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Home My WebLink AboutNS -Grant - Work First Block Grant Local PlanORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 2, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: Work First Block Grant Local Plan DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No ATTACHMENT(S): (Under Separate Cover) Work First Plan INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Coston, 245 -2802 Gwen Price, 245 -2885 PURPOSE:' To consider approval of the two -year Work First Plan for 2007 -2009. BACKGROUND: Work First is North Carolina's cash assistance and employment services program for low- income families with children and is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, state, and county funds. North Carolina General Statutes require counties to submit their strategies for meeting the state and federal goals through a county plan. A local stakeholders group was appointed by the Commissioners in August and this group has met during the last few months to make recommendations about the needs of Work First clients and low- income families in Orange County. A draft of the plan was approved by the stakeholders and was advertised for public comment. This plan will become effective October 2007. The Social Services Board has reviewed and approved the plan. The Work First planning meetings provided an opportunity for the community to review the progress being made and to address issues related to low- income families with children in Orange County. Based on this input, goals and strategies for improving the community response to these families were developed. Four workgroups met to discuss employment, transportation, mental health (including substance abuse and domestic violence) and family well- being. Each workgroup developed strategies to address these issues and all of the strategies were incorporated into the plan. Some of the strategies discussed included enhancing on- the -job training programs and incentives for participants seeking employment; providing extensive assessment and intensive case management services for participants with multiple barriers; developing additional transportation options for participants in rural areas; and developing comprehensive interagency plans for participants with mental health issues or other disabilities. If approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the plan would be submitted to the Division of Social Services for review and approval. Plans do not receive final approval until the General Assembly has an opportunity for input into the process. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact in approving the plan although the plan does specify priorities for current or future funds available through Work First. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Manager recommends that the Board approve the plan. 3 +1 E . 1�, QffaTO'i Orange County Department of Social Services Work First County Plan October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2009 Nancy Coston, Director PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919 - 732 -8181 ncoston(a,co.oranize.nc.us Gwendolyn Price PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919 - 732 -8181 price(a,co.oran2e.nc.us El Public Comment Period: October 2 through October 16, 2006 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 and neighborhood organizations, and Work First participants designed the attached plan to administer Work First in Orange County from October 2007 to September 2009. The public may review and comment on this draft plan prior to its submission to the Board of County Commissioners. Public comments will be received from October 2, 2006 through October 16, 2006. Following approval by the Board, the plan must then be submitted to the North Carolina Division of Social Services, which will in turn present the collective State Plan to the North Carolina General Assembly. Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through October 16, 2006. Please submit your comments by e-mail, mail, or in person at the Social Services reception area office or fax to: Nancy Coston, Director PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919 - 732 -8181 (phone) 919- 644 -3005 (fax) ncoston Aso. orange. nc.us Gwendolyn Price PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919- 732 -8181 (phone) 919- 644 -3005 (fax) price(a,co.orangre.nc.us 5 TABLE OF CONTENTSI. CONDITIONS WITHIN THE COUNTY ......................... ..............................7 WORK FIRST CASELOAD DATA ............................................................................. .............................10 WORKFIRST PROFILE ............................................................................................. .............................10 LENGTH OF TIME ON WORK FIRST ..................................................................... .............................10 H. PLANNING PROCESS ............................................................................................ .............................11 A. PLANNING COMMITTEE ..................................................................................... ..............................1 I B. PUBLIC COMMENT .............................................................................................. .............................11 C. PLANNING PROCESS ............................................................................................ .............................12 M. OUTCOMES AND GOALS FOR THE COUNTY .............................................. .............................12 A. STATEWIDE WORK FIRST GOALS ............................................................................ .............................12 1. Employment ................................................................................................... .............................12 2. Meeting Federal Participation Rates ............................................................ .............................12 3. Providing Employment Services ................................................................... .............................13 4. Benefit Diversion ........................................................................................... .............................13 5. Staying Off Welfare ....................................................................................... .............................13 6 Job Retention ................................................................................................. .............................13 B. COUNTY DEVELOPED OUTCOME GOALS .................................................................. .............................13 IV. PLANS TO ACHIEVE THE OUTCOMES AND GOALS .................................. .............................14 ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ...................................................................... .............................14 EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. .............................14 V. ADMINISTRATION .............................................................................................. .............................17 A. AUTHORITY ........................................................................................................ .............................17 B. ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................... .............................17 C. FIRST STOP ......................................................................................................... .............................18 D. CHILD CARE ....................................................................................................... .............................18 E. TRANSPORTATION .............................................................................................. .............................19 F. SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES ............................................................................ .............................20 G. FAMILY VIOLENCE OPTION ................................................................................ .............................20 H. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT (MOE) ..................................................................... .............................20 I. CHILD WELFARE SERVICES ................................................................................ .............................21 VI. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ............................................................................... .............................21 VH. SERVICES TO LOW- INCOME FAMILIES ...................................................... .............................22 VIII. SERVICES TO NON - CUSTODIAL PARENTS ............................................... .............................22 IX. EXEMPTION FROM THE WORK REQUIREMENT ....................................... .........:...................22 X. INNOVATIVE COUNTY STRATEGIES .............................................................. .............................22 TRANSPORTATIONINITIATIVE .........................:............................................................ .............................22 FAITHTEAM INVOLVEMENT ......................................................................................... .............................23 INTENSIVE TEEN SUPPORT PROJECT ............................................................................. .............................23 FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND COUNSELING .................................................................. .............................23 THE CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT TRAINING (CET) ...................................................... .............................23 ORANGEENTERPRISES (OE) ........................................................................................ .............................23 ORANGE COUNTY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT /JOBLINK CENTER ....................................... .............................24 0 IMPROVED ACCESS FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES ................................................................ .............................24 XLSPECIAL ISSUES ............................................................................................. .............................25 APPENDIX................................................................................................. .............................27 ATTACHMENT 1: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION ................................................ .............................28 ATTACHMENT 2: DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ECONOMIC SERVICES ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ... 31 ATTACHMENT 3: ORANGE COUNTY WORK FIRST PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST .................32 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 .................................................................................. .............................37 ATTACHEMENT 4: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ORANGE - PERSON - CHATHAM AREA MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSEAUTHORITY ................................................................................................. .............................33 VA Work First Block Grant Plan Orange County I. Conditions within the County Orange County has a total area of 401.51 square miles, with 399.84 square miles of land area. Hillsborough, North Carolina is the county seat and Chapel Hill is the largest town. Orange County has a population of 122,474. The racial breakdown of the population for the county based on projections for 2000 is 78% Caucasian, 13.8% Black, 4.5% Hispanic, and 4.1 % Asian and Other. The Hispanic population growth in Orange County is noteworthy. This population group has nearly doubled since 1997, now including