HomeMy WebLinkAboutNS - Work First Block Grant Local Plan 10-21-2008-4d1
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Orange County
Department of Social Services
Work First County Plan
October 1, 2009-September 30, 2011
Nancy Coston, Director
PO Boz 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-8181
ncoston(a~co.oran~e.nc.us
Yvette Smith
PO Boz 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-8181
ysmith(a~co.orange.nc.us
2
Public Comment Period:
September 21 through October 5, 2008
Work First is North Carolina's program to administer the federal Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families block grant. A planning committee consisting of representatives from
local government, public, private, neighborhood organizations, and Work First
participants designed the attached plan to administer Work First in Orange County from
October 2009 to September 2011.
The public may review and comment on this draft plan prior to its submission to the
Boazd of County Commissioners. Public comments will be received from September 21,
2008 through October 5, 2008. Following approval by the Boazd, the plan must then be
submitted to the North Cazolina Division of Social Services, which will in turn present
the collective State Plan to the North Cazolina General Assembly.
Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through October 5, 2008. Please
submit your comments by a-mail, mail, or in person at the Social Services reception azea
office or fax to:
Nancy Coston, Director
PO Boz 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-8181 (phone)
919-644-3005 (faz)
ncoston ar,co.orange.nc.us
Yvette Smith
PO Boz 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-8181 (phone)
919-644-3005 (faz)
ysmith(a~co.oran~e.nc.us
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
L CONDITIONS WITHIl~i THE COUNTy ...,.,» .......................».»...»»..»......»...»»»...»..................5
WORK FIRST CASELOAD DATA....»»..........»........».»»....» »» ...............»»..........».....»..».»»»...»6
WORK FIRST PROFILE .»......»»....»» »»....»»».»»..»»»»......».».»»»»»»»».»».....»..»..»»»......».»..6
GTH OF TIME ON WORK FIRST .»-»»»»»-- -~-»»»-»»»»-~-»6
..»...»......»» »»»....
LEN »»»
1L PLANNING PROCESS »»....»».»».»...»..».»... »......»»...»»....»»».».»»....»»..........».....»».... .7
A. PLANNING COMMI'I"I'EE ............................................................ .........................................................7
B. ~ PUBLK: COlunvlEt~'r ..........................•---...................................... .........................................................8
C. PLANNING PROCESS .................................................................. .........................................................8
IIL OUTCOMES AND GOALS FOR THE COUNTY ...............»».»...»»......»..»............».....».»-»»»»»-9
A. STATEWIDE WORK FIRST GOALS ...........................................................................................................9
1. Employment ......................................................................... .........................................................9
2. Meeting Federal Participation Rates .................................. ......................................................... 9
3. Providing Employment yen,ices......--• ................................. ......................................................... 9
4. Staying OJj''Welfare ............................................................. .........................................................9
S. Job Reterttion ....................................................................... .:....................................................... 9
6. Benefit Diversion ................................................................ ......................................................... 9
B. COUNTY DEVELOPED OUTCOME GOALS .................................................................................................9
IV. PLANS TO ACHIEVE THE OUTCOMES AND GOALS..».»........»..........» ..................................10
ACI'MTIES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ........................................... ........................................................10
EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIES AND RECOMIv~NDATIONS ...................... ........................................................10
V. ADNIINISTRATION»..........»».....»»..».».....»...........».»........»....»».»»....»..........»...........»..»»...»...13
A. A[rTHORrrY ............................................................................. ....•------.....-----...................................13
B. ORGANTLATION ........................................................................ ...:....................................................13
C. FIRST STOP .............................................................................. ........................................................14
D. CHII.D CARE ............................................................................ ........................................................15
E. TRANSpORTATION ................................................................... ........................................................15
F. SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES ................................................. ........................................................16
G. FAMILY VIOLENCE OpTION ..................................................... .................................................:......16
H. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT (lyIOE) .......................................... ........................................................16
I. CHII.D WELFARE SERVICES ..................................................... ........................................................17
VL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE .....»........»»...........»».»...»............»»...»....».....»».........»».»».........».17
VIL SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMII.IES.».»......»»....».......»»»............»....»»..».........».»».»...18
VIII. SERVICES TO NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS .»..»»......»..»...».».........» ...............»...»»»»........18
IX. EXEMPTION FROM THE WORK REQUIREMENT..»»......»..».»».»...»»............»....».»...».»....18
X. INNOVATIVE COUNTY STRATEGIES ..»..........»»....»..»..»»....».»........»...»......»».».»..»..»»»...» 18
DEMONSTRATION GRANT INITIATIVE ............................................ ............................................................ i~
...........................................
TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE .............................................................19
...........
...................................
INTENSIVE TEEN SUPPORT pROJECI' .............................................................20
..........
FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND COUNSELING ...............................................................................................20
THE CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT T12AINING (CET) ...................... .............................................................20
.................................
ORANGE T:~ITERPRLSES (OE) .............................................................20
.......................
ORANGE COUNTY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT/JOBLINK CENTER ....... .............................................................20
IMPROVED ACCESS FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES ................................ .............................................................21
XL SPECIAL. LSSUES ....................»..»..............».......»»........ .........»..............................................»»21
APPENDIX..» .............» ....»..».... .........»»........................» .»..»»».».........»24
ATTACHMENT 1: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
SERVICES AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION .............................................................................25
ATTACHIvv11lENT 2: DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ECONOMIC SERVICES ORGANIZATIONAL CHART...28
ATTACHIVIEN'T 3: ORANGE COUNTY WORK FIRST PLANNING COMIvIITTEE MII~~ERSHIP LIST .................29
ATTACHEMENT 4: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
AND ORANGE-PERSON-CHATIiAM AREA MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE
ABUSE AUTHORITY ..............................................................................................................................33
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Work First Block Grant Plan
Orange County
I. Conditions within the County
Orange County has a population of 124,313. It is uniquely diverse with 78% Caucasian,
13.8% Black, 4.5% Hispanic, and 4.1% Asian and Other. The per capita income for the
county is $41,435. The median family income is $45,527, ranked tenth in the state. Fifty
one percent of adults in Orange County have a college education, the highest percentage
in the state of North Cazolina. The state average of adults with college education is
22.5%. In Orange County, 87.6% of the population has a high school education
compazed to 78% for North Cazolina.
The average cost of a home in Orange County is $382,794 and the median cost is
$250,000. Orange County's tax rate is 99.8 cents, an increase of 4.18 cents. It is the
second highest property tax rate in the state.
