HomeMy WebLinkAbout20172082.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE EMPLOYMENT FIRST PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
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 an Employment First Plan for Fiscal Year
2018 from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human Services,
Division of Employment Services, to the Colorado Department of Human Services, commencing
July 14, 2017, 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, that the Employment First Plan for Fiscal Year 2018 from the County of Weld,
State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf
of the Weld County Department of Human Services, Division of Employment Services, to the
Colorado Department of Human Services be, and hereby is, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 12th day of July, A.D., 2017.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: ��, .D•�
Weld County Clerk to the Board
BY
a
uty Clerk to the Board
APPRAS
ounty Attorney
Date of signature: '1'(I1
Julie A. ozad, Chair
� v
-P&c.re.
Steve Moreno, Pro-Tem
Sean P. Conway
B- rbara Kirkmeyer
Cc : I' -ISO Contract M r1Mn+,
F3/ACTCOwIek-)
2017-2082
HR0088
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FR:
RE:
July 5, 2017
Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around
Judy A. Griego, Director, I luman Services
Weld County Department of Human Services'
Employment Services of Weld County FY18
Employment First Plan
Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the
Board's agenda.
Request Board Approval of the Department's Employment Services of Weld County's
(ESWC) FY18 Employment First Plan. The Colorado Department of Human Services requires each
participating county to submit an Employment First Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2018, by July 14, 2017.
The Weld County Plan (attached) has been updated and is consistent with the prior years' plan, to include
program design, anticipated participants and budget.
Weld County has operated Employment First (EF) since the Welfare Reform Law of 1996. Between July
1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, a total of 2,239 individuals participated in Employment First in Weld County.
EF participants are engaged in activates designed to meet individual goals and may include Workfare,
Basic Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Vocational
Training, Post -Secondary, co -enrollment with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Weld County will continue to operate a mandatory
program which requires EF participants to be actively engaged in employment related activities in order
to receive benefits.
I do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval to submit this Plan.
Sean P. Conway
Julie A. Cozad, Chair
Mike Freeman
Barbara Kirkmeyer
Steve Moreno, Pro -Tern
Approve
Recommendation Work Session
Schedule Other/Comments:
2017-2082
Pass -Around Memorandum; July 5, 2017 - (Not in CMS) Page I
Weld County Employment First
Comply Policy and Procedure
All Employment First participants must abide by the Comply Process outlined below to
lift a Food Stamp sanction imposed by Employment First Staff.
1 To set up a Comply appointment, call the Employment First Unit at (970) 353-3800, and ask
to speak to an Employment First Case Manager.
2. Make 3 job contacts prior to the comply appointment. Write on paper the following
information: date of the contact, employer name, address, phone number, person
contacted, type of contact (online, in person or by telephone), type of work, and result of the
job contact.
3. Complete 1 full week of the Employment First Contract, defined as a minimum of 20 hours
over 5 consecutive workdays, in the assigned component, described in the Employment
First Contract.
Individuals currently working less than 30 hours per week must provide documentation that
verifies they have worked 20 consecutive hours during a 1 week period.
Participants enrolled in Workfare will be required to work the greater of 1 full week of the
contract or 10 working hours, at their assigned work site during a 1 week period.
During legal holiday closures, participants will be required to meet the work commitment of
that day.
4. The sanction will be lifted when all steps are verified as being completed. If the comply
process is not completed before the last working day of the month the sanction can not be
lifted until after penalty period has been served.
**COMPLY WEEK:
I understand that I am a mandatory participant in the Employment First program and am required to
adhere to the component contract assigned to. I understand that if any step is not completed, I will remain
sanctioned.
Participant Signature: Date:
Any questions regarding the above policy can be forwarded to the Employment First Unit at (970)
353-3800.
Theresa Joseph
970-400-6746
Nancy Sanchez Melanie Giddens
970-400-6745 970-400-6747
Original: Participant Copy: File
Employment First Reimbursement Policy
WELD County
08/01/08
At orientation
• Individuals attending group or one-on-one Employment First orientations will be informed of the Weld
County's Participant Reimbursement process and procedures during the program orientation's power
point presentation. Participant reimbursement assistance provided on the day of orientation is for the
purpose of attending required Employment First activities during the following week. Individuals may
receive reimbursement in the form of bus tickets, bus pass or gas voucher based on component
assignment. Participant reimbursement assistance that is lost or misplaced by a participant cannot be
re -issued.
Calculating participant reimbursement assistance
• Employment First staff will ensure that an assessment to determine the type of transportation assistance
required is completed on all individuals who are participating in the Employment First Program. The
assistance is to alleviate barriers in the areas of transportation, testing fees. cost associated with state
identification cards and clothing needs and to assist individuals during their participation and/or
completion of assigned activities. Employment First offers limited financial support for these services
and as a result may develop strategies to overcome multiple visits to a site or activity.
• Staff will determine participant's individual reimbursement need based on local transportation
availability. household composition and component requirements. Individuals will be responsible for
ensuring that they meet legal driving requirements. with regards to insurance and State Drivers license.
Individuals can be issued bus tickets, 2 tickets for each round trip destination, or the equivalent 1 round
trip bus cost in the amount of $5.00 per one way trip. Gas voucher cannot exceed $25 per month.
• Participant reimbursement may be provided weekly, bi-monthly or monthly depending on individual
need.
• In addition, other community resources will be sought in order to maximize such services to program
clients. Documentation of secured services, including the agency name will be made in the participant's
CBMS case comments and data tracking system Connecting Colorado/Job Link.
