Section 144-607-12 - JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIESSummary: This Section describes ASPIRE-TANF job search services which include self-directed, individual and group job search, and job development and placement.
I.GENERAL PROVISIONSA. TANF recipients who are able to work any number of hours, must participate in individual or group job search activities (depending on the needs and resources of ASPIRE-TANF) during the work evaluation phase of involvement with ASPIRE-TANF. This "up-front" job search is limited to a maximum of six (6) weeks.B. ASPIRE-TANF participants who have completed the agreed-upon training necessary for his or her employment goals, will also be required to participate in a job search activity as a primary activity for a maximum of six (6) weeks. If, after six (6) weeks of a job search, employment is not achieved ASPIRE-TANF participants are expected to continuously job search as a subsequent activity as agreed upon in their Family Contract Amendment.C. A Family Contract Amendment must include the participant's job search activity and the necessary support services in accordance with Section 14 in order for the participant to complete the job search activity.D. When approved job search services are available at comparable quality and cost, including the cost of support services, and the implementation of the Family Contract Amendment would not be unreasonably delayed, the participant may choose to receive services from the provider of the participant's choice. If the ASPIRE-TANF case manager and the participant cannot mutually agree on that choice, then the decision will be made by the ASPIRE-TANF case manager, subject to fair hearing. F. A Job Contact Log will be required by all participants in a job search activity (including self-directed). A reasonable number of employer contacts per week, given the local labor market conditions, will be established prior to the beginning of Job Search. The number of expected weekly contacts will be included in the participant's Family Contract Amendment. The ability to amend this contact log when necessary is subject to approval by ASPIRE-TANF staff. The ASPIRE-TANF unit will monitor employer contacts reported by participants.II.TYPES OF JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIESA.Self-Directed1. A participant who completes a training program at a post-secondary institution where the institution provides job placement services may utilize that placement service for up to six (6) weeks beginning with the date the ASPIRE-TANF case manager approves the plan.B.Individual Job Search1. In remote areas of the State or in circumstances where delivering group job search is not feasible, individual job search will be available to participants. This consists of one-on-one instruction by ASPIRE-TANF or its contractor, or other designated agency, and may be available online. The instruction may include the following components: goal setting; completing applications and resumes; techniques for canvassing and contacting employers; information on the kinds of jobs that are available (including the "hidden" labor market); interviewing techniques and follow-up; and employment retention.2. During instruction and upon completion of instruction, the participant will contact a reasonable number of employer contacts per week given the local labor market condition. This will be established prior to the beginning of Job Search with the ability to amend when necessary. Participants will provide ASPIRE-TANF with a Job Contact Log at least monthly.3. ASPIRE-TANF may contact any employer listed on the Job Contact Log to verify the information provided by the participant.C.Group Job Search1. Group Job Search consists of intensive job seeking skill training and peer support development. Topics may include: goal setting, completing applications and resumes; techniques for canvassing and contacting employers; information on the kinds of jobs that are available (including the "hidden" labor market), interviewing techniques and follow-up and employment retention. Following the instruction, participants will implement the training, share job seeking experiences and provide mutual support. Participants will have access to telephones, a photocopying machine, computers, facsimile machines, etc. in order to complete the job search.2. During the employer contact phase, participants will maintain a Job Contact Log. ASPIRE-TANF may verify any employer information listed on the log.D.JOB DEVELOPMENT AND PLACEMENT1. Job Development - ASPIRE-TANF will provide individualized services to match job openings to the particular skills and abilities of participants. These services include identifying existing available jobs; providing employer outreach; supporting employment opportunities that match participant interests or abilities; and assisting participants in this activity.2. Job Placement and Retention - Services that will allow participants to obtain, and retain, employment. Such services include, but are not limited to, coordinating mentors, job coaches or situational assessments, and dealing with economic factors (including household budgeting) that will encourage job retention. These services are targeted to those individuals who need more intensive assistance than is usually available through the program. Retention services will target at a minimum the first ninety (90) days of employment.10-144 C.M.R. ch. 607, § 12