Work First Plan Approved 01-20-1998-9a

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should be 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. If the application is approved for Work First, the Department of Social Services assigns a Case Manager who monitors eligibility status and coordinates efforts to help the recipient attain self - sufficiency. Beginning January, 1998, eligibility and employment services will be consolidated to further enhance the agency's ability to meet the County's Work First goals. The Skill Development Center will be the foundation of a broad based skills training and development program for Work First participants and other Orange County citizens. It will house, on a full time basis, staff from Durham Technical Community College, ESC, Orange County Literacy Council, Joint Orange Chatham Community Action Agency (JOCCA), and DSS. Other community agencies, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Good Works, and various area employers, will be available on a part -time basis. The Center staff will provide job training skills, career interest assessments, and job readiness, job search, and job placement services. C. Administration of the First Stop Program A Memorandum of Understanding will be developed with the Employment Security Commission based on the guidelines established by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. D. Child Care In 1997, the Orange County Board of Commissioners established the Early Care and Education Program Review Committee to review the work of last year's committee and to report on priority needs for child care and early childhood education in the county. The Committee reaffirmed the five priority needs that were previously established by the committee but described some additional needs that are also important for creating a quality, affordable and available early care and education system for young children and families in Orange County. The key priorities for child care subsidies are: • Child Protective Services • Child Welfare Services • Employment - Child Protective Services (employed after one year) - Foster Children - Work First participants - Participants leaving WORK FIRST who need child care in order to work. - Low income working families (30 hours per week minimum) Training High School students Students in technical/skills development programs of less than two years in duration - University or college students who are Work First participants • Children with developmental delay 33 34