Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) The purpose of the Career Advancement Voucher
(CAV) Program is to offer eligible post-TANF recipients, who are employed, an educational or training
opportunity by providing opportunities for upward career mobility. This program is intended to foster career
advancement to those post-TANF individuals who demonstrate that participation in such an activity will result
in the potential for growth at their current job or increased potential for growth in a new job.
1. Post WFNJ/TANF recipients who meet CAV Program eligibility requirements
may enroll in a course of study or occupational training by providing vouchers to approved vendors.
2. The CAV Program voucher amount maximum is $ 4,000, dependent upon
available funds.
3. Payments to approved vendors are made in two
parts, 50 percent at time of enrollment and 50 percent upon completion of the program. An exception to this
is a community college. The CWAs are authorized to pay a community college the full tuition amount prior to
or at the beginning of the course.
4. Vendors providing education
and/or training to WFNJ recipients must be listed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). If a vendor
is not currently listed as an eligible training provider, the vendor must demonstrate proof of registration
to become an Eligible Training Provider.
5. The CAV Program shall
not be construed as an entitlement program. If the fiscal or other resources necessary to carry out the CAV
Program are unavailable, that individual shall not be deemed to have a right to such program.
(b) In order to be eligible for this program, the applicant's
WFNJ/TANF case must have closed within the previous 24 months and the applicant shall:
1. Be currently employed, for at least 20 hours a week, and have been
employed for at least the previous four months;
2. Have expressed
an interest in, and have an opportunity for, career advancement;
3. Agree to remain employed and not reduce work hours in order to
participate in the program; and
4. Have not already received a
CAV within the previous 18 months or if a CAV was received, the program funded by the CAV was successfully
completed. Successful completion means the client has participated through the closing date of the class or
training program. It is not a requirement that the client pass the course or receive a graduation certificate
or license. (Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis as some institutions require payment for an
approved subsequent class prior to the completion date of the first class or training program.)
(c) Child care support services may be available to eligible CAV
participants as a part of the TCC and Post TCC Programs.
(d) A
post WFNJ/TANF participant that received a CAV and successfully completed the CAV funded program may apply
for a second voucher up to a maximum of $ 4,000, if requested within the 24 month post-TANF benefit
period.
(e) CAV participants who lose their job through no fault
of their own and need to re-apply for WFNJ/TANF cash assistance, shall be allowed to complete their CAV
funded activity and receive the needed supportive services for such attendance.
(f) CAV participants that voluntarily quit a job without good cause and
re-apply for WFNJ/TANF cash assistance shall be determined ineligible for WFNJ benefits for a 90-day period
beginning with the day of quit. They may still continue to attend their CAV funded activity.
1. During the 90-day period, these clients will be ineligible to continue
receiving supportive services for the CAV funded activity.
(g) CAV participants that relocate to another county, if able, may complete
the current program with needed supports and the final CAV payment issued by the receiving county.
1. Employed post WFNJ/TANF clients that move to another county are eligible
to apply for the CAV program in the receiving county as long as eligibility requirements are met and the
request is made within 24 months of case closure.
2. Employed
post WFNJ/TANF clients that move to another state are not eligible to apply for a CAV.
3. CAV participants that move to another state during the time of
attendance in a CAV funded program, if able, may complete that portion of the program funded through the
initial payment. Final payments and supportive services shall not be issued.
