HomeMy WebLinkAbout971221.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM INTERIM OPERATIONAL PLAN WITH
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO
SIGN
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 the Colorado Works Program Interim
Operational Plan between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Social Services, and
the Colorado Department of Human Services, commencing July 1, 1997, with further terms and
conditions being as stated in said plan, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said plan, 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 Colorado Works Program
Interim Operational Plan between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Social
Services, and the Colorado Department of Human Services be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said plan.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 25th day of June, A.D., 1997.
Weld County
Deputy Clerk to
APPROVED AS TO FOR
ounty Attorne
et: s
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD BOUNTY, COL DO
EXCUSED
Barbara J. Kirkme er
1 (6),/abn
W. H. Webs er
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SS0023
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM
INTERIM OPERATIONAL PLAN
II. County Plan
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Weld County Department of Social Services (Social Services)
315 North 11th Ave.
Employer EIN: 84-6000-813
Contact Person: Judy Griego
970-352-1551
970-353-5215 (FAX)
Organizational Chart Attached
A. OVERVIEW
• Eligibility Determination
Weld County will follow the general eligibility guidelines for Colorado Works established by the State
Department of Human Services outlined in Section 3.600, Volume III, Income Maintenance Programs,
and the Colorado State Plan for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Eligible recipients for Colorado Works benefits are subject to the availability of funds. If funding is
available, the family will be eligible for a cash grant, services, or vouchers if:
1. The family's gross income is under the standards in effect on July 16, 1996, and;
2. Resources do not exceed $2000. Countable resources are the same as included in
Colorado's State Plan in effect on July 16, 1997, for AFDC except that one car is exempt
from countable resources.
3. Additional incentives may be available to employed individuals as outlined in the county
plan.
4. The family may be eligible for family preservation services as determined under the
standards effective as of September 30, 1995.
The following person will be ineligible for Colorado Works in Weld County:
1. Fugitive felons and parole probation violators.
2. Persons convicted of drug -related felonies after July 1, 1997, unless such person is
determined to have taken action toward rehabilitation.
3. Qualified legal aliens entering the country after August 22, 1996, except federally
authorized exceptions.
Minor parents under age eighteen who are not married must live with a parent or adult relative, or
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guardian, or in a supervised setting, with exceptions for good cause, i.e., neglect, protective orders, etc.
Minor parents who have not completed high school or its equivalent, must also attend high school, work
on a GED, or be in an alternative education or training program approved by the State to be eligible for
assistance. Teen parents will be approved if they attend an educational program. If they have dropped
out, they will need to meet the provisions of eligibility for minors.
• Client Assessment
Applicants:
At initial application, Social Services will assess the individual's eligibility for public
assistance. The Social Services' screeners will refer applicants to the child support enforcement
unit immediately after they have expressed their intent to apply for Colorado Works services.
An appointment will be scheduled for the applicant to meet with the eligibility technician. The
applicant will provide a completed application and supporting documents to the technician at this
meeting.
The Social Services Eligibility Technician will complete an initial eligibility assessment for all
applicants. This assessment will include the applicant's edibility for temporary good cause
exemptions from work participation.
Social Services will initiate an Individual Responsibility Contract (IRC), sending the applicant to
Employment Services of Weld County (Employment Services). At Employment Services, the
applicant will complete an employment assessment for individuals who are not temporarily
exempt from participation in work activities. Social Services will contract with Employment
Services to provide assessment, training, and work participation services.
An employment assessment will be completed on all scheduled applicants. This assessment will
identify the work history, education, employment interests, skill levels and employment goals of
the applicant. The employment assessment will also assess the applicant's need for supportive
services and identify their barriers to employment. Employment Services staff will give
applicants information on the local labor market and current employment opportunities at the
time of this assessment.
The employment assessment will be the basis for initiating an IRC. Employment Services staff
will schedule applicants, unless exempted after the employment assessment, to attend a Job
Readiness and Marketing Skills Seminar.
Upon the completion of the Job Readiness and Marketing Skills Seminar, Employment Services'
staff will reassess applicants who have not obtained employment and have become recipients.
Staff will determine any additional work activities and/or supportive services the applicant may
need to obtain or retain unsubsidized employment. This assessment may include additional
testing, including basic skills, academic, vocational assessments, or employment and career
exploration. The Employment Services' staff, along with the applicant, will develop an IRC
from this assessment process.