about 5,273 people. The per capita income for the county is $34,182. The median family income is $42,372, ranked ninth in the state. Fifty one percent of adults in Orange County have a college education, the highest percentage in the state of North Carolina. The state average of adults with college education is 22.5 %. In Orange County, 87.6% of the population has a high school education compared to 78% for North Carolina. Workforce by Industry (4th Qtr 2005) (Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Policy and Research Division. County Profile. Available online: http: / /cmedis. comm erce. state. nc. uslcountyprofiles /countyprofile. asp? county = Orange Orange County has had 22 businesses either close or lay -off workers within the past 16 months. The unemployment rate has decreased 14% from July 2005 -July 2006. The unemployment rate in July 2005 was 4.4 decreasing to 3.8% in July 2006. Government Workforce Average Weekly Earnings Number Percent County State Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing & Hunting: 192 0.3% $516.00 $494.00 Construction: 2,094 3.26% $626.00 $652.00 Finance/Insurance/ Real Estate: 1,886 3.20% $1,782.00 $1,678.00 Government: 28,242 48.20% $887.00 $786.00 Manufacturing: 1,494 2.50% $765.00 $795.00 Retail Trade: 6,371 10.90% $438.00 $440.00 Wholesale Trade: 817 1.40% $1,013.00 $945.00 Professional & Technical Services: 2,946 5.0% $924.00 $995.00 Health Care & Social Assistance: 10,220 17.40% $827.00 $676.00 Accommodation & Food Service 5,027 8.60% $275.00 $243.00 Total Workforce: 58,592 100.00% (Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Policy and Research Division. County Profile. Available online: http: / /cmedis. comm erce. state. nc. uslcountyprofiles /countyprofile. asp? county = Orange Orange County has had 22 businesses either close or lay -off workers within the past 16 months. The unemployment rate has decreased 14% from July 2005 -July 2006. The unemployment rate in July 2005 was 4.4 decreasing to 3.8% in July 2006. Government 8 (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. Business Closings and Permanent Layoffs Orange County March 2005- July 2006 Company City Product Number Effective Date Closing/ Affected Layoff Guiton's Sandwich Shop Chapel Hill Sandwich shop unknown May, 2005 Closing North Carolina Sports & Grill The Potted Plant Honda Specialist (aka. Tech Auto) Steinway Gallery Carolina Theatre Women's Workout Club Bounds Dance Studio Heritage Radiology Associates St. Mary Catholic School UNC Health Care Gardendance Southern Solutions Produce General Nutrition Center Chapel Hill Sport bar Chapel Hill Garden store Carrboro Auto repair Chapel Hill Framing gallery Chapel Hill Movie theater Chapel Hill Exercise facility Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Hillsborough Chapel Hill Hillsborough Hillsborough Hillsborough Traditions Chapel Hill Shoes at the Square Chapel Hill Riggsbee- Hinson Furniture Carrboro Company 5 Pace Gift Shop Chapel Hill Critic's Choice Hillsborough Dance studio Medical management services School Hospital Garden statuary Produce Vitamin supplements Bridal shop Shoe store Furniture store Gift shop Video rentals 11 July, 2005 Closing 12 June, 2005 Closing unknown November, 2005 Closing 3 October, 2005 Closing unknown July, 2005 Closing 43 May, 2005 Closing 7 June, 2005 Closing 5 July, 2005 Closing unknown May, 2005 Closing 40 June, 2005 Layoff 3 June, 2006 Closing unknown March, 2006 Closing unknown May, 2006 Closing unknown June, 2006 Closing 8 July, 2006 Closing 2 March, 2006 Closing 9 January, 2006 Closing 4 May, 2006 Closing John G. McCormick PA Chapel Hill Law office 6 July, 2006 Closing Chandler Soil Consultants Chapel Hill Consulting firm 1 July, 2006 Closing (Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina) 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. The average cost of a home in Orange County is $212,050 and the median cost is $320,000. Rental households C face serious challenges with high costs, inadequate supplies, and competition with university students for limited housing stock. 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 $13,000 per year, which does not include Smart Start Enhancement Funds. Many families need help paying the cost of quality childcare. Without childcare assistance, low- income families will not be able to pay 50% of their income for childcare. After school care and care during holidays and inclement weather days present major hardships for families. In April 2006, the Workforce Development Workgroup held two focus group outreach meetings with Orange County residents. These residents were unemployed, underemployed, or actively seeking jobs. They were asked their views on becoming gainfully employed and to provide potential solutions to those obstacles. The meetings highlighted several identified barriers faced by this population. The following are some of the barriers mentioned. Barriers: • Child care (5:30 pick -up is too early if you are commuting) • Lack of full time opportunities - especially jobs with benefits and livable wages • Lack of feedback/communication once a resume or application is submitted • Transportation, lack of car and expense • Jobs that require training- how to live and support family during training • Lack of direct work experience in field • No internships unless you are a student • Criminal record • Lack of education • Intense competition for best jobs • Unhealthy coping habits /substance abuse Highlighted solutions from the group were: • Night/flexible hour daycare • Educating employers about advantages of hiring older /more experienced workers • Internships for non - student workers • Provide job specific training or on the job training • Identify and make readily available all resources available to job seekers • Encourage business owners to consider employing unemployed persons first • Provide training that is short term with flexible hours • Company supported educational opportunities • Provide employers with incentives for allowing flexible hours • Educating employers regarding the benefits of providing child care incentives 10 The information gathered from the group provided an in depth view and understanding of family service needs to enable them to be more self - sufficient. 