2011 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 46 — Public welfare and assistance
RS 46:231.8 — Step participation; evaluation and screening; initial referral; appeal procedure

§231.8. STEP participation; evaluation and screening; initial referral; appeal procedure

A.(1) A work-eligible applicant for assistance shall receive an initial employability assessment designed to determine their level of employability, immediate needs, and family circumstances. Upon certification of eligibility, a work-eligible client shall receive an in-depth assessment that shall include workplace literacy, employment history, educational attainment, basic skills, barriers to employment and self-sufficiency, characteristics of children, and family circumstances. Participation in work readiness shall be documented as a condition for certification of eligibility for cash assistance. Upon certification of eligibility, a work-eligible participant shall continue participation in work readiness activities as specified under R.S. 46:231.7. Once eligibility is certified, a comprehensive assessment shall occur and be utilized in the determination of the appropriate level of services and required work activities needed by such participants under the program. This comprehensive assessment shall include workplace literacy, basic skills and educational attainment, interests and aptitude related to employment, barriers to employment, need for education, supportive services such as child care and transportation, and other supportive services. Specialized assessments can occur for issues that arise after an initial assessment has been completed that could include: substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health screening, or others as determined by the department. The completion of assessment activities shall occur in a timely manner and shall be on-going as needed and as part of the written Family Success Agreement contracts of participant self-sufficiency.

(2) The department shall conduct a Transitional Assessment Plan with participants who have received three months of earnings disregard or who are within six months of an expected transition from cash assistance, for reasons other than noncompliance with program requirements, whichever is earlier. The Transitional Assessment Plan shall include a plan for on-going success in the work force, identification of short and long-term goals, identification of potential barriers and an action plan to overcome these barriers, and information regarding eligibility for supportive services. These supportive services shall include but are not limited to: Medicaid, food stamps, child care, transportation, Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program, the earned income tax credit, and TANF-funded services. Information shall be provided verbally and in written form.

B. As part of its performance-based agreement, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council shall participate in the identification and development of appropriate workplace literacy, employment, and education assessments that will be used by job developers and provided to participants for the development of Family Success Agreements by the department. The Louisiana Workforce Investment Council shall ensure that job developers and service providers integrate the needs of Louisiana employers as part of the assessment process.

C. Participants may bring grievances and appeal decisions of the secretary under the program in accordance with grievance and appeal procedures established by the secretary by administrative regulations.

Acts 1997, No. 1155, §1, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 2003, No. 58, §1; Acts 2004, No. 110, §1; Acts 2004, No. 675, §1; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008.