808.39 NHEP Activities SR 98-46, 11/98 (FAM-A)

Barrier Resolution

A serious and substantial personal barrier is the temporary inability of the individual to seek and accept employment due to a debilitating situation including but not limited to:

• Homelessness;

• Impending eviction;

• Substance abuse or addiction of the individual or family member;

• A crisis within the family or with a child or another family member;

• Domestic abuse;

• Physical or mental disability, emotional or mental instability, including depression;

• Legal problems; or

• Any other serious and substantial personal situation which needs to be resolved before employment or preparation for employment shall be pursued.

Barrier resolution services are available to NHEP individuals in any phase of the program and may suspend any component or be combined with any other NHEP activities specified on the EP.

Participation in barrier resolution services as the sole activity does not count towards the 26 week job search requirement.

Participant Requirements

• Individuals are required to participate in NHEP services or be referred to community services as their NHEP activity to resolve the temporary serious and substantial personal barriers when agreed upon with the individual and identified on their Employability Plan. Community services are only required provided that the activities are covered by Medicaid, or do not generate a cost to the NHEP individual.

• Individuals must not be referred to any barrier resolution activities unless agreed upon by the participant.

Exception: Individuals involved in domestic violence situations or any other situation that puts the family at risk are not required to participate in barrier resolution services. Whenever in doubt, do not require participation in the barrier resolution activity.

• Minimum hourly participation requirements do not apply to individuals actively participating, cooperating and progressing in barrier resolution activities.

• Hourly participation in barrier resolution activity is counted toward participation.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).

Employment

Employment is an activity in which there is the receipt of unsubsidized wages for services performed by an individual in the public or private sector.

Specific Activity Requirements

When an employed individual remains eligible for financial assistance,

• The NHEP team continues to work with the individual to provide continued NHEP activities, including case management and support services, with the goal of increasing the participants’ ability to become self-sufficient and be independent of financial assistance.

• NHEP services continue until the participant becomes independent from financial assistance or when the team determines that a participant has reached their maximum earnings potential and will not benefit from further case management or NHEP services.

• For nonexempt employed individuals, the team member must maintain quarterly contact to assess the need for continued case management or other services.

Employed individuals who remain eligible for financial assistance may participate in other approved NHEP activities and related support services as specified on the EP.

Time Limits

There are no time limits on the employment activity. However, if the person is open for financial assistance while employed, even part time, the time on assistance counts towards the 60 month lifetime limit on receipt of TANF financial assistance. The team member is responsible for reviewing with the participant the advantages and disadvantages of continued receipt of financial assistance while employed, considering the 60 month time limit.

Support Services

Employed individuals who remain eligible for financial assistance may be reimbursed for:

• Transportation costs to and from the child care provider and the employment site from the day of the month in which they obtain employment through the following month;

• Fees and supplies from the day of the month in which they obtain employment through the following month; and

• Child care.

On The Job Training

In an on the job training (OJT) program, a participant is hired by a private or public employer as an employee with the same benefits as other employees. The employee receives support and training and knowledge or skills essential to the job to ensure the participant attain full and adequate performance of that job.

OJT placements may be made either through JTPA or NHES based on:

• Employer need,

• Agency resources, and

• Local labor market conditions.

OJT Requirements

An OJT placement requires the following:

• A written contract between the employer and the funding agency;

• Reimbursement to the employer of up to 50% for the wages paid to an NHEP participant during the length of an OJT contract; and

• An approved employability plan which includes placement information.

The contract must include provisions that the employer:

• Provide training and supervision to the participant as part of the contract;

• Indicate the intent to hire the participant for full time unsubsidized employment at the end of the contract; and

• Submit a written monthly progress report which substantiates how training and supervision have been provided and include the employer’s evaluation of the NHEP participant’s performance.

Participation Requirements

An OJT placement may require participation for more than 40 hours per week if customary and required by a specific occupation as indicated in the OJT contract and employability plan.

Termination of an OJT Placement.

