Common use of Strategies for Reducing Clause in Contracts

Strategies for Reducing. the need for TA‌ District’s strategies for reducing the need for TA are described below: Intake employment staff offer diversion services, such as assistance with applying for subsidized childcare . Those with a documented promise of employment are also offered diversion services. Generally, applicants are required to participate in job search for the duration of the application phase, which may include participation in a job search/assessment workshop for all or part of the application phase. Non-exempt individuals employed less than full-time are also required to conduct a job search to secure full-time employment Applicants and Recipients who are parenting and under the age of 25, will be offered the services of a special group of district and jobsplus staff dedicated to reducing generational poverty through a whole family, coaching approach. In addtion, clients who fall under this pilot group will be offered the support of a job coach for up to one year after case closing. The district will include non-custodial parents in this wholistic approach. (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.4) Section 4.1 TA and Non-TA SNAP Applicants and Recipients in Work Activities Approved by the District‌ a. The social services district will provide childcare in accordance with the childcare section of the district’s Child and Family County Services Plan. The district will also provide for participants the following expenses which the district deems necessary for the individual to participate in orientation, assessment, employment planning, approved work activities and activities to restore self-sufficiency: Excluding tuition, the district will provide supportive services payments for any expenses required for participation in approved training, other assigned activity, or employment, for applicants or recipients, including but not limited to: clothing: uniforms, work clothing, specialty items, equipment: specialty tools or equipment licensing: licensing or testing fees All requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to the relevance to obtaining or retaining employment. Evaluation criteria include: alternative sources of funding or service; whether other resources are exhausted; estimates from one or more providers of service or material; whether the requested item/service is required or optional; and whether the amount of the request is commensurate with the need. Written documentation from the work site or employer of the need for the required items must be submitted. Payment will be based on the lowest cost estimate. Payment may be issued directly to the jobseeker, who must submit proof that the funds were used to purchase the items authorized. If the district determines that the supportive service payment was not used for the intended purpose, a referral to investigate will be made. Alternatively, payment may be pre-arranged with and go directly to a vendor. b. The district will use the following approach to assist those participants who need transportation to and from an approved work activity site, including any applicable mileage reimbursement rate, and the method used by the district to arrive at that reimbursement rate. OTDA policy establishes a mileage reimbursement rate of no less than the IRS established rate for medical/moving purposes. In all instances, should the actual cost of transportation needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate determined by the district, the district will reimburse for the actual costs based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. Please check all that apply: Bus pass/token Gas card/voucher Mileage reimbursement at IRS Business rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 58 cents/mi) Mileage reimbursement at IRS Medical/Moving rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 20 cents/mi) Other mileage rate, (please explain methodology used to establish reimbursement rate): The district will provide transportation assistance as necessary for applicants or in order to participate in assigned work activities. 1. During application stage, and until the first structured program assignment, transportation is provided as necessary to apply for specific job openings or attend interviews. 2. Once a jobseeker is enrolled in structured activity, s/he will be given a bus pass so long as s/he does not live within one mile or 10 blocks of the assigned activity. 3. In the event a jobseeker is unable to use available bus service, the agency will provide reimbursement for carpooling or driving of a vehicle which has been reported as a resource to the district (along with proof of ownership, registration, insurance, and driver’s license) at the established IRS Medical/Moving rate. Approval for this arrangement is made on a case-by-case basis. This rate represents the cost of gas, but does not include the cost of any repairs or insurance, which may be reimbursed separately, on an as-needed basis. Should the actual cost of gasoline needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate, the agency will reimburse for the actual cost based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. 4. Transportation assistance will be provided for applicants and recipients who begin paid employment until the temporary assistance case is denied or closes (see transitional services, below for post-case-closing procedures). Employed applicants and recipients may also be considered for assistance with the cost of car repairs, insurance, and driver’s license fees (but not fines), subject to the other provisions of this section. Should the participant be employed part-time and engaged in other assigned activity, bus passes or mileage reimbursement will be authorized as needed for both the employment and the activity. Employed recipients who own their own vehicles can seek reimbursement on an ongoing basis if the vehicle is needed in the course of his/her work and mileage is not reimbursed by the employer. 