Extra's
• Monthly bus passes will be provided to individuals that maintain consistent participation in the
Employment First Program. Clients must maintain attendance for 30 consecutive calendar days. The
cost for expenses over $25 per month will be supplemented with CSBG or Enhance funding, up to a
total of $25.
• There will be additional funds available through Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) for clients who
meet CSBG eligibility and are in need of a State of Colorado ID or Drivers License. birth certificate. work
uniforms.. eye glasses and obtaining full time permanent employment.
The maximum amount allowed for a combination of transportation assistance and any
other need will be $50.00 per month per client.
Any additional assistance beyond transportation assistance will be based on manager's
approval.
WELD COUNTY
DIVISION OF HUMAN SERVICES
COST ALLOCATION PROCESS
BY
LEONARD BOTTORFF
FISCAL AND BUDGETING MANAGER
REVISED December 2016
CERTIFICATION OF ('OS'l AL:L(K'Al ION PLAN
phis is to certify that I have re\ iewed the cost allocation plan submitted herewith
and to the best of my knowledge and belief:
I . All the costs covered by this proposal revised December 2016. to
establish the cost allocation method for calendar year 20 I 7 forward, are
allowable and in accordance with the requirements of OMB Title
Catalogue of Federal Regulations Part 200 - l niform Administrative
Requirements. Cost Principles. and Audit Requirements for Federal
Awards.
All costs covered by this proposal are properly allocable to the Federal
awards on the basis of a beneficial or causal relationship between the
expenses incurred and the awards to which they are allocated in
accordance with the applicable requirements . Further. similar t\ pes of
costs have been accounted for consistently .
I declare that the foregoing is true and correct.
State of(olorado
County of Weld Counts
Division of I luman Services
•
dy Griego
irector, WCDIIS
WELD COUNTY DIVISION OF HUMAN SERVICES
C:OS'l ALLOCATION PLAN
pu [(POSE
The purpose of this cost allocation plan is to outline. in writing. the methods and
procedures that Weld County Division of Human Services will use to allocate costs to its
various programs, contracts and _rants.
I3ACKGROI!NI)
Weld ( ounty Department of luman Services include various federal. Mate and county
funded grants and contracts. the Divisions «ithin I luman Sen ices include Child
Support. Child Welfare. ,Assistance Pay ments. Finployment Ser\ ices. Area Agency on
Agency on Aging. Business and Fiscal Services and Common Support. The three areas
affected by the cost allocation plan are Lmploy meat Ser\ ices. Area Agency on Aging and
Business and Fiscal Ser\ ices. Employment Services include the following grants and
contracts: Workforce Investment Act Grant programs: Wagner Pevser programs: Summer
Job Hunt: Employment First Food Stamp; Job Search Program: Work tare: TANI' and
TANE- I lire Colorado: IGHT: Americorp: PSI: various Department of Local Affairs
contracts: and the Educational Computer Lab. Area Agency on Aging incorporates Older
American Act funds into se\eral senior programs. It also relies on USDA funds for senior
nutrition programs: Community Service Block Grant Funds for coordinating the senior
volunteer program: Single Entry Point Funds: and Pirate Contracts for senior case
management. Other I luman Service programs and Iunding include Community Service
Block Grant and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. annual budgets for all
DI IS grants and funds are incorporated in the Weld County Calendar Year Budget Book.
These `rants require that 1)HS complies ith OMB Title 2 Catalogue of Federal
Regulations Part 200 - t !nitirrm Administrative Requirements. Cost Principle;, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards. This Cost Allocation Plan is based on the definitions
and requirements spelled out in CRIB Title'_ Catalogue of Federal RcLalations Part 200 -
Uniform Administrative Requirements. Cost Principles. and Audit Requirements for
ederal Awards.
GENERAL APPROACH
I he general approach of fills in .ill' cating costs to particular programs. grants and
contract is as follows:
A} All costs identiliable with a specific program. grants or contracts are
charged directly to the benefiting program. I his includes salariesand
4
benefits beginning with the December 16. of prior year pay roll charged
through the PeopleSoft payroll time and labor distribution module.
B) Unassigned direct costs are assigned to cost pools and are allocated
monthly based on PeopleSol't time and effort distribution percentages. For
example. the percentages taken against the Employment Services cost pool
relate only to the collective distribution oftinae from Employment
Sen ices staffand are allocated only to the programs sere ed by the
Employment Services staff.
ALLOCATION ML-
'FIODOLOGY
DI IS uses Ike cost pools:
I ► l.nrat?lo\ inent Services Cost Pool
I his pool is used to accumulate tray el. operating. supply. contract. utility and
building repair maintenance ck sts v hich cannot he directly' allocated to a grant
or contract.
1 Area Agency on Ailing Cost Pool
I his pool is used to accumulate tra\ el, operating. supply. contract. utility and
building repair/maintenance costs which cannot be directly allocated to agrant
or contract.
3) Administrative Cost Pool
This pool includes all travel, operating and supply costs associated with
administering all DHS programs which cannot he directly allocated to agrant
� I
or contract.
4) WIOA Administrative Cost Pool
Phis pool includes all wages. benefits, travel, operating and supply costs
associated with administering all WIOA DI IS programs which cannot be
directly allocated to a grant or contract.
5 ► Client I'av rol Poo
This pool is used to accumulate all the client pay roll expense.
fringe benefits. from all Employ ment Servicesprograms.
[LMPLOYMLN I SERV
CES COS f POOL
salary and
Using the PeopleSoft time and effort distribution percentages. the time «corked per
program i'- entered into a spreadsheet and applied to this pool of costs for monthly
allocations to grants served.