An OJT placement can be terminated prior to the end of the contract period if the employer or participant fails to comply with the requirements of the contract. Every attempt should be made to resolve the problem. However, if this is not possible, the following applies:

• The NHEP team notifies the employer in writing at least 7 calendar days prior to the termination and states the reason (s) for the termination; and

• The employer or the participant has 7 calendar days notice period to remedy the violation or complaint prior to the contract termination.

Time Limits

The duration of an OJT contract must not exceed 26 weeks with the same employer.

Support Services

OJT participants who become ineligible for financial assistance due to increased earnings are still considered to be NHEP participants. Under OJT conditions, the following support services are available for the length of the contract:

• Child care assistance at step 1 reimbursement rates (see Part 937, Reimbursement Rates);

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement); and

• Fees and supplies.

Alternative Work Experience Program

Alternative Work Experience Program (AWEP) is a time limited, supervised, unpaid work activity in the public or private sector that provides an individual with the opportunity to acquire general workplace behaviors, attitudes, skills and knowledge necessary to obtain and retain employment or to meet a WFBC requirement.

The priority placement for an AWEP position is as follows:

• Non-profit organizations;

• Community agencies or organizations offering a structured volunteer program;

• For-profit employers, only when the placement provides the type of experience that is beneficial to the individual or the placement is likely to result in paid employment.

Team members will develop AWEP work placements or an individual may pursue and arrange a position if specified on an approved employability plan.

Differences Between AWEP in the JSC and AWEP in the WFBC

In the JSC, the AWEP placement provides the participant with:

• Enhanced employability,

• Basic or upgraded work skills

• Familiarity with work place expectations and practices, including time management skills,

• Work experience and skills that support their EP; and, where possible,

• Work that complements their employment interests and preferences

In the WFBC, an AWEP placement of at least 20 hours per week is required if unsubsized employment or an appropriate OJT is not available. Additional approved activities may also be required to meet the minimum federal participation rate of 25 hours per week.

Activity Requirements

An AWEP placement requires the following:

• Form NHEP232, AWEP Agreement, between the AWEP sponsor and the NHEP specifying the tasks to be performed by the participant, hours of the work placement and duration of the agreement, and

• An approved EP which includes the AWEP placement information.

Termination of an AWEP Placement

An AWEP placement can be terminated prior to the end of the agreement period if the employer or participant fails or neglects to comply with the requirements of the agreement. Every attempt should be made to resolve the problem. However, if this is not possible, follow the procedures described below:

• The NHEP team member notifies the sponsor in writing at least 7 calendar days prior to the termination stating the reason(s) for the termination;

• The sponsor or the participant has 7 calendar days notice period to remedy the violation or complaint prior to the agreement termination;

• When the NHEP team member terminates the agreement, the team member shall notify the sponsor.

Time Limits

• The duration of each new AWEP placement is not to exceed a period of 13 weeks.

• Each new agreement may be extended for an additional period of 13 weeks.

• The total duration of an AWEP placement cannot exceed a period of 26 weeks with the same sponsor.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity for both applicants and recipients:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).

Participant Requirements

AWEP participants are responsible for:

• Honoring the provisions of Form NHEP 232, AWEP Agreement;

• Recording attendance;

• Submitting attendance information for review by the sponsor and NHEP representative upon request;

• Informing the team member or other NHEP representatives and the sponsor in the event of an injury while working in an AWEP work placement; and

• Attending a reassessment interview with an NHEP representative prior to the end of an AWEP work placement or placement extension.

Referral to Vocational Skills Training for AWEP Participants in the WFBC

An individual who is required to participate in an AWEP as the WFBC work placement may be referred to vocational skills training prior to or after the completion of the AWEP, but only when the vocational skills training is necessary in order to satisfy a bona fide offer of unsubsidized employment or OJT placement made by the AWEP sponsor.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor of an AWEP work placement is responsible for the following:

• Honoring the provisions of Form NHEP232, AWEP Agreement;

• Providing supervision to the participant;

• Submitting a completed Form NHEP233, AWEP Evaluation Report, at least quarterly; and

• Informing the team member or other NHEP representative if an NHEP participant is injured while working in an AWEP work placement.