5. If a documented medical need is present, such that a jobseeker cannot walk 10 blocks or one mile, a pass for bus transportation will be issued. 6. Jobseekers who are employed at participating employers who are outside of available bus service and who do not have access to other forms of transportation, may be considered for authorization of rides through LYFT. 7. Transportation assistance to Safety Net families will be provided. If the individual is employed, transportation will be provided using TANF funds. If the individual is not employed, other non-TANF funds, such as Safety Net and/or SNAP E&T participant reimbursement, will be used. c. OTDA policy establishes a distance not to exceed 2 miles as the maximum distance that the district can require a participant to walk to a work activity assignment or to access public transportation. The district’s policy states that an individual may be required to walk up to the distance described below each way to a work activity or to access public transportation: One mile d. The district will provide the following services to assist individuals at risk of needing TA to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment: Services to assist individuals at risk of needing public assistance to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment are available on an as- needed, case-by-case basis. Such services may include: referral to child care subsidies; work-related expenses such as tools, uniforms, and licensing fees; transportation expenses such as car repairs, bus passes, and gas money (as needed until next paycheck is expected); and emergency day care (if provider is contracted and child care subsidy application has been filed). If an applicant for such services owes the district money under a previous recoupment, these services may be denied.

Strategies for Reducing. the need for TA‌ District’s strategies for reducing the need for TA are described below: Intake employment staff offer diversion One effective strategy has been co-enrolling our population into the One Stop Career Center. This process allows customers to access the training dollars, supportive services, such as assistance with applying for subsidized childcare resume assistance, and workshops available at the Center. Those with a documented promise of employment Additionally, when customers are also offered diversion services. Generally, applicants are required to participate in job search for the duration of the application phase, which may include participation interested in a job search/assessment workshop career in healthcare, the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) is a FREE healthcare training program for all or part residents of Schenectady County who meet household income requirements. HPOG is operated by Schenectady County Community College in partnership with Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP). SJTA is also a partner with the application phase. NonCity Mission for Schenectady Bridges: a Transformational Movement which is a comprehensive, multi-exempt individuals employed less than full-time are also required year, collaborative effort designed to conduct a job search help individuals, families, and communities build bridges out of poverty to secure full-time employment Applicants and Recipients who are parenting and under the age of 25, will be offered the services of a special group of district and jobsplus staff dedicated to reducing generational poverty through a whole family, coaching approach. In addtion, clients who fall under this pilot group will be offered the support of a job coach for up to one year after case closing. The district will include non-custodial parents in this wholistic approachsustainability. (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.4) Section 4.1 TA and Non-TA SNAP Applicants and Recipients in Work Activities Approved by the District‌ a. The social services district will provide childcare in accordance with the childcare section of the district’s Child and Family County Services Plan. The district will also provide for participants the following expenses which the district deems necessary for the individual to participate in orientation, assessment, employment planning, approved work activities and activities to restore self-sufficiency: Excluding tuition, Transportation assistance in the district form of CDTA swipe cards will provide supportive services payments for any expenses required for participation in approved training, other assigned activity, or employment, for applicants or recipients, including but not limited to: clothing: uniformsbe provided; the county will utilize the most cost effective means of transportation available. Participants may obtain needed uniform, work clothing, specialty itemstools, equipment: specialty tools or equipment licensing: licensing or testing fees All requests work supplies allowances up to $75. Applicants and recipients are evaluated on a casealso co-by-case basis as enrolled in the One Stop Career Center to allow customers to access the relevance to obtaining or retaining employment. Evaluation criteria include: alternative sources of funding or service; whether other resources are exhausted; estimates from one or more providers of service or material; whether support services available through the requested item/service is required or optional; and whether the amount of the request is commensurate with the need. Written documentation from the work site or employer of the need for the required items must be submitted. Payment will be based on the lowest cost estimate. Payment may be issued directly to the