The unemployment rate for July 2008 was 5.1 percent and has shown a slight increase
since Apri12008. In Orange County 16 businesses have either close or lay-off workers
this yeaz. Government (county, state, and municipalities) jobs account for 48% of the
county's workforce. The current economy with budget shortfalls and major deficits for
government has a major impact on job development and placement.
Orange County Economic Development Commission's State of the Local Economy
Report for Apri12008 captured the top ten employers in the county:
• UNC-Chapel Hill
• UNC Health Care System
• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Orange County Schools
• Orange County Government
• Town of Chapel Hill
• Sports Endeavors, Inc.
• HR Prime LLC
• Harris Teeter, Inc.
Orange County's current Work First population faces major obstacles in obtaining and
retaining employment. Work First participants are competing for jobs with a highly
skilled workforce. Unskilled and semi-skilled workers without a high school diploma
and a recent connection to the workforce aze unable to obtain jobs that provide a living
wage. The high cost of home ownership and the lack of safe, affordable rental housing
continue to be a major issue for low-income families in Orange County. Rental
households face serious challenges with high costs, inadequate supplies, and competition
with university students for limited housing availability.
6
Transportation to and from work, childcare transportation, and access to childcare
continue to be key issues for low income families. Lack of transportation is a major
barrier in assisting families' transition from dependency to independence. The market
rate for a five star childcare center for an infant exceeds $13,080 per year. Many
families need help paying the cost of quality childcare. Low-income~families will not be
able to provide childcare from 50% of their income. After school care and care during
holidays and inclement weather days present major hardships for families. Also, the lack
of daycare and transportation for second and third shift work is an issue.
Barriers such as substance abuse, criminal records, and chronic physical and mental
health problems have no quick fix. Frequently, individuals have faced more than one of
these barriers. As caseloads decline by individuals finding and sti ain;ng employment,
the ones remaining present the most complex barriers and challenge our creativity and
collaborative efforts in assisting them to self-sufficiency.
A profile of our Work First caseload is described below:
Work First Caseload Data
Cases with adults 99
Child-only cases 137
Total cases 236
Total recipients 462
Work First ProSle
• 95% are women, 5% are men
• 50% are under age 30, 50% are over
• 50% have high school diploma
• 47% live in Northern Orange
• 53% live in Southern Orange
• On average families have two children
• Average payment $216
Length of Time on Work First
• 0-6 months - 48%
• 7-12 months - 16%
• 13-24 months - 15%
• 25-36 months - 7%
• 37-48 months - 2%
• 49-60 months - 1
• Over 60 months- 11
II. Planning Process
A. Planning Committee
The full listing of participants can be found in Attachment 3.Organizations and
individuals represented on the planning committee include:
Boazd of Social Services Orange County Assistant Manager
Child Care Services Association Orange County Child Support
Chapel Hill-Cazrboro City Schools Orange County Department of Social
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Services
Commerce Orange County Health Department
Communities in Schools Orange County JobLink
Durham Tech Orange County Literacy Council
Dispute Settlement Center Orange County Partnership for Young
Economic Development Commission Children
Educational Opportunity Center Orange County Public Transportation
Employers Orange County Schools
Employment Security Commission Orange Enterprises, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health
Horizons Regional Partnership Worl~orce
HR Consulting Development Boazd
Interfaith Council Teen Pazent Expansion Program
Joint Orange-Chatham Community The Women's Center
Action Agency Town of Chapel Hill
OC Friends of the CFW Town of Chapel Hill Department of
OC Housing & Community Housing
Development L7NC-CH
Orange Community Housing & Land UNC Health Caze
Trust WF Participants
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B. Public Comment
The Orange County Work First Plan was available at several locations in the county for
public comment from September 21 through October 5, 2008. The plan was available at
the Orange County Public Libraries, Government Services Center, Skills Development
Center, Southern Human Services Center, Orange County Department of Social Services
and all planning partners. Notification was made to the public that the plan was available
for public comment by advertising in the News of Orange, the Chapel Hill News and The
Herald Sun. The plan was also available on the Internet at
http://www.co.orange.nc.us/socsvcs/wfplan.htm
C. Planning Process
Orange County Board of Social Services submitted recommendations for the planning
committee to the Orange County Boazd of County Commissioners on July 21, 2008.On
August 19, 2008, the Boazd appointed 56 members to the Work First Block Grant
Planning Committee. Four work group meetings with community leaders and Work First
participants were held on September 9, 2008, September 12, 2008 and September 15,
2008. Recommendations from the four work group meetings were shazed with the
planning committee on September 19, 2008.
More than 40 people representing a wide variety of community organizations attended
the first meeting on August 25, 2008 at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel
Hill. The first meeting provided an overview of Work First policy along with barriers,
issues and concerns facing Work First participants. Committee members signed up for a
choice of four work groups exploring strategies and opportunities in the azea of
employment, transportation, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and
family well-being.
On September 19, 2008 with more than 40 people attending, committee members heazd
presentations from the four work group meetings. These strategies and recommendations
were approved as the plan to achieve the county's outcomes and goals.
9
III.Ontcomes and Goals for the County
A. Statewide Work First Goals
The North Carolina Division of Social Services, in consultation with the county
department of social services and county boazd of commissioners, established
acceptable levels of performance for Orange County in meeting the following six
Work First goals:
1. Employment. Self-sufficiency will be realized primarily through the employment of
Work First clients.
2. Meeting Federal Participation Rates. Active participation in federal countable
work activities will lead to fiill time employment.
I. All Families Rate - 50%
II. Two Pazent Rate- 90%
3. Providing Employment Services. Active participation in intensive employment
services for all families in order to meet the participation rate and to ensure families
are served adequately before the end of five years. One measure of success is the
percentage of families who are required to participate in employment services that
counties are assisting with job preparation and job placement.
I. All Families- 80%
II. Two Pazent- 100%
4. Staving Off Welfare. Efforts to reduce welfaze rolls, help adults find jobs, and
increase self-sufficiency are undermined when families return to welfaze. Families
leaving Work First because of a job aze tracked to determine if they return to cash
assistance.
5. Job Retention. Families who leave Work First for employment and continue to be
employed 6 to 12 months after leaving the program show evidence of keeping their
income and increased job stability, which impacts a family's well being. This
measure will be based on the number of responsible adults that leave Work First
Family Assistance for employment who aze still employed at 6 and 12 month
intervals following termination.
6. Benefit Diversion. The most successful outcome possible is for an applicant to avoid
the need to become a recipient.