Work Place Protections

Individuals in AWEP work placements have the same work place protections as all other employees. All individuals participating in AWEP activities or work placements will be given Form NHEP101, Your Rights in the Work Place. NHEP participants in AWEP work placements are entitled to the protections regarding sexual harassment and work conditions such as safe environment, non-discrimination and adequate rest and meal periods.

Limitation of Hours in AWEP Work Placement Based on Minimum Wage

Individuals participating in an AWEP work placement cannot be required to participate more hours than the number of hours equal to the amount of their full monthly assistance grant (including any amounts removed due to DFA applied sanctions), plus the total food stamp allotment received for the current month, minus any monthly child support payments retained by the Department, divided by the federal minimum wage.

If the resultant number of hours is more than the current minimum participation requirement of 25 hours, the number of hours over 25, rounded down, can be required of that individual (not to exceed 40 hours per week).

If the resultant number of hours is less than the current minimum participation requirement of 25 hours, require the individual to meet federal minimum participation requirements.

Other NHEP activity participation, such as ABE, single course, or job search, can be provided in addition to the AWEP activity.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation (WC) coverage is provided to all participants in AWEP who have completed Form NHEP232, AWEP Agreement. This coverage applies to injuries sustained while in an AWEP work placement only. Form NHEP102, Notice About Workers’ Compensation Coverage, is provided to participants before beginning their AWEP and describes the benefit and reporting requirements. Sponsors receive Forms NHEP103, AWEP Pamphlet, and NHEP104, The Alternative Work Experience Program: Most Frequently Asked Questions, which describe the benefits and requirements of AWEP sponsorship. When an incident occurs, the participant must contact an NHEP team member immediately. If the individual meets WC coverage criteria, the team member will provide direction in filing a claim.

Job Search Activity

The purpose of the job search activity is to:

• Assist participants in gaining the skills needed to secure suitable employment;

• Engage participants in activities which assist and prepare them for employment; and

• Move the individual quickly into unsubsidized employment.

Participation Requirements

Job search activities are the primary activities for applicants and recipients in the JSC. Job search activities utilize both group and individual job search activities. Applicants and recipients must participate in job search activities including:

• Interviews with NHEP team members;

• Orientation sessions and workshops;

• NHEP employment counseling sessions;

• Career exploration and career decision making;

• Vocational short and long term goal setting;

• Vocational; interest; aptitude and literacy testing;

• Job search assistance;

• Other appointments or referrals to other agencies designed to improve an individual’s employability; and

• Contacting employers for employment opportunities.

The NHEP team member will require individuals in the job search activity to look for unsubsidized employment as appropriate and specified on the employability plan.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity for both applicants and recipients:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).

Time Limits

• Job search activity is limited to twenty-six weeks as the sole activity, which includes the initial 4 week job search period.

• Additional job search activities may be required in the WFBC only when accompanied by another NHEP activity.

Follow up

• Job search is a supervised activity. At a minimum of once every 4 weeks, a contact must be made between the NHEP team member and the individual to evaluate the individual’s progress in their job search efforts.

• All employer contacts, regardless of the method of contact used, must be documented on Form 223, Employer Contacts.

Job Readiness

The job readiness activity prepares individuals for work by assuring that they are familiar with general workplace expectations and exhibit work behavior and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the job market.

The job readiness activity may occur during the 26 weeks of JSC, and although it is coded as a separate activity, it counts toward the 26 week job search/job readiness requirement.

Purpose

The expectation from the job readiness activity is that individuals will be instructed in basic job seeking and job keeping skills that will allow them to gain and retain employment. Job readiness training is made available to educate individuals who:

• Lack knowledge of workplace expectations;

• Do not exhibit appropriate work behaviors and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the job market; and

• Are at risk for unemployment as evidenced by an unsuccessful employment history or no employment history.