jobseeker, who must submit proof that the funds were used to purchase the items authorized. If the district determines that the supportive service payment was not used for the intended purpose, a referral to investigate will be made. Alternatively, payment may be pre-arranged with and go directly to a vendorOne Stop Career Center. b. The district will use the following approach to assist those participants who need transportation to and from an approved work activity site, including any applicable mileage reimbursement rate, and the method used by the district to arrive at that reimbursement rate. OTDA policy establishes a mileage reimbursement rate of no less than the IRS established rate for medical/moving purposes. In all instances, should the actual cost of transportation needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate determined by the district, the district will reimburse for the actual costs based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. Please check all that apply: Bus pass/token Gas card/voucher Mileage reimbursement at IRS Business rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 58 cents/mi) Mileage reimbursement at IRS Medical/Moving rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 20 cents/mi) Other mileage rate, (please explain methodology used to establish reimbursement rate): The district will provide transportation assistance as necessary for applicants or in order to participate in assigned work activities. 1. During application stage, and until the first structured program assignment, transportation is provided as necessary to apply for specific job openings or attend interviews. 2. Once a jobseeker is enrolled in structured activity, s/he will be given a bus pass so long as s/he does not live within one mile or 10 blocks of the assigned activity. 3. In the event a jobseeker is unable to use available bus service, the agency will provide reimbursement for carpooling or driving of a vehicle which has been reported as a resource to the district (along with proof of ownership, registration, insurance, and driver’s license) at the established IRS Medical/Moving rate. Approval for this arrangement is made on a case-by-case basis. This rate represents the cost of gas, but does not include the cost of any repairs or insurance, which may be reimbursed separately, on an as-needed basis. Should the actual cost of gasoline needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate, the agency will reimburse for the actual cost based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. 4. Transportation assistance will be provided for applicants and recipients who begin paid employment until the temporary assistance case is denied or closes (see transitional services, below for post-case-closing procedures). Employed applicants and recipients may also be considered for assistance with the cost of car repairs, insurance, and driver’s license fees (but not fines), subject to the other provisions of this section. Should the participant be employed part-time and engaged in other assigned activity, bus passes or mileage reimbursement will be authorized as needed for both the employment and the activity. Employed recipients who own their own vehicles can seek reimbursement on an ongoing basis if the vehicle is needed in the course of his/her work and mileage is not reimbursed by the employer. 5. If a documented medical need is present, such that a jobseeker cannot walk 10 blocks or one mile, a pass for bus transportation will be issued. 6. Jobseekers who are employed at participating employers who are outside of available bus service and who do not have access to other forms of transportation, may be considered for authorization of rides through LYFT. 7. Transportation assistance to Safety Net families will be provided. If the individual is employed, transportation will be provided using TANF funds. If the individual is not employed, other non-TANF funds, such as Safety Net and/or SNAP E&T participant reimbursement, will be used.): c. OTDA policy establishes a distance not to exceed 2 miles as the maximum distance that the district can require a participant to walk to a work activity assignment or to access public transportation. The district’s policy states that an individual may be required to walk up to the distance described below each way to a work activity or to access public transportation: One mileMileage is calculated using the MapQuest application on Centraport and is provided through reimbursement and transportation is provided from home to childcare location to work activity and return. The County will utilize the most cost effective means of transportation available and will provide CDTA bus swipers or actual cost if that exceeds the IRS Medical/Moving rate. d. The district will provide the following services to assist individuals at risk of needing TA to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment: Services to assist Schenectady County will provide individuals at risk of needing public assistance TA with information on community based employment resources such as Job Readiness Training, High School Equivalency Diploma, One Stop Career Center, and current job listings in an effort to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain assist these individuals in improving their employment are available on an as- needed, case-by-case basis. Such services may include: referral to child care subsidies; work-related expenses such as tools, uniforms, and licensing fees; transportation expenses such as car repairs, bus passes, and gas money (as needed until next paycheck is expected); and emergency day care (if provider is contracted and child care subsidy application has been filed). If an applicant for such services owes the district money under a previous recoupment, these services may be deniedoptions.

