NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL SERVICES

 

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

 

January 8, 2003

 

MINUTES

 

 

            The NCACDSS Employment Programs Committee met on Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 864 of the Albemarle Building in Raleigh.  The Meeting Attendance Roster is attached.

 

            Bobby Boyd, Co-Chair, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests. 

 

 

MINUTES

 

The Minutes of the December 11, 2002 EPC meeting were accepted as presented.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Work First Caseload Report

 

            The caseload dropped slightly at the end of December from the previous month.  The December, 2002 caseload (42,330) is less than the December, 2001 caseload (45,081).

 

Work First Applicant Survey

 

            The survey report will be provided in February.

 

Position Classification Status

 

Wayne Black updated the status of the Position Classification Study.  It is anticipated that the recommendations will go to the Personnel Commission with the Community Employment Case Manager classified at Salary Grade 65.

 

Other Old Business

 

            Wayne Black commented on the survey that has been sent out to DSS Directors regarding their response to the November 27, 2002 memo regarding local VITA sites.  The IRS had approved the memo prior to it being sent out.  Feedback from the counties indicated that for those who contacted the IRS, that they were informed that they need to plan in August for site selection, volunteer recruitment and training.  Bobbi Bales stated that Forsyth County will start planning in April.  Further discussion was deferred until Wilbert Morris was able to attend the meeting.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Food Stamps Employment & Training Initiative

 

            David Prince discussed the Food Stamps Employment & Training initiative.  The Food Stamps section of the Federal Farm Bill included $20 million for states to use for new initiatives with Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDS).  The Division is interested in submitting a proposal to include funding for counties that are interested in participating in the initiative.  The Food Stamps program requires able-bodied adults ages 18-49 to participate in 80 hours per month of work activities in order to continue to be eligible for consideration of benefits.  They can receive 3 months without work participation, and 3 bonus months with 80 hours/month of work participation.  The new initiative would be for initiatives by states (and counties) in working with ABAWDS beyond those six (6) months.  Funds could be used for contracts with other agencies.  David mentioned that WilsonCounty refers ABAWDS to five (5) community agencies including a Soup Kitchen, a Homeless Shelter and the Red Cross.  The state has a contract with the Employment Security Commission.

 

            The $20 million is for allocation to all states who choose to participate.  Suzanne Marshall stated that about 17 states have ABAWD programs at the present time.

 

            David stated that the funds would be available for Federal Fiscal Year 2003-2004.  The State proposal would need to be sent to USDA by August, 2003.  Response from counties would be needed by June 2003.

 

            David will draft a letter to Departments of Social Services regarding the ABAWDS initiative and route it to Wayne Black to be shared with Committee members for consideration at the February meeting.  County participation would be strictly voluntary.  It is understood that the funds would not require matching funds.  Suzanne Marshall stated that examples of “Best Practices” would be shared with counties.

 

 

Status of TANFState Plan and CountyPlans

 

            Suzanne Marshall reported that CountyPlans have been received and responses are being drafted.  A final Section meeting will be held on January 10 to make recommendations to the Division.  The theme will be to make Work First easier for county administration and focus on meeting family needs rather than paperwork.  Examples may include an end to quarterly reporting.  Required family contacts should be often, frequent and meaningful and focus on employment and family issues.

 

            The State Plan will go to the General Assembly in mid-April.  The State Plan will be in the website for public comment.  A lot of county input has been received and this has shaped the development of the State Plan.

            Ron Byrd (HarnettCounty) discussed concerns regarding the elimination of Pay After Performance.  Suzanne stated that Pay After Performance was eliminated in anticipation of Federal TANF changes and as a result of the implementation of full-family sanctions.  Sanctions are viewed as suspensions, not termination.  Ron expressed concern that clients would not follow through and be terminated, then reapply with a clean slate.  This could lead to a revolving door and more applications  He expressed support for the Pay After Performance sanction for single parent families being the same as the 2-parent policy at the present time.  Benefit diversion for single parents should be emphasized.  If they come into DSS to apply for Work First after the 3 months Benefit Diversion period they would start in Pay After Performance.  This would provide assistance during the Benefit Diversion period and not reward irresponsible behavior if they later apply for Work First Cash Assistance.  Letting clients know about this up front will encourage more efficient use of their opportunity to become self sufficient.

 

            There was discussion about Benefit Diversion being dropped as a goal, as proposed in “Highlights of the Latest Draft State TANF Plan.”  Copies of the draft were shared with Committee members and guests.  Child Support and Caseload Reduction goals are also proposed to be eliminated.  Terry Keene (Johnston) expressed concern about elimination of Child Support and Benefit Diversion goals.  Suzanne responded that Child Support Enforcement has other measures of Child Support goals and outcome measures.  Ron stated that we originally did not like the Benefit Diversion goal but it is an effective tool to help families and staff will continue to use it if emphasized as a goal.

 

            Wayne Black stated that he generally opposes the State establishing goals for counties that are not mandated by Federal or State law and regulations.  He, along with Bobby Boyd, Donn Gunderson and other Directors, will be serving on a joint task force called “Leading By Results” to develop outcome and performance measures for Social Services programs by July, 2003.  The outcome may be to achieve family self sufficiency, adequate income and parenting & family functioning.  Benefit Diversion, child support, provision of employment services, etc. would be means to the end.  Committee members agreed that would be desirable.  The toolbox of services for each county and each client would depend on local and individual circumstances.