B. County Developed Outcome Goals
The Work First Planning Committee recommended to the County Commissioners to
continue with the following outcome goals. The Department of Social Services shall
continue to uphold its mission to provide quality services to the citizens of Orange
County. Specifically, the Department of Social Services should do so by seeking to assist
10
Work First participants in obtaining and maintaining employment; meeting federal and
state goals pertaining to employment and job retention; and helping families meet the
basic physical, social, educational, health, and economic needs of children and adults
who comprise Work First families.
Orange County exceeded all 6 outcome goals as defined by the Division of Social
Services.
Goal YTD
Em to ent 70 115
Sta off Work First 90% 96%
Benefit Diversion 155 228
Providin Em to ent Services 80% 93%
All Parent Partici ation Rate 50% 61%
Job Retention 60% 69%
iV. Plans to Achieve the Outcomes and Goals
Activities and Supportive Services
A. Activities
Employment Strategies and Recommendations
Outcome: Develop opportunities for Work First participants to improve their
employability through subsidized and unsubsidized employment, on-the job training,
work experience, job searches, job readiness and community services.
a. Build relationships with employers
b. Educate employers on tax incentives and on-the job training
c. Develop a relationship with local employers to offer mock interview sessions with
Work First participants
d. Explore and apply for offender grants
e. Build partnerships with local law schools and attorneys to assist with
expungements
f. Utilize former Work First participants as mentors and provide opportunities for
them to share their employment success stories
g. Implement on-the job training program
h. Establish an incentive program for participants to encourage job placement
i. Match skills and interest of participants with available job openings or
entrepreneurship
j. Develop more training opportunities for skill building to participants through
work experience .
k. Develop more work experience sites
1. Create a mechanism for screening and assessing clients knowledge, skills and
abilities
m. Provide retention services for twelve months
11
n. Build partnerships with Chamber of Commerce, Department of Labor, Job Link
Center and Employment Security Commission working with TANF eligible
families
B. Supportive Services
Outcome: Provide training programs that will increase the employability of Work First
Participants and their ability to locate and maintain employment.
a. Continue the twelve weeks Work First Enrichment Class an intensive and
structured employment prepazation program leading to a certificate of completion
b. Offer vocational skills training to Work First participants
c. Continue faith community partnering program
d. Collaborate with Wheels for Work and driver's training program
e. Collaborate with community agencies and make referrals as appropriate
f. Continue job coaching and mentoring programs for hazd to place participants
g. Provide intensive employment services for the hazdest to serve participants which
include: vocational assessment, job placement, and follow-up "
h. Offer incentives for participants working on a General Equivalency Diploma
(GED) and encourage employers to hire participants working on their diploma
i. Ensure participants have an awareness of transportation resources
j. Advocate for the needs of participants through public forums and poverty forums
in an effort to gain community support on issues
k. Research eazly drop-off childcaze issue. Explore using other centers
Outcome: Improve access to transportation for employment, vocational training and
child care for Work First Families.
a. Identify current van pooling routes within Orange County
b. Utilize van pooling for participants living and working in same proximity
a Collect information on existing transportation systems such as Triangle Transit
Authority, Orange Public Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit
d. Contract for Work First drivers for improved access
e. Assist in mazketing efforts for Triangle Transit Authority, Orange Public
Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit
f. Advocate for expanded resources for rural services
g. Enhance mass transit efforts by connecting short routes with longer routes
(connecting Orange Public Transportation with Triangle Transit Authority
h. Enhance the car donation program
i. Encourage financial education for Work First participants receiving car donations
or assist in purchasing a car
j. Assist Work First participants with down payment when financially possible
k. Assign clients to Employment Service workers/caseworkers based on consistency
of transportation needs (i.e. pick up more than one client at a time)
1. Re-open voided/previously used transit pick-up areas where there is currently no
service (in rural areas)
m. Advocate for transportation rate increases for daycazes
12
Outcome: Develop intervention strategies that empower and strengthen families through
the acquisition of basic necessities such as housing, nutrition, health, child care, support
networks, relationship building, life skill, communication skill, financial literacy and
engaging involvement from non-custodial parents.
a. Expand our job readiness model to include: role playing, health, literacy, financial
planning, budgeting, conflict resolution, credit counseling and self assessment
b. Strengthen education about family planning and consequences about lack of
family planning on benefits
c. Provide client information about educational resources which include literacy
council, computer training, general equivalency diploma, finances, nutrition and
father read, mother read and baby read programs
d. Determine clients enrolled in both Work First and the Health Department's
Maternal Caze Coordination or Child Services Coordination programs to utilize
their in home visits
e. Educate clients to be better consumers and advocates of their health caze
f. Refer clients to other agencies for health and nutrition information
g. Ensure clients aze awaze and educated on the importance of having two parents,
establishing paternity, and filing for child support
h. Utilize community resources to provide work adjustment services including job
coaching, job mentoring and peer mentoring
i. Develop a mentoring group from successful past participants in the Work First
program
j. Expand Fatherhood on the Move program
k. Expand and network more within the faith-based community
Outcome: Increase employability and sustainability for participants with mental health,
substance abuse, and domestic violence issues through treatment planning and supportive
services.
a. Conduct thorough family assessments
b. Provide domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse screenings and
referrals when appropriate
c. Identify Work First participants receiving services from other community
agencies as well as Child Protective Services to build a strong collaborative
network and develop a combined treatment plan through a collective team
approach
d. Improve relationship with Vocational Rehabilitation to assist families in
improving employment opportunities
e. Involve past Work First participants and community mentors in the program to
provide additional motivation and encouragement to current participants, helping
them stay focused on their goals for self-sufficiency
f. Incorporate additional "self care" education and incentives into the program
which will promote better physical and mental health for participants
g. Develop support and mentoring groups to sustain retention
13
Outcome: Provide individualized case management services that ensure the safety,
development and well-being of children.
a. Connect Families To Pazenting
^ Explore the possibility of teaching pazenting classes to participants that
cover all ages of child development
^ Encourage pazents to become comfortable working within the school
system an become advocates for their child's needs
b. Child care
^ Encourage pazents to become a partner with their childcare provider, in an
attempt to put parents in the role of a school involved parent
^ Explore the possibility of faith-based teams becoming involved as mentors
in this regazd
^ Identify family mentoring programs that may be currently available and
determine gaps in services
^ Provide resources to cover the cost of care while participants aze looking
for work
^ Identify a strategy to help pazents with the cost associated with
outstanding balances on pazent fees
^ Offer scholarships for school age children
^ Continue current subsidy programs
^ Advocate for additional subsidy for. low-income families
^ Develop individualized plans for pazents with special child caze needs
^ Ensure the DSS Boazd monitors the progress regazding the child caze
recommendations within the community
c. Other supportive services
^ Expand services to teens which include pregnancy prevention and
parenting
^ Provide emergency assistance for Work First eligible families (200% FPL)
^ Provide short-term diversion assistance for up to three months
V. Administration
A. Authority
Orange County Boazd of County Commissioners voted unanimously on August 19,
2008 to remain a standazd county. The Orange County Department of Social Services
will have the authority for administration of the Work First Program.