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 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. Frequently, individuals have faced more than one of these barriers. They are able to resolve them as a result of participant commitment, adequate resources, and over time. A profile of our Work First caseload is described below: Work First Caseload Data Cases with an adult recipient 166 Child -only cases 157 Total cases 323 Total recipients 697 Work First Profile • 95% are women, 5% are men • 50% are under age 30, 50% are over • 50% have high school diploma • 56% live in Northern Orange • 44% live in Southern Orange • On average families have one child • Average payment $215 Length of Time on Work First • 0 -6 months — 47% • 7 -12 months — 16% • 13 -24 months - 13% • 25 -36 months — 7% • 37 -48 months — 4% • 49 -60 months — 2% • 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: Board of Social Services Caring Family Network Child Care Services Association Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools Chapel Hill - Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Communities in Schools Durham Tech Dispute Settlement Center Economic Development Commission Educational Opportunity Center Employers Employment Security Commission Habitat for Humanity Horizons HR Consulting Interfaith Council Joint Orange - Chatham Community Action Agency OC Friends of the CFW OC Housing & Community Development Orange County Department of Social Services B. Public Comment 11 Orange County Health Department Orange- Person - Chatham Mental Health Orange Community Housing & Land Trust Orange County Health Department Orange County JobLink Orange County Literacy Council Orange County Assistant Manager Orange County Child Support Orange County Schools Orange County Public Transportation Orange Enterprises, Inc. Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board Teen Parent Expansion Program The Women's Center Town of Chapel Hill Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing UNC Health Care UNC -CH WF Participants The Orange County Work First Plan was available at several locations in the county for public comment from October 2 through October 16, 2006. 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 12 C. Planning Process Orange County Board of Social Services submitted recommendations for the planning committee to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on July 17, 2006. On August 22, 2006, the Board appointed' 73 members to the Work First Block Grant Planning Committee. Four work group meetings with community leaders and Work First participants were held on September 14, 2006, September 18 & 19, 2006 and September 25, 2006. Recommendations from the four work group meetings were shared with the planning committee on September 27, 2006. More than 50 people representing a wide variety of community organizations attended the first meeting on September 8, 2006 at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. The first meeting provided an overview of changes in Work First policy and the impact of the Deficit Reduction Act. Sherry Bradsher, Director for NC Division of Social Services, presented on the changes. DSS staff presented an overview of Work First in Orange County 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 area of employment, transportation, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family well- being. On September 27, 2006 with more than 50 people attending, committee members heard presentations from the four work group meetings. These strategies and recommendations were approved as the plan to achieve the county's outcomes and goals. III. Outcomes 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 board 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. The 2005 -06 goal for Orange County is 100 people entering employment. 2. Meeting Federal Participation Rates. Active participation in federal countable work activities will lead to full time employment. 13 3. 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. The 2005 -06 goal for Orange County is to provide services to 80% of all parent caseload and 100% of the 2-parent caseload. 4. Benefit Diversion. The most successful outcome possible is for an applicant to avoid the need to become a recipient. The 2005 -06 goal for Orange County is to provide benefit diversion services for 129 cases. 5. Stayine Off Welfare. Efforts to reduce welfare rolls, help adults find jobs, and increase self - sufficiency are undermined when families return to welfare. Families leaving Work First beeause of a job are tracked to determine if they return to cash assistance. The 2005 -06 goal for Orange County is 90% of the caseload still working after 12 months. 6. 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 are still employed at 6 and 12 month intervals following termination. The goal for Orange County is to have 60% of the caseload still working at 6 months and 50% at 12 months. B. County Developed Outcome Goals The Work First Planning Committee recommended to the County Commissioners that the following outcome goals be adopted. 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 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. 14 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. Develop job readiness skill building program that addresses behavior, communication, job seeking and job retention e. Utilize former Work First participants as mentors and provide opportunities for them to share their employment success stories f. Implement on-the-job training program g. Establish an incentive program for participants to encourage job placement h. Match skills and interest of participants with available job openings or entrepreneurship i. Develop more training opportunities for skill building to participants through work experience j. Develop more work experience sites k. Create a mechanism for screening and assessing clients knowledge, skills and abilities 1. Provide retention services for six months a. 