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2. Recipients:
Social Services will provide an initial eligibility and employability assessment for the current
case load through a mailed assessment form. All recipients will complete mailed assessment
forms between July 1, 1997, through October 1, 1997. Social Services' case managers will then
schedule the current caseload for an employment assessment appointment at Employment
Services. The employment assessment for recipients will undergo the same process described
for applicants.
Recipients temporarily exempted from involvement in a work activity, will be reassessed by
Social Services within three months of the last IRC to determine their readiness to participate in
an employment assessment.
Individuals entering employment or those placed in work activities will undergo a follow-up
assessment at the one month, three months, and six month intervals. Employment Services,
Social Services, or contractor staff will provide this follow-up assessment to offer individuals
pro -active mentoring activities. These activities are designed to help the person retain
employment and may include, but not limited to counseling work ethics reinforcement, etc.
Weld County will also assess individuals to decide any additional supportive service needs they
may require to maintain their employment.
• Individual Responsibility Contracts (IRC)
The IRC will be completed for all applicants and will be used as a transmittal tool to notify applicants of
their responsibility to register with Employment Services of Weld County on a specified date and time.
Upon registration, Employment services will complete a work assessment on each applicant. The IRC
will be used to enroll applicants in a Job Readiness and Marketing Skills Seminar for the time that their
application for assistance is pending approval.
The IRC will also be used to direct applicants who become recipients, and current recipients, into other
work activities. If barriers to employment are identified by Employment Services, the IRC will be used
to direct the recipient back to Social Services for the needed additional support services.
Social Services' staff will use the IRC to identify steps the recipients may need to take which will
enhance the recipient's or applicant's employability. These steps may include addressing mental health,
physical health, drug, and alcohol, or other issues that would limit the recipient or applicant from
participating on work participation activities. Employment Services' case managers will review the IRC
with the participant, as necessary. The case manager will make updates to the IRC, as appropriate, with
the applicant or recipient.
Social Services will review all exempted recipients who are not engaged in an authorized work activity
between a one and three months period. Unless temporary good cause exists for continued exemption,
Weld County expects that all recipients would be in a work activity within two years of receiving
benefits. If an applicant refuses to sign an IRC, the applicant shall not receive assistance and processing
of his or her application will cease.
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• Basic Cash Assistance Grants
Basic cash assistance grants will be provided to eligible Colorado Works in Weld County recipients in
accordance with statewide benefit levels and other Colorado State Department of Human Service
regulations identified in Volume III, section 3600.
• State Wide Diversion Grants
General Rules of the Colorado Works Program authorize payments to participants who are eligible for
Colorado Works in Weld County cash assistance, but could avoid the need for such assistance if Weld
County granted the recipient assistance in another form, in either a monthly payment or a one-time
"lump -sum" payment. A "lump -sum" payment may not exceed $1,650 for a family unit per year.
Weld County Department of Social Services will comply with section 3.602 of Volume III.
The following types of payments will be considered for authorization under the Grant Diversion
component of the Colorado Works Program in Weld County Program.
I. Vision correction necessary for employment -related activity.
2. Tools necessary for employment -related activity.
3. Cost of repair of a vehicle to enable transportation to employment -related activity or
familial assistance.
4. Clothing/Grooming necessary for employment -related activity.
5. One-way transportation and/or moving expense assistance to relocate to site of new
employment.
Noncompliance with the provisions of the IRC by the applicant shall be considered demonstratable
evidence of refusal to participate in training, education, or work. The noncompliance will result in denial
of the basic cash assistance grant, according to the provisions of rule 3.606.22 of Staff Manual Volume
III of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Exceptions to this finding will be limited to
Temporary Good Cause Exemptions for work participation as defined by the Colorado Works in Weld
County Plan.
• Domestic Violence Screening Referral
Colorado Works in Weld County will follow the State rules concerning domestic violence screening. All
Colorado Works applicants and participants will be given the opportunity to voluntarily and
confidentially identify themselves as victims of domestic violence. Weld County staff will be informed
of support services for domestic violence victims and make appropriate referrals to those services.
Training will be provided to Social Services staff on domestic violence issues and how to identify
domestic violence victims and circumstances. Colorado Works applicants and participants who are
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domestic violence victims will have the opportunity to apply for the county's temporary good cause from
work participation.