B. Organization
A copy of the Orange County DSS organizational chart has been attached to this
document (Attachment 2). The Income Maintenance Director has primary oversight
for the Work First Program. The main office for the Department of Social Services is
located at 300 W. Tryon Street in Hillsborough, the county seat. Services are also
available through our satellite office at 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill. A
14
number of employment and training agencies, including Work First and Employment
Services, aze co-located at the Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center.
A generic intake worker interviews Work First applicants when they appear at either
the Hillsborough or the Chapel Hill office. Their circumstances are assessed to
determine whether diversion assistance is appropriate or an application for ongoing
assistance should be initiated The intake worker also assesses for additional needs
such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc. During the interview process anon-exempt
Work First applicant is scheduled for orientation and work preparation. The Work
First Employment Services social workers handle these sessions. Two pazent
applicants aze referred during the application process to Employment Services. Work
First Cash Assistance and Employment Services aze consolidated into one unit to
fiuther enhance the agency's ability to meet performance goals. Work First
Employment Services social workers work with non-exempt individuals during the
processing period and provide the appropriate supportive services needed to help
families make the transition from welfare to work.
The Child-Only TANF cases aze handled by a social worker I. This worker provides
intensive short/long-term services to assist families who may be experiencing
difficulties that may disrupt family stability. The worker also completes the Work
First Reviews.
The Skills Development/JobLink Center is a broad-based skills training and
employment assistance program accessible to Work First participants and other
Orange County citizens. Co-located in the Center are staff from Durham Technical
Community College, Employment Security Commission, Orange County Literacy
Council, Joint Orange Chatham Community Action Agency (JOCCA), Good Work,
OC Disability Awareness Council, Educational Opportunity Center, Veteran
Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Work First. The Center staff
provide job training, cazeer interest assessments, job readiness, job search, workforce
investment act, unemployment insurance benefits, and job placement services. The
Department of Social Services is the lead agency with oversight for the Center.
C. First Stop
First Stop is designed to assist applicants and Work First recipients in becoming
employed. All non-exempt Work First applicants and recipients are required to
register with the Employment Security Commission, follow through on job referrals,
and attend work preparation workshops.
First Stop registration is conducted at the Employment Security Commission office in
Hillsborough. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the
Employment Security Commission and the Orange County Department of Social
Services is attached (Attachment 1). Orange County continues to utilize First Stop
services. The Employment Security Commission continues to assist clients by
providing job seazch, job development, and job placement services.
15
D. Child Care
Orange County Social Services provides day care subsidy payments to eligible
families as defined by federal, state and local policy. When insufficient funds are
available to meet demand, a waiting list is implemented. The following policy
outlines the priority for payments when a waiting list is in place.
1. Child Protective Services (CPS) active cases or other Child Welfare Services
when necessazy to assure protection of children
2. Children in OCDSS custody (Foster Care) to support employment of cazetaker or
other need
3. Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) recipients employed or who are
participating in approved activities or training
4. Teen parents who need child Gaze to complete High School Education or its
equivalency
5. Children who reside in homeless families to ensure safety and protection
6. To support employment. Priority is given to those employed full-time
7. To support part-time employment
8. To support education or training leading to employment
9. Children who need child care for their Developmental Needs
Orange County is currently serving families through and including number 5.
State regulations require that certain funds be set aside each yeaz to serve children
with Special Needs. Once these set aside funds aze expended, children with special
needs are placed on the waiting list in the appropriate category.
E. Transportation
Ongoing communication exists between DSS and Orange Public Transportation, the
local transportation agency. DSS staffmembers serve on the local transportation
boazd and articulate the needs of Work First participants during transportation
planning sessions. In addition, DSS has an agreement with OPT for the services of a
transportation mobility manager to develop individual transportation plans and for the
use of a vehicle to transport Work First participants.
As a result of the collaboration, local transportation routes have been expanded to
meet the needs of some Work First participants and the Wheels for Work Program
was developed. The Wheels For Work Program matches donated vehicles with low
income working families, and assists low income working families with caz repairs.
There is no cost to riders using the Chapel Hill Transit System. Work First
participants living and working on the bus line take advantage of this service. For
Work First families living outside of the Chapel Hill Transit System, transportation
continues to be a major barrier.
Work First participants with access to personal vehicles receive a mileage
reimbursement. Others carpool, vanpool, utilize Orange Public Transportation or
16
Triangle Transit Authority. NC Department of Transportation grant funds are used to
meet the various transportation needs of former Work First participants.
Orange County DSS also utilizes bus passes, van pools, and some use of taxis to
assist individuals to get to and from their work activities.
F. Substance Abase Services
Orange Person Chatham (OPC) Area Mental Health Authority received funding to
continue the on-site Qualified Professional Substance Abuse (QPSA) position in
Orange County. OPC Mental Health will continue to provide substance abuse
services to Work First families through contract services. As part of mental health
reform, OPC Mental Health Authority contracted with Chrysalis Foundation to
perform the initial screening and assessment of Work First participants. A
representative from Chrysalis Foundation will be on site two days per week and will
be available by telephone.
Orange County DSS works closely with IJNC-Hospitals, Horizons, and Sunrise staff
for residential and outpatient treatment services for Work First participants. A copy
of the Memorandum of Agreement between OPC Area Mental Health and Orange
County Department of Social Services is attached (Attachment 4).
G. Family Violence Option
Orange County DSS has a contract with the Family Violence Prevention Center of
Orange County to provide full assessments of domestic violence, counseling and
support group sessions, and coordinate any needed services such as emergency
housing, transportation, and legal services.
H. Maintenance of Effort (MOE)
Orange County will utilize Maintenance of Effort funds to support activities that will
lead to employment and self-sufficiency. Some of the services and programs
eazmazked for funding are:
• Salaries and fringe benefits for Work First Cash and Employment staff, and some
emergency assistance staff
• Professional services contracts with vendors and community service agencies that
serve Work First families
• New initiatives identified during the yeaz by the Block Grant Planning Committee
• Participant expenses related to education, training, job readiness, job retention,
and other expenses directly related to participants obtaining and retaining
employment
• Emergency assistance services
• Day care services for eligible children aimed at employment and employment
preparation
17
I. Child Welfare Services
Economic Services and Child Welfare Units will collaborate to ensure the safety and
well-being of children. Orange County will spend over $418,144 of the Work First
Block Grant for Child Welfaze Services.