5
JAIZLA AGENCY UN AGING SERVICES C'US I I'(.)OL.
I !sing the PeopleSoft time and effort distribution percentages. the time worked per
program is entered into a spreadsheet and applied to this pool of costs formonthly
allocations to grants served.
\ 'IU.A ADMINIS IRA II : CUS-I'PO(.)l
Using the General Ledger. the expenses charged to the \VR) \ programs are determined
and the pay roll is distributed based on the percentages of grant expenses. Then the pooled
expenses are allocated using PeopleSott time and effort distribution percentages. The
time ‘‘orked per program is entered into a spreadsheet and costs are allocated to `rants
served.
ADMINIS TRAT IVI: COST POOL
Eking the PeopleSoft time and effort distribution percentages. the time worked per
program is entered into a spreadsheet and applied to this pool of costs for monthly
allocations to grants served.
CLII:N l' PAYROLL POOL
A bimonthly payroll log is sent trcom County Payroll. The Business and Fiscal Sery ices
technician identities. through work experience time sheets. V1/4 -hat program each client is
associated \kith on the payroll log. A manual journal entry is done monthly to move the
salary and fringe benefits from the pool to the fund'grant that the client is directly
associated \\ UN.
GENERAL LEDGER ACCOUNTING
Weld County uses a tin i Corm classification of accounts for all general ledger departments.
Each grant or program is its oe.\ n general ledger department ( fund and organization
combination). All direct costs arc charged directly to the particular department serned.
All allocated costs are entered into the ledger hs journal entry t'rom the pools to the grant
departments. T-ach allocated line item is coded so it can he identified as to cost pool
source. I ach expense. eehether direct or allocated. is also coded with a program code to
charge it against the cost category defined by the grant.
RLPUR TING
Most grant programs are on a monthly reporting. Loch general ledger department is
printed for the time period to report. The department carries the calendaryear-to-date
totals for each cost category otexpenses. Monthly reports are derived from the difference
between current \ ear -to -date and previous year-to-date totals. The balance for thecost
6
category is transferred to the report for the current period. The ledger report is the
documentation of costs and backup to reported expenditures.
AI)MINIS I RA -FIVE IIMITA I IONS -
Administrative limitations are defined h\ 20 CFR667.210-220 for One -stop Grants. See
attachment from I AG.
7
Weld County
Employment
First Plan*
Federal Fiscal Year 2018
Weld County Department of Human
Services
*Using the FFY 2017 Franklin County Template issued by Colorado Department of
Human Services
Table of Contents
Summary of County Employment First Program
Program Description
Program Changes
Services to the ABAWD Population
Receipt of ABAWD Pledge Funds
Pledge to offer a qualifying activity to all at -risk ABAWD applicants and recipients
Estimated costs of fulfilling the pledge
Description of management controls in place to meet pledge requirements
Discussion of capacity and ability to serve at -risk ABAWDs
Information about education, training and workfare components offered to
meet ABAWD work requirement
Program Components
Non-ABAWD Activity Assignment
ABAWD Activity Assignment
Sequencing of Components
County Policies
Other Employment Programs
Workforce Development System
Outcome Data
Work -Registrant Population
Local Level Exemptions
Optional Workfare Program
Page 1 of 17
Program Coordination
Program Coordination
Other Government Programs
Community Based Organizations
Areas of Coordination
Methods of Coordination
Contractual Agreements
Program Costs and Financial Management
Planned Costs of Operating the Employment First Program
Operating Budget
Sources of Funds for Reimbursement
Particiaant Reimbursement
Method of Reimbursement
Cost Allocation Method
County Acceptance of 50% Cost Share
Page 2 of 17
I. Summary of County Employment First Program
a. Program Description
Please briefly provide a high-level overview of your county's Employment First program. How long has
the program been operating in your county? What is your staffing structure? Do you utilize a sub-
contractor? You will have opportunity later to provide detail on caseload, contracts, etc. This section is
intended only to provide a quick introduction.
Weld County has operated Employment First since the Welfare Reform Law of 1996. Current staffing
structure consists of client caseload assigned within an alphabetical breakdown. Cases are assigned to
the four Case Managers on staff with three staff members handling all Spanish cases (2 in Greeley and
one in Ft Lupton). Administrative support consisting of a Program Manager and 2.0 Clerical Support
staff; (Weld County does not sub -contract these services).
i. Program Changes
What changes do you anticipate impacting your program between FFY 2017 and FFY 2018? Do you
anticipate growth or reduction in your SNAP caseload due to local economic events? Will you have any
staffing or contractor changes? Are you developing or terminating any partnerships with community
organizations? Are you increasing your workfare site relationships? Are you newly operating without the
provisions of the ABA WD waiver? Is Employment First new to your county? Please briefly summarize any
salient changes you anticipate this year. If you are voluntarily operating as waived or exempted county,
please indicate your willingness to do so at a 50% county share. This should also be reflected in the
budget portions of your county plan.
Weld does not foresee any staffing changes or the usage of a contractor during the upcoming grant
year. Weld County is anticipating a decrease in the SNAP caseload. Employment First Staff and Weld
County Workforce Center's Business Services Unit will continuously work in collaboration with
community partners to develop workfare sites. Employment First has been a program within Weld
County for over 20 years, so many workfare site relations continue to be maintained.
ii. Services to the ABA WD Population
Please describe what services are made available to your ABAWD population through your county's
Employment First program.
After orientation and Workfare initial site enrollment, all mandatory Employment First participants are
required to attend the three competencies, master application, job search and the mock interview,
unless more appropriate activities are assigned. During the first follow-up appointment with the
participant's case manager, customers take part in an EF assessment process. An individual's
employment barriers are identified and discussed and further workshops and assessments are assigned.