Participant Referral Guidelines

The team member determines that the NHEP individual lacks one or more of the following:

• Understanding of employment expectations and demands of employers;

• Ability to get along with fellow employees and supervisors;

• An interest in finding and keeping employment;

• Ability to maintain a work schedule;

• The self-esteem, confidence or motivation to successful participate in the job search activity;

• Appropriate personal presentation for the workplace; and

• Responsibility for providing necessary documentation.

Activity Requirement

Individuals involved in job readiness activities will meet participation requirements as specified on the EP.

Time Limits

• The job readiness activity is limited to 26 weeks as the sole activity, which includes the initial 4 week job search period.

• Additional job readiness activities may be required in the WFBC only when accompanied by another NHEP activity specified on the EP.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for job readiness:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).

Single Course Activity

The purpose of the single course activity is to allow individuals to update or upgrade skills to become immediately employable, without participating in a degree or certificate program. Single educational course activity is one or two classes offered by a recognized institution of education or training. For example, a single course might be authorized when an individual who has clerical experience needs a computer class to help find immediate employment.

NHEP Requirements

NHEP participants may be approved for participation in single educational courses, if the courses meet all the conditions specified below:

• Are supported by the employment goals as indicated on the EP;

• Improve the participant’s immediate employment prospects;

• Are vocationally specific; and

• Do not exceed one term of education or training as defined by the institution.

Participant Requirements

• Participant must complete an assessment interview and an EP; and

• Participant must have met the initial four weeks job search period requirements.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance;

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement);

• Tuition; and

• Fees and supplies.

Support Services Authorization and Limitations

Support services for education and training costs for participants referred to a single course activity are subject to the following limits:

• A maximum of two courses per state fiscal year is allowed as an NHEP activity, which may be taken separately or simultaneously;

• Payments for books, fees, tools of the trade and child care registration fees are limited to a total of $500 per state fiscal year per participant; and

Exception: Child care registration fees are limited to one registration fee payment per family, per provider, per state fiscal year.

• Tuition assistance is limited to a total of $1575 per state fiscal year per participant.

Exception: For NHEP participants already receiving JTPA training services, only NHJTC staff may authorize JTPA payment for single course activities and related support services. For all others, DHHS funding is used only when other sources of funds are not available.

Basic Education

Basic education is any educational program that is considered secondary education and includes, but is not limited to, basic and alternative educational activities listed below:

• General educational development (GED) programs;

• Remedial or adult basic education (ABE) programs;

• High school diploma programs;

• Alternative educational high schools;

• English as a second language (ESL);

• Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) out-of-school youth programs; and

• Special programs for learning disabled individuals.

Participant Requirements

The following individuals (both 1 and 2 parent families) are required to participate in basic or alternative education activities:

• Custodial parents under age 21 without a high school diploma or its equivalent must participate full-time as defined by the institution, as follows:

- Parents age 18 through 20 are required to participate when their youngest child turns 6 months of age;

- Parents under age 18 are required to participate when their youngest child turns 12 weeks of age; and

• Dependent children age 16 through 19 who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and who are mandatory NHEP participants are required to participate full-time as defined by the institution.

Age 21 and Over

For individuals who are age 21 or over, it is the individual’s option to participate in basic educational activities. Individuals can choose basic educational activities as the sole activity in a full time program or attend part time while participating in other approved NHEP activities.

Exception: Parents in two parent families age 21 through age 25 without a high school diploma or equivalent may, but are not required to, participate in basic educational activities. However, they still must meet minimum participation requirements.

If an individual age 21 and over does not choose basic educational activities and team members determine that the basic education activity is the appropriate activity, that individual will be not be required to participate in educational activities provided:

• The individual demonstrates a basic literacy level; or

• The long term employment goal, identified on the EP does not require a high school diploma or equivalent.

The following also applies to individuals age 21 and older:

• For NHEP participants in basic educational activities that are considered full time by the institution but are not meeting participation requirements dependent upon the age of the youngest child, additional NHEP activities will be required as specified on the EP; and

• The GED classes that meet for a minimum of 25 hours a week are considered full time and are subject to the new time limits described below.