• Earned Income Tax Credit
Documents providing the required information concerning the Earned Income Tax Credit will be
distributed to all Colorado Works in Weld County participants. This information will also be posted in
common areas throughout the Department and mailed to all Colorado Works in Weld County
participants at least once per year.
• Individual Development Accounts
Individual Development Accounts will be allowed for participants who wish to establish savings for one
or more of the allowable goals/objectives: post secondary education; purchase of a home; and business
capitalization. Weld County will not contribute financially to these accounts.
• County Optional Other Assistance
Colorado Work in Weld County may choose to operate this program by amending its plan.
• County Optional Diversion Grants
Weld County may include an optional diversion grants program by amending its plan.
• Any Other Services
Weld County may include other services as amended into its plan.
B. WORK REQUIREMENTS
• Job Ready is defined as any Colorado Works in Weld County recipient who does not have temporary
good cause reasons, as established in the county plan, that would prevent the recipient from participating
in work, training, or educational activities.
• Participants will be determined to be job ready by assessments being completed during various stages
of the application process as previously described in the "client assessment" section of this document.
• The Individual Responsibility Contracts will also be completed according to the process described in
the IRC.
• Other Work Activities
1. Applicants and recipients will be referred to full-time or part-time work for wages that
the employer has paid in total. Employment may occur with any public, profit,
nonprofit, or a private employer.
2. An applicant or recipient refusing to accept a referral or an actual job offer will be
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sanctioned 100% of the family grant until remedied.
3. All part-time employed participants will be required to seek full-time employment.
4. Work Supplementation is an employer incentive -based program designed to introduce
participants into the work force. An employee provides a wage to a participant as an
alternative to aid. Colorado Works in Weld County funds provide a training
reimbursement of 25% of the gross monthly salary, which will not exceed $300.00 per
month. The employer will provide training for three months or six months intervals
depending on the participant's IRC. The participant receives the same benefits as other
similarly classified employees. The participant may qualify for Medicaid, Child Care,
and other supportive services, according to eligibility guidelines. The employer
develops an individualized training plan. The intent is that the employee will achieve
permanent employment.
5. Community Work Experience is designed to help the near job ready to enter the world of
work; develop occupational skills and good work habits; and help the participant in
obtaining permanent unsubsidized employment. These work sites are in the public
sector. Community Work experience will be a minimum of twenty hours per week for
single parents and thirty-two hours per week for two parent families. Community Work
Experience agreements outlining the work experience, expectation from a work site and
participants and length of agreement will be completed before the start of the work
experience.
A participant shall not be entitled to any compensation for the work performed, nor be
entitled to a salary. We will identify additional training expenses, if any, in the
agreement. The Community Work Experience shall be up to six months in length, and
will be reassessed at three and six month intervals.
Weld County provides coverage for workers' compensation. Sites will be in low risk
occupations, as determined by Weld County Personnel Office.
6. The design of the Alternative Work experience is the same as the Community Work
Experience Program. However, these work sites are in the private sector.
7. On -the -Job Training is designed to teach and/or to improve skills of the participant on
the job. Employers must adhere to the hire first philosophy, and train the participant
during the contract period. If an individual needs additional classroom training, beyond
the employer training, the costs of tuition and books will be included as reimbursable
costs to the employer from the Weld County program. Weld County will reimburse the
employer for the training costs. These costs and the duration of the OJT are calculated
by determining the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) code for the job description
and the hourly wage.
8. Job Search and job readiness assistance is designed to give the participant the
opportunity to gain the skills necessary for seeking and obtaining employment.
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A Job Readiness and Marketable Skills Seminar will be used to provide all applicants
with the opportunity to intensively search for work during the application/eligibility
process for the Weld County program. Ideally, applicants will obtain employment
before receiving cash assistance, or the length of time they require public assistance be
reduced due to the job search and job readiness skill development they received while
waiting for their application to be approved.
This activity will be up to four weeks initially. If the applicant/recipient is unsuccessful
in finding unsubsidized employment, they will participate in other authorized work
activities and return to a job search and job readiness component later.
9. Weld County will not implement the Community Service Program at this time.
10. Vocational Education Training (not to exceed twelve months with respect to any
participant):
Vocational education training is designed to give participants specific occupational skills
necessary to do a specific job or group of jobs. Selection for this work activity will be
based on the assessment, availability of employment in the skill area, the probability of
receiving a self-sufficient wage when employed, and the participant's interest in
completing training.