VI. Emergency Assistance
Orange County will provide emergency assistance to families based on the following
criteria:
• The family has a child who lives with a relative as defined for Work First Cash
Assistance
• Total gross income does not exceed 200% of the poverty level
• Family members meet the citizenship requirements as outlined in Work First Cash
Assistance
• Assistance for medical Gaze will be provided with maintenance of effort dollars.
• Meet the income and asset limits (The asset limit is $3,000 in resources that can
be readily converted to cash in five days.)
• Be in an emergency situation
• Not have received Work First-EA within the past 6 consecutive months
An emergency situation includes but is not limited to:
• Homelessness or in immediate danger of becoming homeless
• Utility disconnection received
• Loss of employment
• Catastrophic illness
• Loss of supporting family member
• Natural disaster
• A child at risk of being deprived of the basic necessities
TANF-EA is used for non-recurring, short-term needs.
Services provided include housing, food, and utility assistance. Benefits will be in
response to a specific episode of need and will not meet the federal definition of
assistance. Orange County will provide assistance using the voucher method. Benefits
will be limited to $300 per applicant/per yeaz. The total dollaz amount of Emergency
Assistance is $150,000.
Emergency assistance may be used to stabilize the family or to avoid out-of-home
placement of the child (ren). Asocial worker of the case whether in Child Welfaze,
Prevention Service, Employment Services, or Adult Services will provide an assessment
and determine the type of assistance needed. All families utilizing emergency assistance
will be provided financial counseling with topics that include basic budget and money
management techniques to empower and strengthen financial literacy.
18
VII. Services to Low-Income Families
Orange County DSS will provide services to low income employed families at or below
200% of poverty. Services may include transportation or transportation related expenses,
work attire, tools, shelter cost, or utility assistance, domestic violence services, and any
other employment retention assistance or social work intervention with at risk families as
funds are available. The amount of funds that will be available for 200% will be directly
related to the number of cases in the Work First caseload.
VIII. Services to Non-Custodial Parents
Orange County Department of Social Services is committed to providing assistance in the
development of an initiative to serve non-custodial pazents. We recognize that the need
for child support in Work First families is critical to them becoming and remaining self-
sufficient. There aze 253 Work First families at any one time. Of this number there aze
about 275 non-custodial pazents, generally fathers. Of the 275 non-custodial pazents,
there aze 145 child-only cases with both pazents absent. Orange County will implement a
non-custodial pazent program to improve the employment skills and enhance pazental
responsibility for the emotional and financial well being of children.
Program participants must be anon-custodial pazent of a Work First child with income at
or below 200% of poverty, and a US citizen or an eligible alien. Program participants
will be identified through Child Support Enforcement. The program's initial focus will
be on fathers.
The fatherhood initiative will enable non-custodial fathers of Work First children to take
more responsibility for their children. The Work First Block Grant Planning Committee
believes that with county and nonprofit agency partnerships, this program will help to
improve the lives of Work First non-custodial pazents, their children, and custodial
parents.
IX. Exemption from the Work Requirement
Orange County will continue to exempt all single parents with children under the age of
one for a lifetime limit of 12 months. Individuals with children under the age of one who
aze working 30 hours per week are not eligible for this exemption. If the single parent
loses their job, they may reclaim the exemption for a lifetime maximum of 12 months.
X. Innovative County Strategies
Demonstration Grant Initiative
Orange County participated in a 3 yeaz Work First Demonstration Crrant with the
Division of Social Services with the final yeaz to be completed June 30, 2009. This grant
initiative has allowed for atwelve-week comprehensive job readiness and enrichment
program providing a more hands-on learning environment for Work First participants.
The class has four main components that drive it. These components include immediate
19
engagement, a "no excuses" atmosphere, significant rewazds for accomplishments, and a
driven and committed staff. These components work together to empower participants
in the class to take control of their lives and make changes required to gain lasting
employment. The curriculum is very extensive and clients leave the class with a high
level of confidence in their abilities as a result. The class begins with life-skills training
that sets the foundation for the rest of the course. Two weeks of work experience training
in addition to supplemental in-class sessions allow participants to make mistakes in
worry-free environment. The work experience sessions aze divided to allow time for
feedback and work improvement. There aze 7 weeks of employability training. The class
has involved collaboration with Durham Technical Community College, the Dispute
Settlement Center, Cooperative Extension, The Orange county Skills Development
Center, the Women's Center, IIK Consulting (financial literacy), and the Employment
Security Commission. In addition to the classroom skills, participants aze assisted in
developing strong interpersonal skills through a series of projects and assignments. This
facet of the class helps clients prepaze for work and life by helping them to build effective
relationships with one another, hold themselves accountable for individual actions, work
as a team, rebuild broken family relationships, build healthy coping skills, and develop a
personal mission statement and life goals. The class is effective because of its unique
blend of education and training combined with motivation and support.
Other components of grant aze:
• A job coach to assist participants with life management skills necessary to
manage home, meet the development and educational needs of their children, and
enforce workplace behaviors (punctuality, attendance, positive attitudes and work
attire).
• A medical social worker to assess persons with disabilities, serious health and
mental health problems, learning disabilities and other barriers; to follow through
on strategies for independence. The social worker completes a comprehensive
assessment of participants and provides intensive case management. Social
worker assists with completion of SSI applications and gathers all the required
documentation. Referrals are made and transportation is provided.
• Incentives for participants in work activities. Incentives to be used are gift cazds,
gas cards, clothing allowances, and a $3,000 car allowance for su. wining
employment for 6 months.
Transuortation Initiative
A transportation coordinator works individually with Work First clients to arrange
transportation for employment or other work-related activities. This position is funded in
collaboration with Orange Public Transportation and Work First. In addition, this
position coordinates the Wheels for Work Caz Donation Program. Fifteen Work First
participants and 15 working low-income families received cars in fiscal yeaz 2006-2007.
Transitional Funds from NC Department of Transportation were used to assist 52 former
Work First participants in obtaining and maintaining transportation resources.
20
Intensive Teen SnDnort Proiect
This project was designed to expand the case management services to pregnant and
parenting teens. Research studies support that intervention and preventive services to
teens significantly impact school attendance, employability, and out of .wedlock births.
Two Adolescent Parenting social workers are housed in the Orange County School and
Chapel Hill Carrboro School Systems to facilitate a school based support group for teen
parents and at risk students focusing on pregnancy prevention, health and academic and
career planning issues.
Financial Education and Counseling
The DSS has a contract with H. R. Consulting and the Women Center to teach financial
life skills and household management. The goal of the programs is to assist families in
developing the capacity to track and prioritize expenditures and become independent.