Page 3 of 17
Customers will complete the soft skills workshop within 90 days after starting the program. Individuals
who will be participating in a Workfare component have opportunity to discuss and review Workfare
site options. A permanent workfare site contract is entered and signed by both participant and the
assigned case manager based on site availability and client skill/interest. Participants are provided with
timesheets, their next follow-up appointment letter, documenting their next step to attend a group
follow-up appointment. A similar process takes place for clients enrolling in any other EF component
that meets the Federal work requirement.
iii. Receipt of ABAWD Pledge Funds
Please describe how you have or will ensure ABAWD pledge funds that are allocated to your county are
spent in the service of ABAWDs, including a brief description of your county cost allocation method and
tracking system.
1. Pledge to offer a qualifying activity to all at -risk ABAWD
applicants and recipients
All states and counties that receive ABAWD Pledge funds must promise to give every at -risk ABAWD a
qualifying opportunity to meet the work requirement and avoid the loss of their SNAP allotment. At -risk
means ABAWDs who have already received 2 of 3 allowable SNAP allotments without meeting work
requirements. Please indicate your county's assurance of this commitment in this section.
Weld County intends to offer each ABAWD the opportunity to participate in Employment First by
ensuring that activities are scheduled with sufficient time to allow the participant to complete work
requirements timely. State ABAWD Ticket reports will be monitored and acted upon to ensure that
ABAWDs are notified timely and have an opportunity to participate and meet Federal Work
Requirement. ABAWDS who complete the Federal Work requirement can avoid a loss of Food
Assistance benefits. Information regarding reports is sent out to all case managers on the 8th of the
month with the request to ensure the reports are worked and corrected.
2. Estimated costs of fulfilling the pledge
Based upon your county's ABAWD caseload and available components, please estimate the total cost
associated with fulfilling the ABAWD Pledge (this may include overhead and administrative expenses, in
addition to participant reimbursements). Cost should be identified for the full fiscal year, by category:
personnel and fringe, overhead and operating, component cost (by component), participant
reimbursements.
Weld County estimates the ABAWD population at 40% of all those eligible for Employment First.
Including staff costs, overhead, administrative, direct, indirect, participant reimbursement for the FFY17-
18 to be $316,016 for the entire year.
Page 4 of 17
3. Description of management controls in place to meet pledge
requirements
Weld County will utilize various state and local reports as well as built in calendar timelines which assist
staff in being vigilant of ABAWDs who fail to cooperate with Employment First.
4. Discussion of capacity and ability to serve at -risk ABAWDs
Per the recent rule change these at Risk ABAWDS are exempt and staff do refer to appropriate services
from the current resource guide for assistance.
5. Information about education, training and workfare components
offered to meet ABAWD work requirement
ABAWDS are provided all the same components that all other EF customers are offered.
iv. Program Components
Please describe which employment and training components are available in your county for
Employment First participants, and how they are provided (e.g. GED classes are provided without cost by
Franklin County Community College for all participants without a GED or diploma). A list of all allowable
components follows. For each component, you intend to offer, please estimate the total number of
individuals participating in that component for the federal fiscal year. If you will not offer that
component, simply indicate "N/A". Please note that activity requirements for ABAWDs differ than those
for non-ABAWDs, and estimated totals expected to be served should be identified for each group.
Non-ABAWD Activity Assignment
Non-ABAWDs maybe assigned to participate in any approved EF activity, for a minimum of 3 hours per
week, up to a maximum of 120 hours per month. The exception is calculating the hours of participation
in workfare. All participants in workfare follow the same rule: required hours are determined by dividing
the household allotment by the state minimum wage.
ABAWD Activity Assignment
The federal government limits the receipt of SNAP benefits to 3 months in a 3 -year period for ABAWDs
who are not working, participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program for 20
hours or more each week, or participating in a workfare program (unless such individuals are waived or
exempted). Job search, on its own, is not considered an allowable work program component for
ABAWDs. An exception is granted for the first 30 days of program participation prior to placement at a
workfare site. ABAWDs may engage in job search during this initial 30 -day period only, prior to beginning
a workfare assignment.
However, if an ABAWD is assigned to complete 20 hours per week in a non -workfare component, 11 of
the 20 hours must be an allowable activity and up to 9 of the remaining hours can be job search (11/9
Page 5 of 17
formula). The 11/9 Formula allows an ABA WD to combine any activity (but workfare) with job search to
meet the 20 hour/week participation requirement. For example, a person may work 11 hours per week
and do 9 job search hours per week (the 11/9 Formula) to reach the total of 20 hours weekly
participation.
All non -workfare activities may be combined to meet the ABAWD work requirement. For example, a
person may work 10 hours per week and participate in GED the remaining 10 hours, for a total of 20
hours weekly participation.
Employment First Components
The following is a list of activities that counties may offer EF participants. It is best to offer a variety of
activities to fit the various needs of the EF population. A participation contract must be in each
individual's case file for all activity assignments. If a person is participating in a combination of activities,
a single contract which outlines all the requirements may be used, unless one of the activities is
workfare. Any workfare assignment requires a separate workfare activity contract.
Workfare 30 Day Job Search
The 30 days begin when the participant attends Orientation. The 30 days may overlap into two months
but the participant must be assigned to a permanent Workfare activity by the end of 30 days, or to any
other activity that best assists the participant to employment.