Strategies for Reducing. the need for TA‌ District’s strategies for reducing the need for TA are described below: Intake The District has contracted and collaborated with the ▇▇▇▇▇▇ County Employment and Training Administration to provide a Job Search Assistance Program that will provide information regarding programmatic requirements, skills, as well as lead participants in making decisions that promote self-sufficiency, access to training and support programs to obtain employment staff offer diversion that provides a livable wage, as well as wrap-around services to maintain employment. The program contains the following topics: Employment soft skills such as job search, application/resume, interviewing, workplace etiquette; barriers to employment; career investment and goal setting; job retention; and personal finance and budgeting. During the eligibility interview, assessment, and at recertification, individuals will be provided referrals for resources, services, and support to prevent the need of TA. The agency uses a "Front Door" strategy in which applicants are screened to be diverted from cash assistance by helping identify other services and resources. The district reviews the use of all available TA emergency programs, SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, WIC, Child Care Assistance, Food Pantries, Employment Services, and additional available community resources. Diversion payments can be authorized for employment related expenses such as assistance with applying for subsidized childcare . Those with a documented promise of employment are also offered diversion services. Generallytools, applicants are required fees, uniforms or other items needed to participate in job search for the duration of the application phase, which may include participation in a job search/assessment workshop for all or part of the application phaseenable an individual to maintain employment. Non-exempt individuals recurring transportation payments for employed less than full-time are applicants with a transportation need can also required to conduct be authorized, as well as housing related crisis and rental payments. Diversion payments can only be authorized when a job search to secure full-time employment Applicants and Recipients who are parenting and under family meets all eligibility requirements of the age of 25, will be offered the services of a special group of district and jobsplus staff dedicated to reducing generational poverty through a whole family, coaching approach. In addtion, clients who fall under this pilot group will be offered the support of a job coach for up to one year after case closing. The district will include non-custodial parents in this wholistic approachEAF program. (Reference 18 NYCRR 385.4) Section 4.1 TA and Non-TA SNAP Applicants and Recipients in Work Activities Approved by the District‌ a. The social services district will provide childcare in accordance with the childcare section of the district’s Child and Family County Services Plan. The district will also provide for participants the following expenses which the district deems necessary for the individual to participate in orientation, assessment, employment planning, approved work activities and activities to restore self-sufficiency: Excluding tuition, To the extent that local resources permit the district will provide supportive services payments assistance for participants for the following expenses: tuition; academic fees; books, and supplies for agency approved educational and vocational training, not to exceed $1500.00 (after all other resources have been exhausted) per year during any expenses required period of eligibility for TA; clothing necessary for participating in WTW training activities; accepting or maintaining employment (not to exceed $150.00 per WTW activity in a one year period); licenses or other work related fees necessary for participation in approved trainingWTW activities; accepting or maintaining employment (not to exceed $100.00); reasonable costs of necessary repairs to a WTW participant’s automobile for training activities or to accept or maintain employment (not to exceed $500.00 during any period of eligibility for TA), other assigned activitycost of such repairs must be less than the value of the automobile; payments of necessary automobile insurance meeting minimum state requirements in order to participate in WTW activities, or to accept or maintain employment (not to exceed $500.00 during any period of eligibility for TA); work related safety equipment up to a maximum of $200.00 for each entry to employment, for applicants or recipients; clothing, including but not limited to: clothing: uniformsto uniforms and footwear, work clothing, specialty items, equipment: specialty tools or equipment licensing: licensing or testing fees All requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to the relevance to obtaining or retaining employment. Evaluation criteria include: alternative sources of funding or service; whether other resources are exhausted; estimates from one or more providers of service or material; whether the requested item/service is required or optional; and whether the amount of the request is commensurate with the need. Written documentation from the work site or employer of the need for the required items must be submitted. Payment will be based on the lowest cost estimate. Payment may be issued directly to the jobseeker, who must submit proof that the funds were used to purchase the items authorized. If the district determines that the supportive service payment was not used for the intended purpose, a referral to investigate will be made. Alternatively, payment may be pre-arranged