Minutes 11-10-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lindsey Shewmaker said last week the State sent out notices to the people the State identified as potentially at risk of losing benefits, telling them about the new work requirements. Commissioner Pelissier asked if there is a way of addressing the monetary costs of taking educational courses. Nancy Coston said the voluntary training program that is run by DSS could help with tuition costs, as long as it is tied with getting a job. She said there are some processes that DSS is trying to sort through with non-profits and Durham Tech, and may be able to find funding to match federal funding through the school. Commissioner Pelissier asked if there is a system in place to know which jobs individuals could get through certain training. Nancy Coston said DSS has some information about jobs in Orange County, but are trying to balance clients' skill level with jobs. She said these clients are going to have to be triaged for possible jobs. Commissioner Rich referred to the clients who may be working for themselves and asked if a total number of these people are known. She also asked if this information is tracked in any way. Lindsey Shewmaker said some of the population is self-employed, and certain types of verification would be needed for documentation purposes. Commissioner Rich said she sees complications with self-employed persons. Lindsey Shewmaker said this will be a challenge for the Department and the clients. Nancy Coston said DSS is already working with these clients, as work and earnings must be documented to receive many types of benefits. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there are any thoughts regarding seasonal workers. Lindsey Shewmaker said in a 36-month period, there are 3 countable months where one can be without employment. She said one can regain eligibility by working 80 hours in a consecutive 30 day period. She said a seasonal worker would likely regain eligibility during a time of employment and then receives an additional consecutive 3 months to be without work. Nancy Coston said after the second 3-month period, recipients would then have to work or meet every single requirement. Lindsey Shewmaker said one's eligibility could only be regained once. Commissioner Jacobs said he spoke with one of the owners of Sports Endeavors, where hundreds of seasonal workers are needed. Nancy Coston said having an employment history makes it easier to find jobs. She said this is the population that also does not receive health insurance and food and nutrition is about their only benefit. Commissioner Price asked if many of these clients are transient, and how they are reached. Nancy Coston said a mailing will go out, an informational phone line will be set up, and non-profits will be contacted to help spread the word about an information session. She said some clients will be missed, and they may not find out about the change until the benefits run out or they come in for a review. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the mailings will come in a non-descript envelope, and if so, suggested maybe a stamp could be added to make it known to the recipient that the mailing is important. Nancy Coston said DSS is considering using some temporary staff to help reach out to clients, and hopefully some of this staff can be from the population they are trying to serve. Commissioner Dorosin said County communication staff should do outreach, publicize what is going, and the super human efforts that DSS wants to use to mitigate this process. He also suggested any ideas should be shared with the other Commissioners at the state and