Vocational education training programs are either developed or approved with the
following guidelines:
. Training is tailored toward employer needs.
. Training is in line with the skills, aptitudes and interests of the participant.
. Training is geared toward entry level employment, if appropriate.
. Training will not exceed twelve months with respect to any participant.
11. The job skills training work activity gives participants specific job skills training
necessary to do a specific job or group of jobs. Selection for this work activity will be
based on the assessment, availability of employment in the skill area, the probability of
receiving a self-sufficient wage when employed, and the interest in completing training.
Specific job skills training are either developed or approved with the following
guidelines:
. Training is tailored toward employer needs.
. Training is in line with the skills, aptitudes and interests of the participant.
. Training is geared toward entry level employment, if appropriate.
. Training will not exceed twelve months with respect to any participant.
To ensure that the job skills training is in areas that are in demand, local employers will
help in the determination of specific training.
Employers are involved initially to ensure that training efforts result in actual jobs, and
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these jobs are available in the Weld County labor market or in an area where the
participant is willing to relocate. Labor market projections, such as the Supply/Demand
Report, are used as a guide in determining training areas.
12. Education will be provided for those participants who have not receive a high school
diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency. This work activity means
maintenance of satisfactory attendance at the Employment Services computer laboratory,
AIMS Community College, or other accredited schools to achieve a GED or high school
diploma. The work activity must meet the work participation requirement.
13. Secondary school or equivalent education will be available to those participants who are
the head of household and have not attained twenty years of age. The participant will be
required to maintain satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or its equivalent. The
participant will be involved in at least the minimum average number of hours per week
specified by the State rules.
• Temporary Good Cause Exemption from Work Participation
Individuals receiving or applying for Colorado Work in Weld County benefits may be temporarily from
participation in work or training activities based on individual or family situations. These exempted
people will still qualify under Weld County's work participation rate. Temporary good cause reasons for
exemption from work participation will include but not be limited to those listed below:
1. Children Under One - Single custodial parents with a child under age one are exempt
until the child becomes one year old. Persons who are exempt from mandatory work
participation may volunteer to participate.
2. Child Care -If child care is not available, the caretaker relative is exempt from work
activities.
3. Transportation - A person residing at a location too remote for effective participation in
work activities are exempt from participation. The person must demonstrate that he or
she is unable to get to and from the site of a program activity within a reasonable
commuting time or does not have alternative transportation.
4. Temporary Incapacity - A person who has an illness or injury (may include domestic
violence) which prevents entry into employment or training for a temporary period not to
exceed three months.
S. Incapacitated Household Member - A person needed in the home to care for an
incapacitated member of the household.
6. Jobs or Work sites - If the Weld County program does not have available jobs and work
sites, the person is exempted from participation.
7. Relative Care - A non -parent participant who has children living with him or her for
whom out -of -home placement would be necessary if Weld County discontinued the
assistance.
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Redetermination of exempt status shall not exceed three months, and possibly sooner, depending on the
individual or family situation.
A notice of adverse action will be sent to all applicants and participants, who in the opinion of the Weld
County, have failed to comply with the terms outlined in their individual responsibility contact. The
notice will advise the applicant or participant of the opportunity to present evidence that good cause
reasons existed for their noncompliance with the IRC. The notice will also advise the applicant or
participant that failure to respond to the notice of adverse action and present good cause evidence will
constitute willful and demonstratable evidence of refusal to cooperate or participate in training,
education, work, child support enforcement, and/or immunization of children, and result in
discontinuation or denial of the entire cash assistance grant.
If the client refuses, either by demonstrated evidence or by an affirmative statement, Weld County may
deny or terminate the basic cash assistance grant in its entirety as determined by the county.
If the applicant or participant responds to the notice of adverse action and presents evidence that, in the
opinion of the county, does not constitute good cause for failure to participate, a 25% sanction will be
initiated for the first month, 50% the second month, and the entire cash assistance grant for the third
month and will continue until they resolve the sanction.
• Contracts or Other Agreements to Purchase Services
The Weld County Department of Social Services may contract for employment and training
opportunities with service providers, which include, but is not limited to, the Weld County Department
of Human Services, to purchase services that will assist applicants and recipients in becoming self-
sufficient. These services include assessment, training, and work participation.