Weld plans to serve 1500 participants after attending the EF orientation, clients will be enrolled in WF-IS
and begin the activity by participating in 1 hour of Initial Site activity. Clients are informed of the EF work
requirement activities and job search opportunities that will take place for the next month. The job
contacts sheet for the 30 -day period, and a follow-up appointment letter for the next appointment, are
issued. Clients are assigned EF Competency and Softskills workshops during the following week and meet
with their case manager the following week after attending the workshops. During the case manager's
follow-up appointment clients are assigned additional tasks and to a Workfare Permanent site or a more
appropriate Employment First activity that will begin after 30 -day job search has expired.
Permanent Workfare
Any non-ABAWD participant assigned to workfare may be required to work up to the number of hours
equal to their SNAP allotment divided by minimum wage. For non-ABAWDs, hours of monthly workfare
participation must be at least 12, but more than 120. ABAWDs must work the hourly equivalent of their
SNAP allotment, divided by the state's minimum wage. The worksite must be at a non-profit or public
entity.
A participant may not be mandated to participate in both workfare and another activity. However,
participants who are enrolled in Workfare may volunteer to participate in another activity at the same
time.
Weld plans to serve 150 participants. Clients are assessed at the 1St case management appointment and
Page 6 of 17
a determination is made as to the appropriateness of a Workfare component placement. Employment
First along with the assistance of ESWC's Business Services Unit has created an active Workfare Site list
which includes, but is not limited to, site name, number of slots, job descriptions, contact information,
and referral guidelines, and last date of contact update. The document allows case managers to easily
access and makes good matches for work site assignment. Individuals are assigned to permanent work
sites during their first follow-up appointment based on the results of their EF assessment. Background
checks are conducted on all participants in order to ensure appropriate placement assignments. There
are other activity/component assignments available for individuals not suited for Workfare. During the
first follow-up appointment, participants take part in an EF assessment process. An individual's
employment barriers, goals and job interests are identified and discussed. Individuals who will be
participating in a Workfare component have the opportunity to discuss and review the Workfare site
options and together with the case manager make the best selection of site placement. A permanent
Workfare site contract is entered and signed by both participant and the assigned case manager based on
site availability and client skill/interest. Participants are provided with timesheets and their next follow-
up appointment letter, documenting their next step to attend a group follow-up appointment.
Timesheets are collected at support group sessions and/or one-on-one follow-up. All timesheets must
have a site supervisor signature. One support group session is scheduled each month for Workfare.
Number of hours of monthly participation is based on FA allotment divided by minimum wage.
Basic Education
Basic education is for participants who test between the 5.5 and 8.5 grade level on a standardized
assessment, such as the TABE test. Participants attend remedial education classes weekly. Homework
may also be assigned and counted for participation hours.
Weld plans to serve 5 participants. Clients are assigned to participate in ABE classes a minimum of 12
hours and maximum of 16 per week at any one of the partner agencies, Employment Services
Assessment Lab or Island Grove Neighborhood Network. Additional ABE activities in a form of
homework, job contacts and Aztec or other remedial workbooks are assigned to supplant the
components required 20 hours per week.
English as a Second Language -ESL
English language classes for participants whose primary language is other than English and whose lack
of basic language skills presents a barrier to employment.
Weld plans to 10 serve participants. Clients are assigned to participate in ESL classes a minimum of 12
hours and maximum of 16 per week at any one of the partner agencies, Island Grove Neighborhood
Network and Right to Read of Weld County. Additional ESL activities in a form of homework and job
contacts supplant the components required 20 hours per week.
General Equivalency Diploma-GED
Page 7 of 17
GED preparation is for participants who test at or above the 8.5 grade level, but do not have a high
school diploma or equivalency certificate. Students attend pre-GED classes weekly in preparation to take
the GED test. Homework may also be assigned and counted for participation hours.
Weld plans to serve 40 participants. Clients are assigned to participate in GED classes a minimum of 10
hours and maximum of 16 per week at any one of the partner agencies, Aims Community College,
Employment Services Assessment Lab, and Island Grove Neighborhood Network. Additional GED
activities in a form of homework, job contacts and Aztec or other remedial workbooks are assigned to
supplant the components required 20 hours per week.
Literacy
The literacy component is for participants who test at or below the 5.5 grade level on their reading
comprehension. Students attend remedial education classes weekly. Homework may also be assigned
and counted for participation hours.
N/A
Post -Secondary Education
This component is allowable for participants who are enrolled at least half time in school and working
towards an Associate or Bachelor's Degree, but do not meet the exemption criteria for work -registration,
as they are not full-time students.
Weld plans to serve 30 participants. The Post -Secondary Education component is designed for
individuals who are attending school but do not meet exemption criteria. The component requirement
is to provide a signed attendance sheet at the monthly support group, confirming that they have
attended class each day and/or proof of grades depending on the time of year.
Employability
This component is designed to improve employability, for those who are unable to successfully attach to
or retain employment. Participants are required to attend classes or receive individual instruction on
basic skills that increase employability. Instruction may include, but is not limited to: improving writing,
reading, math, communication skills and customer service training. The AZTEC packets available from the
State EF office meet the requirements of this activity.
Weld plans to serve 10 participants. The Employability component is designed for individuals who are
not able to participate in a traditional Employment First component due to severe employment barriers
such as establishing current medical conditions by a physician, ex -offenders with severe public access
restrictions, and living outside of public transportation services. The component requirement is met by
completing, on a weekly basis, a combination of 2-3 Aztecs, a maximum of 9 job contacts, 5 hours of
Self -Employment courses through the Educational Lab (computer restricted participants are excluded)
and attending a monthly support group.