The Center For Emulovment Training (CET)
Orange County has a contract with CET to provide Work First participants training in the
areas of Automated General and Medical Office Skills, Electronics Technology, Medical
Insurance Billing, and Shipping and Receiving/Warehouse. CET will place 70% of the
Work First participants who complete the programs in to employment and place 70% of
those employed in a training related job utilizing their skills acquired in their course of
study.
Orange Enterarises (OE)
Orange Enterprises provides vocational evaluations, facility based work adjustment, job
placement, and follow up for the hardest to place Work First participants. During the
evaluation period, the participant is paid minimum wage. The evaluation period is six
weeks long. The participant is given many opportunities to work and improve work
habits.
Orange County Skills Develoument/Jo6Link Center
On January 11, 1999, the Orange County Skills Development /JobLink Center located at
503 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina began providing a comprehensive
array of employment and gaining services in a holistic manner. The Center was
rechartered in April 2004 as a level III JobLink Center. Chartering demonstrated the
Center's history of collaboration among human service agencies and the alignment with
the ideals associated with the vision of a one-stop career center. Orange County
Department of Social Services is the lead agency for the Center.
The Skills DevelopmenbJobLink Center:
• Offers comprehensive employment and gaining services to job seekers and
employers.
• Enables citizens to make informed choices about careers and employers can make
informed decisions about workplace needs.
The agencies located in the Center are Orange County Department of Social Services,
Employment Security Commission (ESC), Joint Orange Chatham Community Action
Agency (JOCCA), NC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVR),
21
Durham Technical Community College (DTCC), the Orange County Literacy Council
(OCLC), Good Work, Educational Opportunity Center, Horizons' CASAWORKS, and
the Orange County Disability Awareness Council.
A customer entering the Center encounters a unified system of services. A common
intake process is used. The common application connects the customer to the entire
system of workforce development opportunities. All customers are able to obtain a basic
assessment of skills, interests, and aptitudes if they choose. All people, including special
populations such as welfare recipients, persons with disabilities, dropouts, dislocated
workers, and others, have access to services. This model is predicated heavily on
customer choice with services ranging from-self-service to staff assisted service.
Improved Access for Hisyanic Families
Orange County Department of Social Services is committed to improving the
accessibility of core services to persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Ongoing efforts have been made to increase the cultural competency of staff through
workshops, providing county sponsored Spanish language classes, and developing an
LEP procedure handbook. Staff have been working to make available linguistically
appropriate printed documents for clients whenever possible. The Orange County
Department of Social Services has contracts with a number of interpreters and translators
and has developed a Spanish voice mail system. Regazding staff, the department has
worked to recruit bilingual staff and to enhance current staff members' skills by
participating in a Spanish immersion program.
XI. SpecialIssnes
Orange County's current Work First population faces multiple obstacles in obtaining and
retaining employment. Work First participants aze competing for jobs with a highly
skilled workforce. Unskilled and semi-skilled workers without a high school diploma
and a recent connection to the workforce are unable to obtain jobs that provide a living
wage. Barriers such as substance abuse, criminal records, and chronic physical and
mental health problems have no quick fix. They are resolved as a result of participant
commitment, adequate resources, and time.
Employment barriers are realities for low-income families in Orange County. Listed
below aze typical barriers experienced by low-income families in Orange County from
the Work First Planning Sessions:
• Lack of adequate and affordable transportation
• Lack of education
• Limited work experience
• Lack ofnon-traditional dependent care hours
• Lack of affordable housing
• Chemical dependency
• Lack of resources to handle crises
22
Jobs paying a living wage require more skill and education than participants have.
Orange County Work First participants are competing against a highly educated pool for
entry-level positions. Work First participants typically have insufficient financial
supports and personal resources to handle problems that occur. Few participants have
back-up arrangements for childcare or transportation when their everyday
routinechanges.
Orange County's vision and mission statement apply to all citizens in Orange County.
The County has in place a safety net of services for those people who do not have success
through Work First or other programs. The Work First Block Crrant Planning Committee
will continue to address issues that affect the success oflow-income families in Orange
County and implement action steps to improve the well-being of families.
23
XIL CERTIFICATION
The Orange County Board of Social Services actively participated in the planning process for the
Orange County Work First Plan. The Board of Social Services supports the strategies for
meeting the statewide and county outcome goals identified by the community.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners certifies that a committee of Orange
County citizens was formed called the Work First Planning Committee. The Planning Committee
identified the needs of the Work First population, and assisted in the development of the County
Plan. The Work First Plan was available for public comment as designated by the North Carolina
General Assembly.
Chairperson
Orange County Board of County Commissioners
24
Appendiz
25
Attachment 1: Memorandum of Understanding Orange County Department of
Social Services and Employment Security Commission
This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is entered into 12~` day of September 2006, by
and between the North Cazolina Employment Security Commission hereinafter referred to as
"ESC, 601 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough North Cazolina 27278 and the Orange County
Department of Social Services, hereinafter referred to as "DSS", P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough,
North Carolina 27278.
WITNESSETH
Whereas, there is established in ESC, a program. to be called "First Stop Employment
Assistance" (hereinafter referred to as "First Stop") which is designed to assist applicants and
recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, known as "Work First", through job
registration, job preparedness and community service; and
Whereas, the Work First Program is a program of public- assistance to provide eligible
families with short-term assistance to facilitate their movement to self-sufficiency through
employment; and
Whereas, the Work First Program in Orange County shall utilize the registration process
of the First Stop Program; and
Whereas, this Memorandum of Understanding is entered into to define the
responsibilities of DSS and ESC in Orange County in the cooperation of First Stop subject to the
duties and limitations of the agencies established by law.
Now, Therefore, the parties agree as follows:
1. The components of First Stop aze: a. job registration; b. job seazch; c. job prepazedness; and
d. community service.
2. The parties agree that the Employment Security Commission is the presumptive primary
deliverer of job placement services for the Work First Program and is the primary job
placement entity for the Work First Program as provided by G. S. 108A-29(al) and (a5).
The parties agree that the Community College System is the lead agency for delivery of job
training, literacy and adult education programs in the state as provided in G.S. 115D-1. The
parties agreed that Orange County DSS is the primary deliverer of Work First Diversion
Assistance, Work First Family Assistance, and Work First Employment Services as provided
in G.S. 108A-27(b).
3. It is agreed that co-location of County Department of Social Services, ESC representatives,
and other workforce development entities would assist in the effective administration of First
Stop at the Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center at 503 West Franklin Street,
Chapel Hill, NC.