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. Develop a structured employment preparation 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. Develop job coaching and mentoring programs for hard to place participants 15 g. Provide intensive employment services for the hardest 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 early drop -off childcare 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 c. Explore other transportation systems traveling to Orange County such as Caswell, Person and Chatham d. Collect information on existing transportation systems such as Triangle Transit Authority, Orange Public Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit e. Contract for Work First drivers for improved access £ Assist in marketing efforts for Triangle Transit Authority, Orange Public Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit g. Advocate for expanded resources for rural services h. Enhance mass transit efforts by connecting short routes with longer routes (connecting Orange Public Transportation with Triangle Transit Authority i. Enhance the car donation program j. Encourage financial education for Work First participants receiving car donations or assist in purchasing a car k. Assist Work First participants with down payment when financially possible 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 and communication skill building, financial literacy and engaging involvement from non - custodial parents. a. Expand our job readiness model to include role playing, health and literacy, family planning, budgeting, conflict resolution, credit counseling and self assessment b. 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 c. Utilize resources in the community that exist by utilizing in home visit groups with the Health Department and Cooperative Extension Service d. Follow up to ensure clients are aware and educated on the importance of establishing paternity and child support payments 16 e. Ensure staff are aware of gender specific issues as related to self esteem and the ability to set goals f. Provide all Work First participants with a small personal hygiene bag during job readiness training g. Expand and network more in the faith -based community h. Utilize resources in the community that provide work adjustment services such as job coaching and job mentoring 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 for counseling when appropriate c. Develop an upfront process for obtaining driver licenses, state identifications and criminal record checks needed for employment d. 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 e. Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for Work First participants being served by multiple agencies through a collective team approach f. Improve relationship with Vocational Rehabilitation to assist families in improving employment opportunities g. Ensure Work First participants are aware of their rights and responsibilities h. Work with Work First participants to find their own advocates for disability related paperwork Outcome: Provide individualized case management services that ensure the safety and development of children. a. Connect Families To Parenting • Explore the possibility of teaching parenting skills that relate to the support of a child throughout elementary and secondary school years • Encourage parents to become comfortable working within the school system to address problems that may arise and to become an advocate for their child's need a. b. Child care • Encourage parents 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 regard 17 • Identify family mentoring programs that may be currently available and determine gaps in services • Provide resources to cover the cost of care while participants are looking for work • Identify a strategy to help parents with'the cost associated with outstanding balances on parent fees • Offer scholarships for school age children • Continue current subsidy programs • Advocate for an additional subsidy for low- income families • Develop individualized plans for parents with special child care needs ■ Ensure the DSS Board monitors the progress of the community on the child care recommendations b. 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 Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on August 22, 2006 to remain a standard 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 Program Manager has primary oversight for the Work First Program. The Program Manager reports to the Economic Services Director. 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 number of employment and training agencies, including Work First and Employment Services, are 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 Southern Orange Social Services office in Chapel Hill. Their circumstances are assessed to determine whether diversion assistance is appropriate or an application for ongoing assistance should be 18 initiated. The intake worker also assesses other needs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc. When an application is taken, it is assigned to a Processing worker who determines eligibility, continues the Work First process, and responds to any other needs that arise. During the interview process a non- exempt Work First applicant is scheduled for orientation and work preparation: Work First Cash Assistance and Employment Services are consolidated into one unit to further 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 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, career 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 and the Skills Development/JobLink Center in Chapel Hill. 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 has entered into a contract with the Employment Security Commission to provide a continuum of services including job search and job preparedness at the Skills Development/JobLink Center. 