Specific Activity Requirements

Alternative educational activities may be substituted for basic education for the following participants:

• Dependent children age 16 and older if the high school refuses to accept the individual.

• Caseheads age 16 or 17 if:

- The high school refuses to accept the individual; or

- School attendance is not in the best interests of the individual; or

- The parent requests an alternative to high school; or

- A training or work activity can be substituted if an educational activity is not available, but the training or work activities can not be required.

Approved NHEP training or work activities may be substituted for basic or alternative education for the following participants:

Caseheads age 18 through 20 if:

• The participant fails to make good progress in an educational activity; or

• An educational activity is inappropriate based on the assessment and employment goal.

Time Limits For Basic Education Classes That Meet For 25 Hours a Week

Time limits for participation in basic education classes that meet for a minimum of 25 hours a week are as follows:

• ABE/GED classes may be approved for one year as the sole NHEP activity except for the 1st parent in a 2 parent family;

• ABE/GED classes may be approved for one additional year if a GED has not been obtained as long as an additional NHEP activity is required as the primary NHEP activity; and

• ABE/GED classes are only available for a 2 year period in any consecutive 5 years.

Exceptions: The time limits do not apply to:

• An NHEP participant who is under 21 years of age;

• Basic or alternative educational activities that do not meet for a minimum of 25 hours a week; or

• An individual who has a documented learning disability. The classes may be extended as specified on an educational plan from a state certified education professional or psychologist.

Support Services

All of the following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance;

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement);

• Tuition; and

• Fees and supplies.

The following tables illustrate basic educational requirements based on the participant’s age and case membership status.

BASIC EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

BASIC EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (Continued)

Post Secondary Education

Post secondary education is defined as a program of study beyond high school or its equivalent leading to an associate’s degree or higher.

Participant Referral Criteria

The NHEP team member must consider the following specific referral criteria in addition to the general referral criteria in Section 808.25, Referrals to Other Activities, in order to refer to the post secondary educational activity:

• The individual’s immediate marketability of current skills, experience and education;

• The individual’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency without a post secondary educational program;

• The individual’s ability to successfully complete a post secondary educational program;

• The individual’s ability to access support services needed to participate in a post secondary educational program, such as child care and transportation; and

• Job opportunities are currently available in the local labor market in the field of the post secondary educational program.

Activity Requirement

The post secondary educational program must meet the following criteria:

• Be consistent with employment goals as defined on the EP;

• Have a reasonable expectation that the degree will result in the individual obtaining employment; and

• Be vocationally specific in a recognized occupational area.

Work Placement Requirement

Whenever a team member approves a post secondary educational program, the activity must be an accompanied by a work placement.

The work placement requirement may be satisfied by any combination of the following activities:

• Unsubsidized employment;

• Internship, paid and unpaid;

• Practicum;

• Work study placement;

• AWEP;

• Apprenticeship; or

• Other approved work placements as specified on the employability plan.

Participation Requirements for the Work Placement

The work placement must be arranged prior to the post secondary educational activity. These requirements apply to all NHEP participants in the post secondary educational activity, regardless of the age of the youngest child.

To determine the number of hours needed for the work placement or paid employment for participants who are attending a post secondary educational program, use the following formula:

• Double the credit hours being taken;

• Subtract those credit hours from 40 hours (regardless of the age of the youngest child); and

• Subtract any additional hours for participant’s other approved NHEP activities.

The work placement or paid employment will be required for the remaining participation hours.

Once this determination has been made, specify the work placement or paid employment and post secondary activities on the EP.

If the work placement activity results in academic credit, count either the credits or the work hours, but not both.

Loss of Work Placement

If a participant loses the work placement while attending a post secondary program, the individual will be required to obtain another work placement.

Update the EP anytime it is needed to outline the steps to be taken for the individual to come into compliance or to reach participation.

• When an individual is searching for a work placement, do not complete Form 214 as in the job search activity.

