Revised on May 19, 2021
Legal References:
The Assessment section includes:
An assessment is an analysis used by a WorkFirst Social Service Specialist (WFSSS) to gather detailed information about a participant's life and issues that may impact their ability to support their family. Obtaining information from a participant during an assessment can be difficult. Use open ended question to assist in getting the information needed to establish supportive WorkFirst activities. Results of these assessments are used to establish WorkFirst activities for intensive services for participants. The Pathway Development Tool (PDT) is one way to complete assessments allowing for a full assessment or partial assessment to be completed (See WFHB 3.2.3).
Assessments include:
An assessment reveals a participant's issues and strengths, so we can connect the participant to appropriate resources, services, and activities to foster self-sufficiency.
Request an assessment:
As shown in the chart below, there are many issues that may interfere with a participant's ability to become self-sufficient, provide stability or care for a child in their home. Any indication of the issues listed below may require a WFSSS assessment so they can be addressed.
Key Issues to resolve | |
---|---|
Education & employment | Problems in school or on the job may indicate hidden learning disabilities, critical skills gaps, or other factors that require further evaluation. |
General health | Lack of dental care or physical disabilities may require a referral to a dentist, doctor, SSI or DVR. |
Pregnancy or parent of child less than 24 months old | Help is available to provide prenatal care, child support, parent education, and to create a better support system. |
Family planning | Family planning services are available to avoid unintended pregnancies that can make it harder to achieve independence. |
Child health & nutrition | Help obtaining immunizations, regular well-child check-ups and health or nutrition advice. |
Parent/child development | Parenting classes are available to deal with the issues faced by working parents. |
Mental/Emotional health | Help is available to deal with depression, anxiety, anger, grief or the aftermath of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. |
Domestic violence | Connect participants with domestic violence agencies for expert advice and assistance. |
Substance abuse/Chemical dependency | Refer participants for substance abuse/chemical dependency assessment and treatment. |
Housing/TLA eligibility | Help in finding stable and adequate housing, or supporting determination of appropriateness of living situation for pregnant/parenting teens in Teen Living Assessments (TLA.) |
Child care | Help in finding safe, affordable, and reliable child care. |
Transportation | Help in developing a reliable transportation plan (looking at mass transit, insurance, driver's license issues). |
Legal Issues (Past or Present) | Help in dealing with various legal issues that can interfere with employment (like evictions, bankruptcy, or criminal history such as a current or past offense towards children or vulnerable adults). |
Other agencies/Tribal | Connect the participant to other resources (like Head Start or tribal services) or coordinate with other agencies (like CPS). |
A participant may need additional assessments based on the results of a social service assessment. For example, it may indicate a need for a DASA referral, so the participant can be assessed further for drug and alcohol treatment.
When referring a participant to the WFSSS for an assessment, use the eJAS referral codes, such as:
When a pregnant woman applies for Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) and isn't eligible for a 60 month TANF Time Limit Extension, the Case Manager (WFSSS) accepts the referral and assesses the PWA recipients' needs. All financial eligibility has been determined before the Case Manager (WFSSS) completes the First Steps Assessment (see WFHB 5.1.18 What is First Steps?).
During the assessment, the Case Manager (WFSSS):
See the PWA flow chart and CSD procedure, Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) for additional information.