• Other Assistance in Addition to the Basic Grant Assistance
Weld County will outline a particpant's supportive services need in the IRC. Supportive services may be
provided to participants as follows:
1. Transportation: Those transportation costs necessary and directly related to Colorado
Works in Weld County work and/or training component participation shall be provided
according to the individual's situations. Transportation rates are based on the following:
a. Calculated at .20 cents per mile; or
b. A flat daily rate of $2.00 may be provided.
2. Alternative Services: Other participation related expenses and supportive services
may include but are not limited to, clothing, uniforms, eyeglasses, dental work, tools,
auto repairs, dues and fees, and also licensing examinations, such as RN, LPN,
electrician, and self improvement classes.
3. Start to Work Support: Start to work supports are specific expenses determined
necessary by the case manager for a participant to accept or maintain employment. Start
to work supports may include, but not be limited to, clothing, uniforms, eyeglasses,
medical and dental needs, tools, auto repairs, relocation costs, dues and fees. The total
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expenditure for start to work expenses may not exceed $300.00 per job placement.
4. Supportive Services Expenditure Limit: The total expenditures for participation
related expenses and supportive services may not exceed $600.00 per participant in a
twelve month period. The 12 -month period begins with the month in which the first
payment is made for the participant. Transportation allowances paid to individuals in
CWEP or AWEP assignments will be exempt from the $600.00 limitation.
In order to receive Supportive Services, a TANK recipient or applicant must be maintaining an
acceptable level of performance as outlined in the IRC. Acceptable level of performance is demonstrated
progress with the employment or educational facility requirements.
• County Diversion Program
To date, Weld County has not made a decision to implement a County Diversion Program which would
provide for applicants who do not meet the state wide eligibility criteria.
• Participant Sanctions
Sanctions against assistance participants shall include the following.
1. Failure to cooperate with child support enforcement, to comply with IRC requirements,
or to secure proper immunizations for children shall result in a loss of 25% of the
familiy'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 if the reasons for the previous sanction are not remedied.
The first and second sanctions shall extend for a period up to thirty days, or until reasons
for the sanction are cured, whichever occurs sooner. The third sanction shall extend for
a period up to 180 days, or until the reasons for the sanction are cured, whichever occurs
sooner.
2. Conviction of fraud as determined by a court or through administrative hearing shall
result in the caretaker being removed from assistance for a 12 -month period for the first
offense, twenty-four months for the second offense, and lifetime for the third offense.
3. Assistance shall be denied for ten years to any individual who has been convicted by a
court for misrepresenting his or her residence in order to obtain assistance in two states
at the same time.
4. Failure to sign an IRC or to be referred to or accept employment shall result in a loss of
100% of the family's cash benefit, until remedied.
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 1. Through 4.
Above. This notice shalt:
Contain all of the elements necessary for due process as outlined in the State Department of
Human Services Volume III regulations.
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Contain all of the elements necessary for due process as outlined in the State Department of
Human Services Volume III regulations.
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.
Advise the applicant/partipant 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.
• Notices to AFDC Recipients.
The Weld County Department of Social Services has taken aggressive action to notify public assistance
recipients, community agencies, and the general public of the new Colorado Works in Weld County
Program. Input on program design and implementation has been pursued and received from AFDC
recipients, service providers, other agencies, the business community, and the general public. Notices
have been sent to AFDC recipients advising of the differences between AFDC and the Colorado Works
Program. All informational forums, publications, notices, etc., have included information on work
activities, time limits, participation rates, etc.
• Participant Sanctions or other Assistance and Separate County Division
Once these components are fully developed, Weld County will amend its plan to include participant
sanctions for other assistance and a separate county division.
• Other County Options, Policies, Services
1. Child Care
The anticipated changes to the Weld County Child Care program include the addition of a new
population and the elimination of the transitional Child Care Program. Weld County anticipates
more Colorado Works eligible families who will be required to participate in some component in
order to retain their eligibility, and will now require child care. Weld County estimates these
families to be between 150 and 200. (These are families who were previously exempt from
participating in the JOBS/New Directions program and therefore did not require child care.)