26
4. Applicants and recipients seeking to apply or reapply for Work First and who aze not exempt
from the work requirements shall register with ESC. The point of registration shall be with
the ESC Offices located at 601 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC and 503 W. Franklin
Street, Chapel Hill, NC
5. ESC shall refer registrants to job openings, make job development contacts for registrants,
review eligibility for unemployment incnrance and provide instruction to registrants for
applying for the Federal Earned Income Credit, and information regarding The Work
Opportunity Tax Credit.
6. ESC shall report to bSS any applicant's or recipient's lack of cooperation in required or
optional First Stop Programs.
7. ESC and DSS may enter a cooperative agreement to provide all components of First Stop
other than the required job registration. The optional components aze: a. job seazch; b. job
prepazedness; and c. community service.
8. ESC shall promote the utilization of private employment services in the First Stop Program.
ESC shall encourage private employment services to accept referrals of Work First
participants by ESC.
9. ESC shall develop and distribute information to all employers concerning the "No Fault
Referral" as the same as set forth in G.S. 96-9c (2) b (iv) that includes provisions that an
employer's unemployment incnrance account will not be charged if an employer separates an
employee within 100 days of hire solely for bona fide inability to do the work and the
employee was hired through a job order placed ESC.
10. ESC shall distribute information to employers concerning the "Work Opportunity Tax Credit,
which provides a federal tax credit to employers who hire new employees from seven
"Tazgeted" groups which have historically had difficulty in finding employment. Recipients
of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) aze included in these "Tazgeted
"groups.
11. ESC shall, through its Labor Mazket Information Division, provide statistical information on
unemployment rates, labor trends by country, licensing requirements, economic development
data, and career projection data and other data as is necessary.
12. ESC shall serve as the administrator for the Job Service Employer Committee's (hereinafter
JSEC) serving Orange County and shall utilize the ESC designated JSEC in Orange County
to oversee the operation of the First Stop Program and issue recommendations to improve the
First Stop Program.
13. It is the desire of the parties that this Memorandum of Understanding not require re-
execution each fiscal year. This Memorandum of Understanding shall be binding upon the
parties for term beginning July 1, 2009 and continue in full force and effective until amended
27
or terminated by the parties as set forth herein, based upon Federal and State policy. No
funds are committed under this agreement.
14. This Agreement may be modified or amended at any time by DSS or ESC in whole or in part
with the consent of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their
name by their duly authorized officers, their seals to be hereto affixed the day and year first
above written.
ATTEST:
Pamela Rich, Manager
Employment Security Commission
Nancy Coston, Director
Orange County Department of Social Services
This MOU does not create an obligation to purchase and, therefore, has not been preaudited.
28 -
Attachment 2: Department of Social Services Economic Services Organizational Chart
ECONOMIC SERVICES UNIT
Prevention Services Work Ftrst Services
Soelal work work Fist
Supervisor Supervisor
(~) (t)
Human Services
Coordinator
(~)
Family Specialist
I61
Social WoArer 11
(3)
Lead Worker
(~)
Olfice Supervisor II
(t)
Human 8srvkxs
Coordinator
(~~
1110 II
(~
SoeW Workers II
(sl
Intake
Supervisor
(~)
Lead
Work
(~)
IMC lu
!61
Soefal Workers l
ct>
Tkne Limited
Social Worker II
(~)
Hurrran SVC
Coord
(~)
CSST
(2)
Hospital
Intake
Temp
Ir~orne MatiL
Supervisor
(1)
IMC n
(t1
Income Maintenanes
services
income Mairrtsnanee
Supervisor
Irrhke Aduk Support
Supervisor Supervisor
~~) (~)
MedkaidfFood
Stamp
(1)
Lead Lead Lead
Worker Worker WoAuer
It) (~) Ct)
u1c m men lMC m
(8) (~ (~)
IMC 0 IMC 1 IMC n
ctl c+~ m
IMC I
(~ ~ IMC I
(Z)
29
Attachment 3: Orange County Work First Planning Committee Membership List
Oran a Coun Work First Plannin committee m emoersrn ~~si
First Name Last Name A enc Address Ci Zi Code
Althea Austin Holmes Child Care PO Box 1168 Carrboro, NC 27510
109 N. Graham
Delores Baffle Em erment Inc. St, Suite 200 Cha I Hill, NC ~ 27516
Economic
Development 110 E. King Hillsborough,
Brad) Broadwell Commission Street NC 27278
500 Valley Hillsborough
Kath B an Oran a Ente rises Fo a Road NC 27278
1208 MKL Jr.
Carla Calix Citizen Blvd Lt 336 Cha 1 Hill, NC 27514
Hillsborough 121 West Hillsborough
Ma aret Cannel) Chamber of Comm. Ma aret St. NC 27278
Mildred Council Em to er 110 Emil Rd. Cha I Hill NC 27514
Regional Partnership
Workforce 8607 High Rock
Cleon Currie Develo ment Board Road Efland, NC 27243
Orange County 503 W. Franklin
Kell Davis Literac Council Street Cha I Hill, NC 27516
Orange Community 104 Jones
Housing Sz Land Ferry Rd.,
Robert Dowlin Trust Suite C Carrboro, NC 27510
323 Lakeshore Hillsborough
Natasha Evans Citizen Drive NC 27278
Orange County Hillsborough,
Tara Fikes Housin PO Box 8181 NC 27278
Orange County 106 Claris
Valerie Foushee Commissioner Court Cha I Hill NC 27514
300 Millstone Hillsborough
Rev. Sharon Freeland OCIM Dr. NC 27278
501 West
Commission for Franklin St.,
Jennifer Galassi Women Suite 104 Cha 1 Hill, NC 27516
Board of Social Chapel Hill,
Pat Garava lia Services ~ 7 Ellen Place NC 27514
30
Dir. of Women's
Ann Gerhardt Center PO Box 1057 Cha I Hill NC 27514
604 Nunn
Victor Glover Citizen Street Cha I Hill NC 27516
Asst County 200 S. Cameron Hillsborough
Gwen Harve Mana er Street NC 27278
Case Manager- Orange County
Community Care Health Dept,. Hillsborough
C nthia Hei ht Central Carolina P.O. Box 8181 NC 27278
Orange County
Dispute Settlement 302 West.