 

            On a motion by Ron Byrd, seconded by Algernon McKenzie, the Committee voted to support the proposed changes regarding Pay After Performance.  A letter of support will be prepared for submission to the Economic Independence Section from the Employment Programs Committee.

 

            Bobbi Bales asked for clarification regarding the Hardship policy.  Suzanne responded that the goal is for Hardship decisions to be made by county committees in advance of the 60^th week to prevent a loss of benefits to families that are approved for hardship extensions.  There is no limit on length of extension or at what week Hardship extensions are approved.  It would be anticipated that decisions would be made at the point where information is available to support the extension.

 

            Regarding “certification” of services for 200% families, these families “may” be certified for up to 12 months for services; they may be certified for less time.  This is for “services” only; not for “assistance.”

 

            Wayne Black asked if Benefit Diversion could still be measured even if not listed as a goal – Suzanne responded that it could be measured and tracked for counties.

 

            Wilbert Morris stated that there are 11 electing counties.  As their total caseload is less than 15.5% of the state total, all will be recommended to the General Assembly for designation as Electing Counties.

 

State Budget Planning

 

            Wilbert Morris reported that the Section is preparing for the upcoming legislative session.  The Department is looking for additional cuts.  Economic Independence has few Stats funds that do not match Federal funds.  .

 

TANF Block Grant Update

 

            Wilbert reported that the extension of TANF has been extended through March 31, 2003.  The new Congress was seated on January 7, 2003.  There was Senate disagreement over the House bill last year.  There is likely to be debate this year.  There has, however, been a change in Senate makeup.  Pheon Beal is in Washington, D.C. for a meeting on “Healthy Marriages.”  There has been a report that Wade Horn may be comfortable with a 50% Participation Rate for Work First recipients, an improvement over the House TANF legislation passed last year.  APHSA has endorsed a 3-year extension of the current TANF Block Grant.  This is not likely.  There are a number of items on the Congressional agenda.  The new TANF bill may be effective October 1, 2003.

 

Further Discussion: RE; VITA Survey

 

            Wilbert stated that 13 counties did contact IRS.  The lack of volunteers is an issue this year.  There are 11 new VITA sites in three (3) counties.

 

            Terry asked about the possibility of developing a toolkit of EITC claims and unclaimed money by county, and other information to share with local Chambers of Commerce, college groups and others.  A recommendation was made to send this information to DSS’s, CountyManagers, JOBLINKCareerCenters, etc.  ForsythCounty received this information in July.

 

            Wayne Black suggested that a presentation on Income Tax Assistance & VITA be made by Forsyth County DSS at the April or May EPC meeting.  Bobbi Bales noted that Income Tax assistance is a component of the Forsyth County DSS Financial Literacy initiative.

 

 

REVIEW SCOPE OF WORK ITEMS

 

            Wayne Black reviewed some of the items in the Scope of Work.  He suggested that the Committee may be able to respond to and/or have input into the development of outcome and performance goals and measures for employment programs.  The LEP item is one that needs to receive attention.

 

 

FEBRUARY AGENDA ITEMS

 

            Agenda items will include:  Work First Applicant Survey; Food Stamps ABAWD draft letter; TANF Plan; State Budget update; and Division Reorganization Update.  Committee members were encouraged to suggest agenda items.

 

 

 

            No further business was discussed.  The meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                    Wayne E. Black, Co-Chair

                                                                                    Employment Programs Committee

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                          Date
NCACDSS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

 

MEETING ATTENDANCE ROSTER

 

Date: January, 2002

 

DIRECTOR	COUNTYDSS	VOTING DESIGNEE	SIGN-IN
Black, Wayne, Co-Chair	Yadkin		Wayne E. Black
Boyd, Bobby, Co-Chair	Catawba		Bobby Boyd
Burge, Paul	Burke
Crandell, Larry	Anson	Lula Jackson	Lula Jackson
Eason, Robert	Carteret
Foard, Harry	Tyrrell
Gunderson, Donn	Craven		Donn Gunderson
Haithcock, Sammy	Caldwell	Sharon Johnson
Hamilton, Ann	Forsyth	Bobbi Bales	Bobbi Bales
Hudgins, Dan	Durham	Rhonda Stevens
Jacobsen, Richard	Mecklenburg	Angela McDuffie	Angela McDuffie
Marett, Eart	Johnston	Terry Keene	Terry Keene
Moore, Larry	Columbus	Algernon McKenzie	Algernon McKenzie
Morrow, Becky	Robeson	Sandra Cox	Sandra Cox
Osborne, Glenn	Wilson	Susan Parker
Osborne, Susan	Alamance	Linda Allison	Linda Allison
Sanders, Jim	Montgomery
Shiver, Reta	Pender	Alecia Williamson or Patricia Walker	Alecia Williamson
Spaulding, Maria	Wake	Barbara Harris	Barbara Harris
Wall, Donald	Iredell
Wasson, John	Cleveland
Wilkes, Sandra	Rowan

 

IF YOU ARE A VISITOR OR SPEAKER ON THE AGENDA, PLEASE SIGN ON BACK OF THIS FORM.

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE ROSTER

NCACDSS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

PAGE 2

 

 

VISITORS & SPEAKERS SIGN-IN:

 

NAME	AGENCY
David Prince	State Office
Angela Bruinton	Greene Co. DSS
Cindy Wilson	Cumberland  County DSS
Suzanne Marshall	State Office
Ron Byrd	Harnett County DSS
Wilbert Norris	State DSS