3130 TANF Assessment Process - The employment service assessment is an on-going process which consists of engagement, information gathering, and documentation. The self-assessment, now a part of eligibility, will assist in this process. It is recommended that the SASSI be completed within the first 90 days of TANF approval and is required to be completed by the 12^th month of TANF assistance. All cases that do not have the SASSI completed within the first 90 days must have the extension approved by the Employment Services Manager. All additional assessments to determine barriers to employment or hardship should be initiated no later than the 8th month of assistance and must be completed by the 12th month of assistance. If the client reports incidents of domestic violence or sexual assault during application process, a referral will be made to a local Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DVSA) provider by the case manager. Upon approval of cash benefits and opening of the work program case, the client will be referred to the DV/SA provider for contracted services. If during application, the client provides documentation they cannot work because they have physical or mental limitations, the case manager may refer these clients directly to Rehabilitation Services prior to TANF approval. Upon TANF approval, the case manager may require additional documentation and will advise the client that all documentation will be subject to a second opinion. Once the client’s limitations are assessed, the case manager will meet with the client and place them in an appropriate employment focused activity. The case manager will work regularly with the client to assure they are performing at their maximum capacity with accommodations as per assessments, medical evaluations and career screens.

If the client is involved with DV/SA or Disability Employment Services (Rehabilitation Services) they will still be expected to complete the self-assessment and the SASSI screening if appropriate.

3130.1 Engagement - Building rapport and establishing trust are important for client/case manager collaboration. The initial contacts with the client set the tone for a successful partnership. Listening is an important communication skill. Determine the following:

• What motivates the client?
   

• What barriers does the client talk about that are keeping the client from attaining goals?
   

• How to empower the client. What are their options? What can they reasonably do?
   

• Focus on strengths and client buy-in to the program they select.

3130.2 Gather Information - Information about the client is gathered during conversations and interactions, with the case manager. Specific screenings and assessment tools help identify strengths and barriers, to assist in the client/case manager collaboration for work program assignment. Supervisory approval is required for any exception to client’s completion of the assessment process.

Documentation of assessments will be placed in the case file and noted on the system.

Additional assessments may occur within the first 12 months of TANF benefits and should be initiated by the 8th month to assure their completion by month 12. If a client self-declares a mental or physical disability after the first 12 months of TANF benefits, the client will be responsible to set appointments and pay for additional assessments that may be needed to verify their disability. The case manager will inform the client that all verification they provide will be subject to a second opinion.

•  TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education): If the client has not obtained a high school diploma or completed a GED, the client may be referred to the Adult Learning Center, or other available local resources for TABE testing based on availability in the given region and on the client’s goals for employment. The TABE Diagnostic may be administered by the provider as they determine necessary.
   
• LD Screening: If the client indicates a potential for the existence of a learning disability ie: repeating grades in school, trouble reading, early drop out or very poor grades, an LD Screen may be administered based on the regional availability and the client’s employment goals. A referral to RS or a provider for further psychological testing, learning disability diagnostic testing , and/or plans for accommodations may be made.
  
  
• Additional Substance Use Disorder screens: Once they have been given the SASSI screen, if a client displays unusual behavior or has the appearance of being under the influence of an intoxicating or illegal substance, they may be referred to SRCC for further assessment and screening. This referral will be made on the ES-4412. They should not be given the SASSI screen again. See KEESM 3330.1 for guide lines
  
  
• Employment Screening: The client may be referred to a provider or the local workforce center to take employment screens such as the Work-Keys, Star, Career Pipeline or other assessments to determine their interests, strengths and skill levels for employment opportunities. They may also be referred to local providers for Vocational Assessments to determine specific skills or limitations.
  
  
• Psychological Evaluations: Clients who have a history of poor performance on work sites, difficulty completing school or who report depression, emotional or mental challenges may be referred for a psychological evaluation. See KEESM 3330.4 .
  
  
• Medical Assessments: If the client claims a physical or mental disability, they must provide documentation to establish their limitations. The case manager will provide an ES-4309 Doctor’s Statement to be completed by a licensed professional. The case manager will advise the client that all medical documentation will be subject to a second opinion. Based upon the information received, the client will be referred to Rehabilitation Services, a comparable community service or an appropriate employment focused work program activity where they may participate within the boundaries of their limitations. See KEESM 3330.4.
  

Additional follow-up guidance is provided in Appendix, Item #E-14.

Much of the information gathered during the work program assessment process is used to meet the required protocol prior to terminating a TANF case due to the 24-month time limit (see 2242).

The client may be referred to a RS Career Development Center (RS CDC), other contracted provider, Rehabilitation Services or Mental Health Center for further assessment.

The Self Assessment Tool (Appendix #E-6) should be completed each time the client applies for assistance.

3130.3 Documentation - Information obtained during the assessment is documented in the case record and on the system.

The Self-Sufficiency Agreement documents the collaboration between the client and the EES case manager to establish the short term strategies and employment/self-sufficiency goals. Client strengths, information from assessment interviews, tests, community resources, barriers, available program activities and services are considered in the mutual development of the Agreement.

The EES case manager and the client will determine the appropriate activity based upon the client goals, assessment data, and available local resources. If the assessment report indicates continuing mental health needs, areas should collaborate with Mental Health Center (MHC) for treatment and/or case management. Identified barriers such as substance abuse and/or domestic violence will need to be addressed early in the work program participation.