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Part -Time Employment
Individuals who are working less than the 30 hours a week required to exempt them as work -registrants,
but who are employed (formally, or self-employed) may satisfy participation requirements through this
component.
Weld plans to serve 20 participants. For those participants working part-time, 5 job contacts are
required. Job contacts are reviewed during the participant's follow-up appointments. Contacts which
seem unclear or repetitive from week to week are used as an opportunity to counsel the participant on
good job searching techniques. They are also encouraged to use the Workforce Center for additional job
leads. Job contacts that appear questionable will be re -verified with the business. The requirement of
demonstrating 5 hours of job searching activity is met by assigning one of three activities: 5 job contacts,
1-2 Aztec packets, or 5 hours of job seeking techniques in the Educational Lab, in addition to submitting
verification of working 20 hours a week.
Self -Employment
This is an educational component, as compared to the Part -Time Employment component, which may
include self-employment. This component is for those taking classes to learn how to start their own
business. Classroom attendance is required as well as completion of all homework assignments and
attendance at any individual appointments.
N/A
Vocational Rehabilitation
For participants who are enrolled and participating in Vocational Rehabilitation.
Weld plans to serve 3 participants. Participants provide a verification letter documenting the type of
Vocational Rehab services they will be participating in. EF participants who apply with Vocational
Rehabilitation after their referral to the EF program will continue their participation with Employment
First and be enrolled in a corresponding EF component, i.e.: vocational training, GED, or post -secondary
education. If the participant applied with Vocational Rehabilitation prior to applying for food assistance,
the EF case manager will request that Food Assistance exempt them for the mandatory work
requirement.
Vocational Training
For participants who are enrolled and participating in skills training related to a specific occupation (i.e.
welding, word processing, auto mechanics, truck driving school, data entry). Usually offered in
cooperation with a WIOA program, the local community college, or trade or vocational schools, including
apprenticeships.
Weld plans to serve 4 participants. The Vocational Training component is designed for individuals who
are attending skills related training but do not meet exemption criteria. The component requirement is
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to provide a signed attendance sheet at the monthly support group, confirming that they have attended
each day and/or proof of grades depending on the time of year.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programming (WIOA)
For participants who are enrolled and participating in any WIOA program.
Weld plans to serve 20 participants. Participants are referred to WIOA for the purpose of intensive case
management services, occupational training, or on-the-job training. Hours of participation will vary
depending on the WIOA prescribed plan and a further assessment of EF requirements is taken at that
time.
Working Volunteer
For participants who are currently volunteering for a non-profit or public entity.
N/A
v. Sequencing of Components
Please describe any required sequencing to available components. For example, your county may utilize
30 day job search for all new Employment First participants, prior to placement into another component.
Please outline any sequencing of service delivery.
The following is the sequence of components in Greeley The Ft Lupton office has the same sequence
only on different days: Clients attend Orientation (Initial Site) on Thursday, Competencies are held the
following week on Monday, followed by the Soft Skills workshop that Friday. The following week (by
week 2) the client meets with their case manager and are assigned to take the transferable skills and
resume workshops, as well as two assessments a Prove -It Test related to the area of work they seek and
the Workplace Readiness Credential (WRC) Certification. This all must be completed by the 30th day
from Orientation. At this appointment, clients are also assigned to their permanent workfare site to
start after the 30th day. The client's next follow up appointment will be to attend the next workfare
group.
County Policies
Counties are required to establish local -level policies in certain program areas. You may either attach
your county policy as an addendum to this plan, or imbed your policy in this section.
SEE ATTACHED, County Participant Reimbursement and Sanction Policies.
Participant Reimbursement Policy
Counties must reimburse participants for their engagement in mandated program components, or allow
for exemptions for participants whose participation costs exceed county maximums. Please identify what
elements your county will reimburse related to participant involvement in EF. This should include, at
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minimum, the cost of transportation and necessary supplies/materials/tools for participants. It may also
include such items as vision correction, or dependent care. Participant reimbursement can only be paid
with 50% federal reimbursement funds.
Sanction Compliance Policy
Individuals who are subject to an occurrence -level sanction for non-compliance with work components
can comply the sanction before it goes into effect, avoiding the disqualification period. This is done
through performance of a "verifiable act of compliance." County departments must determine what
constitutes a verifiable act for this purpose. This local policy must be clear, and made known to all
program participants, verbally or in writing.
vi. Other Employment Programs
Please describe how referrals and connections are made to other employment programs, such as WIOA,
or Vocational Rehabilitation. If your county voluntarily enrolls Colorado Works participants into
Employment First, you must indicate so here, as well as ensure program funds are segregated
appropriately. If this is not applicable for your county, simply respond "N/A".
The Weld County Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Dislocated Worker
program is co -located with the Employment First program. WIOA continues to be committed to serve
clients who are considered hard to serve due to having many challenges in their lives that make
employment difficult. Collaboration continues with Right to Read, Educational Opportunity Center and
Aims Community College for Adult Education and the Island Grove Center helps connect individuals to
additional resources and connection to the agency to best meet the needs of those that are basic skills
deficient. For those individuals with limited English, partnerships with the Global Refugee Center and
Lutheran Family Services have been enhanced to provide resources and cultural training for staff. In an
effort to better serve the 50+ population, there are cross referrals from the Older American's Title IV
SER Jobs for Progress for low income older adults. Additionally, connections have been made with the
Department of Corrections, Intervention Community Correction Services, Employment and Training
Navigator, Weld County Jobs of Hope and Tower 21 to develop as many resources as possible to serve
the ex -offender population. The Business Services Unit has developed employer training on the benefits
of WOTC and Federal Bonding. To round out the services, Wagner Peyser has developed a class on how
to answer interview questions pertaining to criminal history.