• If participation in post secondary educational activities is not reasonable and consistent with the needs of the dependent children for continuing parental care and protection, evaluate the individual’s participation in the post secondary activity and if necessary, modify participation requirements or refer to another activity.

Time Limits

Associate’s Degree: For a participant being referred to an initial post secondary educational program, the educational program shall not be approved above the level of associate’s degree and shall only be approved for a period of time as follows:

• No greater than 2 years of continuous full time study, as defined by the post secondary institution; or

• When attendance is less than full time, as defined by the institution, no greater than one and one half times the normal period of time for which is customary for completing the program, not to exceed 3 years.

Bachelor’s Degree: For a participant who has previously earned academic credits, a post secondary educational program shall not be approved above an associate’s degree level unless a bachelor’s degree can be obtained in a period of time as follows:

• No greater than 2 years of continuous full time study, as defined by the post secondary institution; or

• When attendance is less than full time, as defined by the institution, no greater than one and one half times the normal period of time for which is customary for completing the program, not to exceed 3 years.

Exception: The time limit specified above for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs does not apply to individuals with a documented learning disability verified by a state certified educational professional or licensed psychologist. For extension of participation time, the documentation must specify the need and length of time required.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).

Previous Educational Degrees

When determining the need for additional post secondary educational programs for individuals with a previous certificate, diploma, degree, or previous post secondary educational credits, the NHEP team member shall consider the following:

• Significant labor market changes effecting the occupation in which education or training has been previously received;

• The person no longer possesses the needed abilities to perform the job functions of the educational or training program received due to a documented disability;

• That the NHEP participant’s previous educational or training program may have been interrupted due to a major personal emergency, which caused the participant to drop out, and is now resolved.

Vocational Skills Training

Vocational skills training means instruction conducted at an institutional or worksite setting to provide or upgrade the technical skills required to perform a specific job or group of jobs by an individual, including:

• Job specific competency training;

• Job specific school-to-work programs;

• On-site industry-specific training;

• Customized training;

• Entrepreneurial training;

• Cooperative education; or

• Professional and vocational education.

Participant Referral Criteria

The NHEP team member must consider the following specific referral criteria in addition to the general referral criteria in Section 808.25 in order to refer to the vocational skills training activity:

• The participant’s marketability based on current skills, experience and education;

• The participant’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency without a vocational skills training program;

• The specific vocational skills training program’s direct marketability to the local labor market;

• The participant’s ability to successfully complete a vocational skills training program; and

• The participant’s ability to make use of support services, such as transportation and child care, while engaged in vocational skills training.

An AWEP participant who has a job or OJT offer conditional on participating in vocational skills training may be referred to the training prior to or after the completion of the AWEP.

Activity Requirement

Vocational skills training programs must meet all of the following criteria:

• The classroom training must be designed for vocationally specific skill;

• The vocationally specific training must be in an occupation which is consistent with the participant’s employability plan;

• The training must be industry specific; and

• The training program must have a reasonable expectation to result in an individual obtaining employment.

Determining Hours of Participation in Vocational Skills Training

To determine if the vocational skills training, either new or approved self-initiated, meets the participation requirement, determine whether or not the vocational skills training program is based upon academic credits.

• If the vocational skills training program is based on academic credits, apply the formula below:

- Credits multiplied by 2 equals the participation hours that are counted toward the participation requirement.

• If the vocational skills training program is not based on academic credits, count the actual hours of on-site participation in the vocational skills training program to determine the number of hours counted toward the participation requirement.

• If the individual is not meeting minimum participation requirements in the vocational skills training activity, increase the activity hours or enroll the individual in an additional NHEP activity.

• If the individual is meeting minimum participation requirements, an additional NHEP activity may be required to a maximum of 40 hours per week as specified on the EP. The hours of participation, between the minimum and maximum, should be based on what is necessary for the participant to achieve self-sufficiency, and not on the minimum hours set by federal law. When appropriate to support employment goals and self-sufficiency, other activities may be combined with the vocational skills activity.