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 IM', 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 to support protection plan. 2. Children in OCDSS custody (Foster Care) to support employment of caretaker or other need. 3. Children placed with relatives to avoid foster care placement when CPS case is active, to support employment or other need category (These are children who qualify for Child Welfare Services child care in order to prevent foster care.) 4. Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) recipients employed at least 30 hours per week. 5. WFFA recipients participating in Work First Employment Services (WFES) approved activities or training. 6. Teen parents who need child care to complete High School Education or its equivalency. 7. To support employment. Priority is given to those employed full -time. 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 6. State regulations require that certain funds be set aside each year to serve children with Special Needs. Once these set aside funds are 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 staff members serve on the local transportation board 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. 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 car repairs. The program was developed in collaboration with the Orange County Commission for Women, Orange Public Transportation, Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA), and Orange County DSS. 20 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 Triangle Transit Authority. NC Department of Transportation grant funds are used to meet the various transportation needs of former Work First participants. F. Substance Abuse Services Orange Person Chatham (OPC) Area Mental Health Authority received funding to continue the on -site Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (QSAP) 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 Caring Family Network (CFN) to perform the initial screening and assessment of Work First participants. A representative from CFN will be on site two days per week and will be available by telephone. Orange County DSS works closely with UNC- 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 earmarked 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 year by the Block Grant Planning Committee 21 • 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 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 $394,830 of the Work First Block Grant for Child Welfare 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 care 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, or • 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. 22 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. 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 parents. We recognize that the need for child support in Work First families is critical to them becoming and remaining self - sufficient. There are 323 Work First families at any one time. Of this number there are about 300 non - custodial parents, generally fathers. Of the 300 non - custodial parents, there are 157 child -only cases with both parents absent. Orange County will implement a non - custodial parent program to improve the employment skills and enhance parental responsibility for the emotional and financial well being of children. Program participants must be a non - custodial parent 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 parents, 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 are 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 Transportation 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 Car Donation Program. 23 Thirty-six Work First participants and 12 working low - income families received cars in fiscal year 2005 -2006. Transitional Funds from NC Department of Transportation were used to assist 47 former Work First participants in obtaining and maintaining transportation resources. Faith Team Involvement Orange County has a contract with Morgan and Associates to identify and train faith -based teams, and match the teams with Work First families. The goal of the program is to offer support to Work First families as they seek or maintain employment. Ten churches, some with multiple faith teams, have been matched with Work First families. Work First families and faith teams have benefited from the partnership. Families have received assistance in obtaining a driver's license, obtaining a GED, attending AA meetings, enjoying social events together, job preparation assistance, transportation assistance, certificates for food, camp for children, assistance with children's school assignments, and more. Intensive Teen Support 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. The Orange County School System has a social worker 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 Employment 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. Oranee Enterprises (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 $5.15 per hour. The evaluation period is six weeks long. The participant is given many opportunities to work and improve work habits. 24 Oranse County Skills Development/JobLink 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 training 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 Development/JobLink Center: • Offers comprehensive employment and training 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), 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 Hispanic 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. Regarding staff, the department has worked to recruit bilingual staff and to enhance current staff members' skills by participating in a Spanish immersion program. 25 XI. Special Issues Orange County's current Work First population faces multiple 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 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 are typical barriers experienced by low- income families in Orange County: • Lack of adequate and affordable transportation, • Lack of education, • Limited work experience, • Lack of non - traditional dependent care hours, • Lack of affordable housing, • Chemical dependency, • Lack of resources to handle crises. 