Weld County will increase the maximum income guidelines from 140% to 155% of poverty
level. Weld County anticipates that the low-income populations will be maintained at a level
consistent with the current level. Weld County estimates that 15% of our caseload is in the top
ten 10% of the income guidelines, so it would benefit the participants to increase the income
guidelines to a maximum of 155% of poverty level for 1997, with increasing levels for the next
two years to fit cost of living increases and to avoid having these families lose all benefits and
potentially return to the Colorado Works population.
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Provider Rates shall be increased as follows:
Children under the age of two Children over the age of two
Licensed Centers
Licensed Homes
Exempt/Unlicensed care:
$25.00
$16.50
$ 8.75
$18.50 to $19.00
$15.00
$ 7.75
By increasing the child care rates for children under the age of two, at both licensed centers and
homes, Weld County will increase available slots for the incoming families who will require
child care services.
2. Child Welfare
When Weld County receives a referral regarding a protection issue, the protection screener will
contact a Social Services screener. If there is an active Social Service case, the caseworker will
contact the case manager to discuss the participant's IRC and to share information regarding the
participant's needs.
When a caseworker is considering offering special economic assistance monies to a participant,
the caseworker will contact the Social Services case manager first to discuss whether the
participant is already receiving Colorado Works money for the same purpose.
If the Social Services case manager encounters a situation of a noncompliance with a participant
also open with a caseworker, the case manager will contact the caseworker before sending the
notice of a sanction. They can discuss any extenuating circumstances that could lead to the IRC
being redone rather than the sanction being imposed.
Changes in the participant's circumstances, i.e., financial situation, family situations, etc. will be
shared between the Social Services case managers and the Child Protection caseworkers to
facilitate appropriate planning for the family.
3. Weld County Housing Authority
Applicants who can demonstrate that they are employed at least twenty hours per week during
nine out of the last twelve months shall receive preference for admission through the Weld
County Housing Authority's Section 8 Rental Assistance Payments Program.
The Housing Authority Community Services Specialist will notify the Social Services case
manager whenever an applicant receiving Colorado Works benefits is approved for the Section 8
Program. When the Community Services Manager becomes aware that a Section 8 participant
receiving Colorado Works benefits is terminated from employment, the community services
manager shall notify the Social Services case manager.
Section 8 participants who are participating in the Family Self-sufficiency (FSS) shall sign a
Family Self -Sufficiency Contract. The Family Self-sufficiency Contact shall specify goals
which are agreed to by the Section 8 participant to achieve self-sufficiency within a five year
period. Case management services for any Section 8 participant, also participating in Colorado
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Works in Weld County program shall be provided by the Social Services case manager.
Participants of the Colorado Works in Weld County program, who are enrolled in the Section 8
Family Self-sufficiency Program, and fail to cooperate with Colorado Works requirements, shall
be terminated from the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program. Each participant who is
determined to be terminated, based on failure to comply with Family Self Sufficiency program
and Colorado Works requirements, shall have the right to a hearing based on the Section 8
Administrative Plan.
4. Participation Rates
The Weld County Department of Social Services will adhere to the participation rates and the
minimum number of hours of participation as outlined in the Personal Responsibility and
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, under Title I, §407. Participation rates will be
based upon those individuals involved in the authorized work activities.
5. Out of Wedlock Births
Weld County will set a goal of 1% toward reducing out of wedlock births. The baseline for this
goal will be the 1995 out of wedlock birth rate levels for recipients in Weld County. A plan will
be developed with the Weld County Health Department to reach this goal by October 1, 1997.
6. Statutory Rape Training
Weld County will initiate a plan with the Weld County District Attorney's Office and the Weld
County Sheriffs Department to provide or arrange for statutory rape training for local law
enforcement and judicial personnel by October 1, 1997.
7. Child Support
For those households that involve an absent parent, the applicant or recipient will agree to
cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Unit through the IRC. The applicant or recipient
must provide complete and accurate information, provide the full name of the non -custodial
parent, appear to sign legal documents, appear at court hearings, provide copies of birth and legal
documents, update any new information about the non -custodial parent, and submit to genetic
testing. The applicant or recipient must assign all rights to all child support, including past due
and current support, to the State of Colorado. If current child support payments received are
more than Colorado Works benefits paid, the applicant or recipient will assure Social Services
that he or she will not receive the child support payment unless he or she no longer receives
Colorado Works assistance.
The Child Support Enforcement worker will obtain appropriate information from the applicant
and will provide documentation of cooperation to the Colorado Works in Weld County Unit.
