Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 607 - ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES
Section 144-607-12 - JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES
Universal Citation: 10 ME Code Rules ยง 144-607-12
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
Summary: This Section describes ASPIRE-TANF job search services which include self-directed, individual and group job search, and job development and placement.
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. 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 ACTIVITIES
A.
Self-Directed
1. 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 Search
1. 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 Search
1. 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 PLACEMENT
1. 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.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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