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 a back -up plan for childcare or if their transportation breaks down. 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 Grant Planning Committee will continue to address issues that affect the success of low- income families in Orange County and implement action steps to improve the well -being of families. 26 XII. 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 27 Appendix 28 Attachment 1: Memorandum of Understanding Orange County Department of Social Services and Employment Security Commission This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is entered into 8th day of September 2006, by and between the North Carolina Employment Security Commission hereinafter referred to as "ESC, 601 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough North Carolina 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 are: a. job registration; b. job search; c. job preparedness; 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 29 effective administration of First Stop. DSS currently contracts with ESC to provide a job counselor 20 hours per week at the Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center at 503 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC. 4. Applicants and recipients seeking to apply or reapply for Work First and who are 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 insurance 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 DSS 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 are: a. job search; b. job preparedness; 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 insurance 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 "Targeted" groups which have historically had difficulty in finding employment. Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are included in these "Targeted " groups. 11. ESC shall, through its Labor Market 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. 30 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, 2006 and continue in full force and effective until amended 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. 31 Attachment 2: Department of Social Services Economic Services Organizational Chart ECONOMIC SERVICES UNIT DIRECTOR GWEN PRICE Office Supervisor Beachy Sanders Family Support Program Manager Yvette Smith Lead Worker Jessica Atkinson Skills Development Center Human Services Coordinators Administrative Assistant II Program Integrity Carol Laing Gwen Jackson Lakecia Robbins Arlene Haekel Intake Supsr tsor ' I Intake Supervisor ' �uIt Support Supervisor ' Work First Supervisor' I Medi.id ood Stamp' I Prevention Services Elizabeth Phillips Louise Moize Cathy Hill Robert Gilmore Pe Wesley Supervisor Suzanne Hitt Lead Worker Lead Worker Lead Worker Lead Worker Lead Worker Dianna Hodge Virginia Schwartz Cindy Earley Susan Wilson Terri Totherow, IMC 111 (S) IMC III (b) IMC 11 (4) IMC II (3) IMC 111 Family Specialist (7) Carla Allison Linda Bilodeau Phyllis Mangum Shirley Long Vacant Angela Bradshaw Vickie Mebane Erin Jennings Patricia Torain Wanda Johnson e Jones Vernal Johnson Tonya Johnson IMC II (5) Elizabeth Dwedell Virginia Honeyblue Becky McCoy Bern Bemis Ashman A Dwight Stevens Lorraine Hines Rebecca ki Mindy Lawrence Jennifer Yancey IMC I Jo Snow Shamnda Patrick o Crystal Jacksackson Yvette Lyons - Kim Clark Malba Walker Shandra Torain Adela de Hess • Kristen Graves April Johnson Hospital Intake Nichols Blanton Lucy Thorpe IMC 1 (1) Tracy Summers Social Workers (3) Melissa Cadavero Social Worker II (1) IMC If (3) Shannon Tyler Sabrina Clarke Vacant Janice Poole IMC II Veteran Services Randy Haynes Teresa Clay IMC 1 (2) Nancy McBmom Dayka Hester Gisela Zapata p Lors Harvin -Ravin Mary Taylor 32 Attachment 3: Orange County Work First Planning Committee Membership List range County Work First Plan ing Committee Membership List First Name Last Name Agency Address city Zip Code Orange County Literacy 118 N. Churton Hillsborough Kathy Alberter Council Street NC 27278 Holmes Child Althea Austin Care PO Box 1168 Carrboro, NC 27510 Empowerment 109 N. Graham Delores Bailey Inc. St., Suite 200 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 El Centro 101 Lloyd Benjamin Balderas Latino Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Orange 500 Valley Hillsborough Kathy Bryan Enterprises Forge Road NC 27278 519 Smith Level Kimberly Burney Citizen Rd. Apt. 6 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Hillsborough Chamber of 121 West Hillsborough Margaret Cannell Comm. Margaret St. NC 27278 Orange County 200 E. King Hillsborough Shirley Carraway Schools Street NC 27278 600 D. Lakeside Hillsborough Angela Clapp Citizen Drive NC 27278 316 Brooks Tony Cotton Citizen Street Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Mildred Council Employer 110 Emily Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Piedmont Community Linda Crisp College PO Box 1197 Roxboro, NC 27573 Regional Partnership Workforce Development 8607 High Rock Cleon Currie Board Road Efland, NC 27243 Orange County Literacy 503 W. Franklin Kelly Davis Council Street Chapel Hill, NC 27516 500 Umstead Michelle Davis Citizen Drive E204 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 33 Orange Community 104 Jones Housing & Ferry Rd., Suite Robert Dowling Land Trust C Carrboro, NC 27510 3015 NC Hwy. Hillsborough Cindia Es ada Citizen 86 NC 27278 115 Holiday Hillsborough Andrea Farrior Citizen Park #17 NC 27278 Orange County Hillsborough Tara Fikes Housing PO Box 8181 NC 27278 Orange County 106 Claris Valerie Foushee Commissioner Court Chapel Hill, NC 27514 300 Millstone Hillsborough Rev. Sharon Freeland OCIM Dr. NC 27278 Faye Hall JOCCA PO Box 27 Pittsboro, NC 27312 Asst. County 200 S. Cameron Hillsborough Gwen Harvey Manager Street NC 27278 Orange County Dispute Settlement 302 West Frances Henderson Center Weaver St. Carrboro, NC 27510 County Manager's Hillsborough Sharron Hinton Office PO Box 8181 NC 27278 Dir. Of Human Resource 101 Manning Services- UNC Dr. Rm. 6017 Norman Klase Health Care