Education is a critical partner for all Employment and Training programs with the emphasis on Youth
programs, also located on the Employment Services campus. The school districts, as well as higher
education, are supportive in developing sector initiatives, career pathways and training for the talent
pipeline. Established partnerships include the 19t`' Judicial District, Senate Bill 94, Platte Valley Youth
Services Center, Juvenile Assessment Center, North Range Behavioral Health, Trio Programs, Adult
Education, Homeless and Transitional Shelters, Youth Net, Job Corps, Refugee Serving Agencies, School
Resource Officers, Truancy Liaisons, School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) and the Department of
Human Services to include Chafee, Youth Services, Child Welfare, Compass, Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TAN F), and Employment First. The partnership with Child Welfare in enrolling clients
into the TIGHT program continues to assist youth in danger of out of home placement or stop them
from becoming a part of the juvenile justice system altogether. The AmeriCorps program helps low
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income customers through conservation and service work earn educational resources and living
stipends while in the program.
In-house collaboration has increased between Employment First and WIOA Adult programs, Youth,
TANF, and Business Services to develop and obtain On the Job Training opportunities. WIOA's ability to
serve the financially disadvantaged is proven with the co -enrollment of low income families in the
EF/TANF programs. Additionally, the Disabled Veterans Outreach Representative, from CDLE, is
physically located with the WIOA Adult Program Case Managers allowing him to literally walk clients to
an available case manager for co -enrollment into the programs. The Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC), through the Department of Human Services (DHS), is utilizing Community Service Block Grant
(CSBG) funds to support employment and training efforts for hard to serve target groups. Lastly
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is a significant office for the Migrant and Seasonal
Farmworker Program and has forged relationships with Rocky Mountain Service Employment
Redevelopment (RMSER) and the Community Resources and Housing Development Corporation.
vii. Workforce Development System
In addition to referrals to WIOA, please explain what relationship exists between your county
Employment First program and the workforce development system, or your local one -stop center.
Local partners are actively involved in planning efforts through their involvement with the Workforce
Development Board and standing committees. These partners, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
(DVR), Right to Read, Aims Community College, SER Jobs for Progress, etc. have been integrated into
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) strategies for a number of years. Their input has
developed strategies to increase awareness of services and various career pathways. As a one -stop
operator, ESWC, which houses the Employment First program, acknowledges the importance of
connecting customers to all available resources and co -enrolling to prevent duplication of services and
ensure comprehensive services are received.
viii. Outcome Data
Please indicate what data your county tracks to establish program benchmarks and outcomes.
Through the use of a Dashboard, the Weld County Workforce Development Board reviews Program
Enrollments, including New Cases and Employed at Termination comparing the difference to previous
program years. As well as the Weld County Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) in comparison
to the State Unemployment Rate and the year prior. At any time, the 9002, agent perform, activity
summary, caseload, characteristics and common measures reports can be pulled and utilized for staff
performance or reports that need to be generated for the state.
b. Work -Registrant Population
Briefly describe the work registrant population in your county
The total number of work registrants from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 was 2,239. The table below
provides an overview of the work registration population:
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Veterans
60
Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers
291
Male
1,072
Female
1,167
Youth
226
Adult (18 and over)
2,239
Total
served
18-44
(Included
above)
45-54
(Included
above)
55 and over
192
c. Local Level Exemptions
Program rules allow for exemption of ABAWDs from work requirements in extenuating circumstances,
such as for individuals who must commute more than an hour to a workfare site, or who have
restrictions on their ability to work in certain settings (e.g. certain ex -offenders). Counties must request
exemption to the state office, but must identify on what grounds they may seek such exemptions.
Weld County will use the 15% exemption for some ex -offenders, violent customers, and difficult
individuals. There may be additional requests made of the state but documentation and clarification
will be made in those instances.
Optional Workfare Program
Counties have the option to participate in a unique kind of workfare, known federally as Optional (or
Section 20) Workfare. This is outlined in CCR 4.310.2. This kind of workfare looks identical to the E& T
workfare component, but can generate what is known as Enhanced Funding. This is an incentive
payment earned when a participant in Optional Workfare goes directly from workfare to employment,
reducing the SNAP allotment. The ability to earn this funding is critical for county EF operation, as once it
is received, it comprises the county expenditure for federal reimbursements, when reinvested into the EF
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program. However, because Optional Workfare is associated with incentive funds, expenditures on that
program must be segregated from E&T funding.
If your county intends to offer Optional Workfare, please describe the workfare program in your county,
and include as an attachment a complete listing of all workfare sites available to the Employment First
program. Please explain how new sites are developed, and the process for placing and matching
participants to workfare sites. Describe county assurances and oversight of workfare opportunities, and
county tracking and management of Enhanced Funding earned through Optional Workfare. In the
budget portion of this plan, you will be asked to identify cost allocation methods to ensure segregation of
federal funds between Optional Workfare, and all allowable SNAP E&T activity.
At orientation, all customers are initial sited which begins their participation. Individuals are assigned to
permanent work sites during their first Follow Up Appointment based on the results of their EF
assessment. Background checks are conducted on all participants in order to ensure appropriate
placement assignments. Employment First has created an active Workfare Site list which includes, site
name, number of slots, job descriptions, contact information and referral guidelines, and last date of
contact update. The document allows case managers to easily access and makes good matches for work
site assignment. There are other activity/component assignments available for individuals not suited for
Workfare.
