,
authorized for payment, or copy of Voucher to the designated staff member for
payment.
6.011.12 Notice of Proposed Applicant or Recipient Sanction
A notice of proposed sanction shall be sent to any applicant or participant for
whom there is a reasonable suspicion that his or her actions or inactions come
within at least one of the categories described in Section 6.011.11 of the
Department's Operations Manual. This notice shall:
A. Contain all of the elements necessary for due process as outlined
in the State Department of Human Services Volume III regulations,
3.830.2.
B. Advise the applicant/participant of the opportunity for a local
level dispute resolution conference where he or she may present his or
her side of the story.
C. Advise the applicant/participant that failure to respond to the
notice may result in a reduction or termination of the family's cash
benefits or continued processing of his or her application.
The Department's notice of proposed sanction consists of the Colorado
Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures
Department of Human Services Notice of Proposed Sanction. The Notice of
Proposed Sanction is included in Exhibit H. The Notice of Proposed Sanction
shall be issued prior to a loss of 25%of the family's cash benefit for the first
sanction, a 50% loss for the second sanction,and a loss of the entire cash benefit
for the third sanction. Each sanction shall follow immediately after the previous.
The first shall extend for a period of 30 days each. The second sanction shall
extend for a period of 60 days. The third sanction shall extend for 180 days.
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