EW Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Inter -Faith Council Programs 110 W. Main Kristen Lavergne Director Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Habitat for Hillsborough Susan Levy Humanity PO Box 459 NC 27278 503 W. Franklin Dina Logan Durham Tech Street Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Board of Social 105 Prince Karen Long Services Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Orange. County 503 W. Franklin Malinda Marsh JobLink Street Chapel Hill, NC 27516 250 S. Estes Dawana Martinez Citizen Drive Apt. 124 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 34 601 Valley Hillsborough Jim Modlin ESC Forge Dr. NC 27278 Case Manager - Central 101 Manning Carolina Health Dr. Rm. 6017 Shemika Moore Network EW Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Inter -Faith 110 W. Main Chris Moran Council Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Hillsborough Winnie Morgan OCDSS PO Box 8181 NC 27278 501 Jones Corrine Mosley Citizen Ferry Rd. Carrboro, NC 27510 Chapel Hill Aaron Nelson Chamber 1045 Estes Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27515 2102 Woodbury Hillsborough Keith Norwood Citizen Drive NC 27278 OC Dept. on Hillsborough Jerry Passmore Aging PO Box 8181 NC 27278 Chapel Hill - Carrboro City 750 S. Merritt Neil Pedersen Schools Mill Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27510 Orange 500 Valley Hillsborough Antonio Pedroza Enterprises Forge Road NC 27278 Town of Hillsborough Eric Peterson Hillsborough PO Box 429 NC 27278 Dir. Of Human Rights & 110 S. Churton Hillsborough Milan Pham Relations Street NC 27278 Dir. Of Family Violence Prevention Melissa Radcliff Center PO Box 187 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 Economic Development 110 E. King Hillsborough Dianne Reid Commission Street NC 27278 109 N.' Graham Harvey Reid HR Consulting St., Suite 202 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Chapel Hill - Carrboro City 750 S. Merritt Jeff Reilly Schools Mill Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Dept. OBGYN Connie Renz Horizons CB 7579 UNC Chapel Hill, NC 27599 35 Manager of 601 Valley Hillsborough Pamela Rich ESC Forge Rd. NC 27278 Cedar Grove Cedar Grove, Wandra Richardson Day Care PO Box 36 NC 27231 OC Partnership 1829 E. for Young Franklin Street, Michelle Rivest Children Suite 1200C Chapel Hill, NC 27501 DSS Board 2136 N. Joe Robbins Member Lakeshore Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Town of Chapel 838 Airport Karen Rose Hill Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Vice President of Human Resources- 101 Manning UNC Health Dr. Rm. 6017 Bill Rbtella Care EW Chapel Hill, NC 27514 DSS Board 3515 Borland Harold Russell Member Rd. Efland, NC 27243 Child Care Services Sue Russell. Association PO Box 664 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Sandra Sanchez JOCCA PO Box 27 Pittsboro, NC 27312 Communities in Sheila Sholes -Ross Schools PO Box 9454 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 100 B Lakeside Hillsborough Sherrie Smith Citizen Dr. NC 27278 Child Support Hillsborough Janet Sparks Enforcement PO Box 8181 NC 27278 Dir. of Women's Jamie Stone Center PO Box 1057 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Orange County Health 300 W. Tryon Hillsborough Rosemary Summers Department St. NC 27278 554 North Nash Hillsborough Sharon Tate Little Treasures Street NC 27278 Orange County 300 W. Tryon Hillsborough Al Terry Transportation St. NC 27278 100 Europa Judy Truit OPC Drive Suite 490 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 Chapel Hill Dept. of 317 Caldwell St. Tina Vaughn Housing Ext. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 36 Case Manager- Orange County Central Health Dept. Carolina Health 300 W. Tryon Hillsborough Libertad Villalba Network St. NC 27278 Board of Social 2102 Magnolia Hillsborough Rosetta Wash Services Lane NC 27278 NC Vocational 548 Smith Level Ingrid Weber Rehabilitation Road Carrboro, NC 27510 Orange County 200 E. King Hillsborough Donna Williams Schools Street NC 27278 Commission Caroline Wood for Women 8816 Old NC 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Catherine lWoolridge ICitizen PO Box 9438 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 37 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 to facilitate 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 are as follows: A. Area Program/Contractor: 1. Representation on the committee responsible for developing the Work First County Plan. 2. Contract the QSAP responsibilities to Caring Family Network (CFN). 3. Caring Family Network (CFN) 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. 38 6. Develop a care coordination plan for the recipient while receiving substance abuse services. 7. Ensure that childcare and transportation are not barriers to accessing substance abuse services. 8. Authorize the appropriate level of care 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. Initial screening of recipients and applicants. 4. Develop a case coordination plan for the recipient while receiving substance abuse services. 5. Primary responsibility for childcare and transportation for recipients receiving substance abuse services. 6. Ensure that childcare and transportation are not barriers to accessing substance abuse services. 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. Develop a reporting system of non - compliance by recipients pursuant to the requirements of the Work First Substance Abuse Program. III. LIAISON: For the Orange County Department of Social Services, Gwen Price, Director of Economic Services, will serve as liaison under these MOA. For the Orange- Person - Chatham Area Mental Health/Departmental Disabilities /Substance Abuse Authority Tom Velivil, Director, Provider Services, will serve as liaison under MOA. IV. MOA AMENDMENT: This MOA may be amended at any time with the concurrence of both agencies. 39 Judy Truitt, Director Orange - Person- Chatham Area Program Nancy Coston, Director Orange County Department Of Social Services Date Date