with and go directly up to a vendormaximum of $150.00 for each entry to employment; tools and equipment, up to a maximum of $250.00 during any period of continued eligibility for TA; licenses or other work related fees up to a maximum of $100.00. b. The district will use the following approach to assist those participants who need transportation to and from an approved work activity site, including any applicable mileage reimbursement rate, and the method used by the district to arrive at that reimbursement rate. OTDA policy establishes a mileage reimbursement rate of no less than the IRS established rate for medical/moving purposes. In all instances, should the actual cost of transportation needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate determined by the district, the district will reimburse for the actual costs based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. Please check all that apply: Bus pass/token Gas card/voucher Mileage reimbursement at IRS Business rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 58 cents/mi) Mileage reimbursement at IRS Medical/Moving rate, (effective 1/1/19 is 20 cents/mi) Other mileage rate, (please explain methodology used to establish reimbursement rate): The district will provide transportation assistance as necessary for applicants or in order to participate in assigned work activities. 1. During application stage, and until the first structured program assignment, transportation is provided as necessary to apply for specific job openings or attend interviews. 2. Once a jobseeker is enrolled in structured activity, s/he will be given a bus pass so long as s/he does not live within one mile or 10 blocks of the assigned activity. 3. In the event a jobseeker is unable to use available bus service, the agency will provide reimbursement for carpooling or driving of a vehicle which has been reported as a resource to the district (along with proof of ownership, registration, insurance, and driver’s license) at the established IRS Medical/Moving rate. Approval for this arrangement is made on a case-by-case basis. This rate represents the cost of gas, but does not include the cost of any repairs or insurance, which may be reimbursed separately, on an as-needed basis. Should the actual cost of gasoline needed to participate in an assigned work activity exceed the reimbursement rate, the agency will reimburse for the actual cost based on reasonable documentation submitted by the work activity participant. 4. Transportation assistance will be provided for applicants and recipients who begin paid employment until the temporary assistance case is denied or closes (see transitional services, below for post-case-closing procedures). Employed applicants and recipients may also be considered for assistance with the cost of car repairs, insurance, and driver’s license fees (but not fines), subject to the other provisions of this section. Should the participant be employed part-time and engaged in other assigned activity, bus passes or mileage reimbursement will be authorized as needed for both the employment and the activity. Employed recipients who own their own vehicles can seek reimbursement on an ongoing basis if the vehicle is needed in the course of his/her work and mileage is not reimbursed by the employer. 5. If a documented medical need is present, such that a jobseeker cannot walk 10 blocks or one mile, a pass for bus transportation will be issued. 6. Jobseekers who are employed at participating employers who are outside of available bus service and who do not have access to other forms of transportation, may be considered for authorization of rides through LYFT. 7. Transportation assistance to Safety Net families will be provided. If the individual is employed, transportation will be provided using TANF funds. If the individual is not employed, other non-TANF funds, such as Safety Net and/or SNAP E&T participant reimbursement, will be used.): c. OTDA policy establishes a distance not to exceed 2 miles as the maximum distance that the district can require a participant to walk to a work activity assignment or to access public transportation. The district’s policy states that an individual may be required to walk up to the distance described below each way to a work activity or to access public transportation: One Bus tokens, gas card/voucher, mileage reimbursement, and when deemed appropriate cabs are authorized to transport participants to WTW activities on a case by case basis. If an individual's assessment does not prohibit or limit walking the district would require walking to an assignment if within reason. Terrain, weather and other factors are taken into consideration when making such a request. The district would not require a client to walk more than 1 mile. d. The district will provide the following services to assist individuals at risk of needing TA to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment: Services The district has contracted with the ▇▇▇▇▇▇ County Employment and Training Administration to assist individuals at risk of needing public assistance TA to improve their opportunities for employment or to maintain their employment are available on an as- needed, case-by-case basis. Such services may include: referral to child care subsidies; work-related expenses such as tools, uniforms, and licensing fees; transportation expenses such as car repairs, bus passes, and gas money (as needed until next paycheck is expected); and emergency day care (if provider is contracted and child care subsidy application has been filed). If an applicant for such services owes the district money under a previous recoupment, these services may be deniedemployment.