NS - Work First Block Grant Local Plan 10-21-2008-4d

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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.