Included in the document will be an assessment regarding the probability of collecting child
support, prioritization of the case, approximate time frames to collect support, and case
assignment to be used as a tool for the Social Services case manager.
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III. General Provisions:
The State of Colorado Department of Human Services is the designated state agency to supervise the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program which will be called the Colorado Works
Program.
The Colorado Works Program shall be administered by the agency identified in this interim operational
plan.
There is no individual or family entitlement to any services or benefits under the Colorado Works
Program.
IV. Funding
Subject to available appropriations, in state FY 1997-98, the Department will provide the county with an
allocation of federal and state funds equal to the funds received by the county in state FY 1994-95.
The county shall be required to expend county funds in state FY 1997-98 equal to at least 100% of
spending in state FY 1995-96.
The County shall be subject to financial sanctions for misusing WORKS funds. County shall pay for any
such sanctions from county funds. Prior to issuing sanctions, the State shall provide the County with a
reasonable period of time to correct errors made in good faith. The State shall also provide county with
an appropriate appeals process for such sanctions.
V. County Assurances
The Colorado Works Program shall be administered in accordance with state law, federal law, state rules,
federal regulations and the provisions of this interim operational plan.
The county shall establish county policies that will govern the County Works program including the
separate county diversion program, other assistance, sanctions on participants receiving other assistance
and good cause for not imposing sanctions for work activities.
The county shall make a good faith effort to meet or exceed the 25% federal work participation
requirement for the duration of this interim operational plan.
The county shall not impose any restrictions on eligibility, limit the provision of services or reduce the
basic cash assistance grant for applicants and participants in any manner that is inconsistent with state
law, state rules and this interim operational plan.
All contracted functions shall be provided in accordance with appropriate federal, state and county
policies.
A county plan to reduce out of wedlock births shall be developed for inclusion in the performance
contract by October 1, 1997.
A county plan to provide training about statutory rape to law enforcement and judicial personnel shall be
developed by October 1, 1997.
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VI. Joint County and State Assurances:
A performance contract between county and State for the administration of the Colorado Works
in Weld County Program shall be negotiated and entered into on or before October 1, 1997. The
parties shall reasonably mediate any differences they have in the negotiation process.
The county work participation rates for federal FY 1997-98 shall be negotiated and included in
the performance contract by October 1, 1997.
The maximum allowable administrative expenditures for the county for FY 1997-98 shall be
negotiated and included in the performance contract by October 1, 1997.
VII. The State Department Assurances
Monitor the county to assure that it is in compliance with the terms of this interim operational
plan.
Develop, modify and operate automated systems for purposes of eligibility determination, client
payment and case and individual tracking.
Provide training to county and/or contractor staff.
Submit information as provided by the county to meet the reporting requirements of the federal
law and regulations.
Cooperate with the counties in simplifying the requirements for determination and verification of
eligibility for Works.
Cooperate with the counties in developing reports on I.) participant migration and 2.) the
impacts resulting from the birth of additional children on participant self sufficiency.
VIII. Amendments to the Interim Operational Plan
This interim operational plan may be amended with the signed agreement of both parties.
Amendments shall be effective on the latest of the following dates: the date the amendment is
signed by both parties; the date approved by the federal government, only if such approval is
required; or the date agreed to by both parties.
IX. Signatures
aide
Executive Director
Colorado Department of Human Services
Board of County Commissioners
15
DEPARTMENT OW SOCIAL SERVICES
CI_ c P.O. BOX A
-r+ r GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
Administration and Public Assistance (970) 352-1551
Child Support (970) 352-6933
Protective and Youth Services (970) 352-1923
MEMORANDUM Food Stamps (970) 356-3850
Fax (970) 353-5215
TO: George E. Baxter, Chair
Board of County Commissioners
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services
Date: June 23, 1997
oVor-r
RE: Interim Operational Plan for the Colorado Works in Weld
County
Enclosed for Board approval is the Interim Operational Plan for the Colorado Works in Weld
County Program. Our Department developed the Interim Operational Plan in response to a letter
dated June 3, 1997, from Ms. Barbara McDonnell, Executive Director, Colorado Department of
Human Services.
The Interim Operational Plan becomes effective July 1, 1997, and will remain in effect until a
performance contract is completed between the State and Weld County by September 30, 1997.
If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6200.
012.21\
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