Frances Henderson Center Weaver St. Carrboro, NC 27510
6809 St Mary's Hillsborough
Tara Howard Citizen Rd. NC 27278
Case Manager- Orange County
Community Care Health Dept Hillsborough
Anita Hill Central Carolina P.O. Box 8181 NC 27278
101 Lloyd
Sarah Kenn EI Centro Latino Street Carrboro NC 27510
Dir. Of Human 101 Manning
Resource Services- Dr. Rm. 6017
Norman Klase UNC Health Care EW Cha 1 Hill, NC 27514
1829 E.
Franklin Street
Susan Le Habitat for Humani Suite 12006 Cha 1 Hill NC 27514
1637 Lawson
Dina Lo an Durham Tech Street Durham NC 27703
120 Fraizer Rd.
Che I Lownes Citizen Lot 12 Mebane NC 27302
Orange County 503 W. Franklin
Melinda Marsh JobLink Street Cha I Hill NC 27516
649 Council
Robin Meritt Citizen Lane Cha 1 Hill, NC 27516
110 W. Main
Chris Moran Inter-Faith Council Stn:et Carrboro, NC 27510
Aaron Nelson Cha 1 Hill Chamber 1045 Estes Dr. Cha I Hill, NC 27515
Chapel Hill-Carrboro 750 S. Merritt
Neil . Pedersen Ci Schools Mill Rd. Cha I Hill, NC 27510
Town of Hillsborough
Eric Peterson Hillsborou h PO Box 429 NC 27278
31
109 N. Graham
Harve Reid HR Consultin St, Suite 202 Cha I Hill, NC 27516
Dept OBGYN
Connie Renz Horizons CB 7579 UNC Cha I Hill, NC 27599
Patrick
Rhodes Orange County
Schools 200 E. King
Street Hillsborough
NC
27278
601 Valley Hillsborough
Pamela Rich Mana er of ESC For a Rd. NC 27278
CedarGrove Day Cedar Grove,
Wandra Richardson Care PO Box 36 NC 27231
1829 E.
OC Partnership for Franklin Street,
Mar aret Samuels Youn Children Suite 12000 Cha I Hill NC 27501
2136 N.
Joe Robbins DSS Board Member Lakeshore Dr. Cha I Hill, NC 27514
838 Airport
Karen Rose Town of Cha 1 Hill Road Cha I Hill, NC 27514
Child Care Services
Sue Russell Association PO Box 664 Cha I Hill, NC 27514
Hillsborough
Sandra Sanchez JOCCA PO Box 27 NC 27312
Board of Social 9419 Theresa
Arthrell Sanders Services Lane Rou emont NC 27572
Communities in
Sheila Sholes-Ross Schools PO Box 9454 Cha I Hill, NC 27515
Dir. Of Human Rights 501 W. Franklin
Shoshannah Smith 8< Relations St Suite 104 Cha I Hill NC 27516
Child Support Hillsborough
Janet S rks Enforcement PO Box 8181 NC 27278
Orange County 300 W. Tryon Hillsborough
Rosema Summers Health De artment St NC 27278
554 North Nash Hillsborough
Sharon Tate LitfJe Treasures Street NC 27278
Orange County 300 W. Tryon Hillsborough
AI Te Trans ortation St NC 27278
100 Europa
Jud Truitt OPC Drive Suite 490 Cha 1 Hill, NC 27517
Chapel Hill Dept of 317 Caldwell
Tina Vau hn Housin St Ext Cha I Hill, NC 27514
32
In rid
Weber NC Vocational
Rehabilitation 548 Smith
Level Road
Carrboro, NC
27510
5515 Old
Board of Social Greensboro
Albert Williams Services Rd. Cha I Hill NC 27516
Dir. of Family
Violence Prevention
Kenneth Wilson Center PO Box 187 Cha 1 Hill NC 27514
33
Attachment 4: Memorandum of Agreement Orange County Department of Social Services
and the Orange-Person-Chatham Area Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and
Substance Abuse Authority
I. INTENT: This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is entered into and by the Orange
County Department of Social Services and the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental
Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Authority hereinafter referred to as
"Area Program". The Work First Program provides short-term assistance to eligible
families by facilitating their movement to self-sufficiency through employment. The
objective of this agreement is to reduce substance related barriers to employment of
current Work First recipients, applicants, and Work First and Food Stamp applicants
convicted of a Class H or I substance abuse felony offenses. The Memorandum of
Agreement establishes the responsibilities of the above referenced agencies in meeting
the objective.
II. Responsibilities Under the Memorandum of Agreement. The responsibilities of each
Agency aze as follows:
A. Area Program/Contractor:
1. Representation on the committee responsible for developing the Work First County
Plan.
2. Contract the QPSA responsibilities to Chrysalis Foundation for Mental Health.
3. Chrysalis Foundation for Mental Health will provide at least one day per week on
site-assessment and referral to recipients in need of substance abuse services based on
a schedule agreed to by County Departments of Social Services and the Area
Program.
4. Share in the responsibility for initial screening of recipients and applicants.
5. Provide substance abuse prevention and/or medically necessary services for the
recipients' children.
6. Develop a caze coordination plan for the recipient while receiving substance abuse
services.
7. Authorize the appropriate level of caze of recipients identified as requiring substance
abuse services.
B. Orange County Department of Social Services:
1. Representation on the Area Program committee that develops the Work First
Substance Abuse Plan.
2. Provide office space for Qualified Substance Abuse Professional.
3. Provide initial screening of recipients and applicants.
4. Develop a case coordination plan for the recipient while receiving substance abuse
services.
5. Assist recipients in accessing childcare and transportation services.
34
C. Joint Responsibilities:
1. Develop a plan for current Work First recipients, applicant, and Work First and Food
Stamp applicants convicted of Class H or I substance abuse felony offenses to access
substances abuse, mental health and developmental disabilities services.
2. Utilize the screening tool identified by DMH/DD/SAS and the Substance Use
Disorder Diagnostic Schedule (SUDDS) IV assessment tool. These standardized
tools are to be used by all programs receiving funds to implement this initiative.
3. Utilize the standardized consent form to facilitate confidentiality as provided by the
State Division of Social Services.
4. Annual cross training of staff.
5. Ensure that childcare and transportation are not barriers to accessing substance abuse
services.
6. Develop a reporting system ofnon-compliance by recipients pursuant to the
requirements of the Work First Substance Abuse Program.
III.. LIAISON: For the Orange County Department of Social Services, Yvette Smith,
Director of Economic Services, will serve as liaison under these MOA. For the Orange-
Person-Chatham Area Mental Health/Departmental Disabilities/Snbstance Abuse
Authority Tom Velivil, Service System Manager, will serve as liaison under MOA.
IV. MOA AMENDMENT: This MOA may be amended at any time with the concurrence
of both agencies.
Judy Truitt, Director
Orange-Person-Chatham Area Program
Nancy Coston, Director
Orange County Department of Social Services
Date Date