Participant Requirement

When determining the need for additional vocational skills training programs for individuals with a previous certificate, diploma, degree, or previous vocational skills training, the NHEP team member shall consider the following:

• Significant labor market changes effecting the occupation in which education or training has been previously received;

• The person no longer possesses the needed abilities to perform the job functions of the educational or training program received due to a documented disability; or

• That the NHEP participant’s previous educational or training program may have been interrupted due to a major personal emergency, which caused the participant to drop out, and is now resolved.

Time Limits

The vocational skills training program must be completed within the following time limits:

• No more than 2 years of continuous study, as defined by the institution; or

• When attendance is less than full time, as defined by the training facility or institution, no more than one and a half times the normal period of time customary for completing the program, not to exceed 3 years.

Exception: The time limit specified above for vocational skills programs does not apply to individuals with a documented learning disability verified by a state certified educational professional or licensed psychologist. For extension of participation time, the documentation must specify the need and length of time required.

Support Services

All of the following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance;

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement);

• Tuition; and

• Fees and supplies.

Self Initiated Post Secondary Education or Vocational Skills Training

Self initiated post secondary education or vocational skills training refers to an individual who is enrolled in or attending, in good standing in vocational skills training or post secondary educational programs at the time they begin the NHEP work program.

Approving Self Initiated Activities

The self initiated activity can be approved if the following conditions are met:

• The activity meets the specific criteria for the vocational skills training or post secondary educational activities;

• The activity meets the individual’s employment needs;

• The individual is currently enrolled and attending the self initiated activity; and

• The individual is making satisfactory progress;

• The individual will be able to obtain a certificate, diploma or degree from the self initiated activity within approvable time limits (see below);

• A work placement will be pursued if the self initiated activity is post secondary education; and

• Vocational skills training does not have a work placement requirement, but must meet participation requirements.

Grace Period

Individuals involved in a self initiated post secondary educational or vocational skills training program that is not approved by a team member are granted a "grace period" to complete the current term or semester, not to exceed 6 months, provided the individual is currently attending and is making satisfactory progress.

Inform the individual at the initial assessment interview that the activity will not be approved after the current semester or term, nor will it count toward participation requirements after the grace period.

Participation Requirements During the Grace Period

• During the grace period, the applicant is still required to meet participation requirements.

Exception: Participants in unapproved post-secondary educational activities are not required to meet the work placement requirement.

• Individuals not meeting participation requirements must be entered into the Job Search Component. Conduct the initial assessment and determine the appropriate activity.

Support Services

Participants in self-initiated activities may receive the following support services:

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage, and automobile repairs); and

• Child care assistance.

Time Limits

Associate’s Degree: Self initiated educational programs can be approved for an associate’s degree when:

• No more than 1 year of continuous full time study remains; or

• When attendance is less than full time, no more than one and one half times the normal period of time customary for completing the program, not to exceed 2 years remains.

Bachelor’s Degree: Self initiated educational programs can be approved for a bachelor’s degree when:

• No more than 2 years of continuous full time study remains; or

• When attendance is less than full time, no more than one and one half times the normal period of time customary for completing the program, not to exceed 3 years, remains.

Vocational skills training programs must meet the same time limits described above for bachelor’s degree.

If the self initiated activity is approved at the initial assessment interview, and the activity meets participation requirements:

• Postpone the initial 4 week job search period and referral; and

• Inform the individual that participation in the initial 4 week job search period and referral will be required at the end of self-initiated activity if the individual is not employed full time.

Exception: The time limits specified above do not apply to individuals with a documented learning disability verified by a state certified educational professional or licensed psychologist. For extension of participation time, the documentation must specify the need and length of time required.

Participation Requirements

Individuals not meeting participation requirements, including participation in the work placement requirement in the post secondary educational activity, will be required to increase participation in the following if unsuccessful in obtaining another work placement:

• The educational or training activity; or

• Another NHEP activity.

If other activities are not available, enroll the participant in the Job Search Component.