II. Program Coordination
In this section, please describe all partnership and coordination for your Employment First program,
including other public programs from which or to which EF refers. Please list all community based
organizations or non-profit organizations that your EF program supports or is engaged with. Please
ensure you identify if coordination is limited to a certain area within your county, or is available county-
wide and the nature of those relationships (e.g. informal referral, or contractual).
a. Program Coordination
i. Other Government Programs
Veteran's Programs; Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — Adult, Dislocated Worker
and Youth Programs; Wagner Peyser Workshops; Sector Partnerships National Emergency
Grant; Hire for Colorado; Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers; Trade Adjustment Act;
Governor's Summer Job Hunt; Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Title II Adult Education
and Literacy; Department of Human Services
ii. Community Based Organizations
Right to Read, Weld Food Bank, ARC, Frontier House, Global Refugee Center, Guadalupe
Community Center, Fort Lupton Food & Clothing Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Grove
Neighborhood Network, Lutheran Family Services, Tower 21/Waypoints, Sunrise
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iii. Areas of Coordination
Greeley and the South Weld County area
iv. Methods of Coordination
The Case Managers along with the Business Services Unit coordinate with the Community
Based Organizations. Employment Services of Weld County in which Employment First is
located is the one -stop operator for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act so the
majority of Coordination with Government Programs is in house.
b. Contractual Agreements
All contracts established with Employment First funds must be submitted as attachments to this county
plan. Please describe in this section the nature and extent of any existing contracts, as well as county
oversight and fiscal management of contractual agreements. Note: please do NOT include workfare
con tracts.
Weld County does not contract services for EF.
lll. Program Costs and Financial Management
a. Planned Costs of Operating the Employment First Program
i. Operating Budget
Please identify the expected total cost for operation of your county's Employment First program, and
Optional Workfare program (if you intend to operate one). This should include aggregate costs for the
FFY, by recognizable cost categories: personnel and fringe, operating, materials and supplies, travel and
mileage, administration, etc. Please include a budget narrative, and clearly articulate how totals were
derived. Note that in -kind costs incurred by the county associated with space or volunteer time may be
claimed for 50% reimbursement, but only when allowable cost valuation methods are applied. You may
include your budget as an attachment.
ii. Sources of Funds for Reimbursement
50% reimbursement necessitates the expenditure of a non-federal dollar, prior to claiming
reimbursement. Please identify what county sources are comprising the non-federal portion of these
expenditures. If you intend to operate and Optional Workfare program, you must separately identify
costs associated with that program.
County funds will be used as required non-federal dollar as described.
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iii. Participant Reimbursement
As identified under "County Policies", participants must be reimbursed for costs necessary to their
mandated program participation. These may be true reimbursements, or they may be advanced
payments for anticipated expenses. In this section, please reiterate what costs you expect to reimburse,
whether you will issue reimbursement, advance payment, or both, and the total cost of participant
reimbursements your county intends to incur. If you intend to operate and Optional Workfare program,
you must separately identify costs associated with that program.
Participant reimbursement is made available to individuals who attend EF orientation and participate in
Workfare Initial Site Activities. Eligible participants receive the option of a gas voucher for $5.00 or 4
bus tickets after attending orientation to attend their next appointment. Reimbursement is initially
provided for attending orientation and the participant's next scheduled appointment. The remainder of
reimbursement is provided once individuals document they have participated in the activity.
Reimbursement can be provided once each activity is completed.
iv. Method of Reimbursement
Counties must identify how participants will be reimbursed for costs incurred, or if anticipated costs will
be prepaid. Reimbursement methods should be identified in this section. What procedure will the county
use to ensure costs are allowable and necessary for program participation? How will records be retained
at the county?
Participants are informed of the reimbursement policy through the EF orientation presentation. The
reimbursement policy is made available to clients at their request. Participant reimbursement is made
available to individuals who attend EF orientation and participate in Workfare Initial Site Activities. They
receive the option of a gas voucher for $5.00 or 4 bus tickets after attending orientation and their next
appointment. Vouchers are tracked and maintained for tracking purposes. Additionally, data entry is
entered into Connecting Colorado for additional tracking and reporting purposes.
Reimbursement is initially provided for attending orientation and the participant's next scheduled
appointment. The remainder of reimbursement is provided once individuals document they have
participated in the activity. Reimbursement can be provided once each activity is completed.
Actual costs for additional EF related needs are eligible costs through CSBG to include vocational
assessments, interview translation services, eyeglasses or eye exams, driver's license and state
identification cards, employment uniforms including special footwear, special tools for job and
employment background checks.
b. Cost Allocation Method
The Employment First and Optional Workfare programs involve multiple funding streams that require
cost segregation. Please identify how your county will ensure appropriate charging to allowable
categories, across the following:
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E&T 100% Funds: May not be used to fund Optional Workfare, or for any participant reimbursements
ABAWD Pledge Funds: May only be used on ABAWDs, and may not be used to fund Optional Workfare,
or for any participant reimbursements
50% E&T Admin Reimbursement: May not be used to fund Optional Workfare, or for any participant
reimbursements
50% E&T Participant Reimbursement: May not be used to fund Optional Workfare reimbursements
50% Workfare Admin Reimbursement: May only be used to fund Optional Workfare
50% Workfare Participant Reimbursement: May only be used to fund Optional Workfare reimbursements
SEE ATTACHED
c. County Acceptance of 50% Cost Share
All waived or exempted counties must indicate here their awareness and acceptance of the fact that
voluntary program operation will only be covered at a 50% federal reimbursement. If this is not
applicable for your county, please simply put "N/A".
N/A
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