DPSS ePolicy

Revision of existing policy and/or form(s).

What changed?

Procedures have been revised to refer to the current California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) term and process and removal of 24-Month Time Clock language.

Note:  Changes are shown highlighted in gray throughout the document.

Refugee Employment Program (REP) participants are referred to Appraisal as their initial employment activity.  Appraisal is a one-day activity that includes an interview between the participant and the Refugee Case Manager (RCM).  During the Appraisal interview, the RCM thoroughly informs participants of the REP rules and regulations as well as a participant’s rights and responsibilities, program time limits, and benefits of obtaining employment.

During the Appraisal, through the development of a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP), the RCM seeks to evaluate the financial needs of each family and furthermore, assesses the monetary amount needed for each family member to become self-sufficient.  The RCM also obtains the education history, skills and identifies family needs, such as supportive services and barriers impeding self-sufficiency and participation in REP.

Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT)

OCAT is a standard Appraisal tool administered by the RCM that helps the RCM assess and identify barriers and work readiness needs of CalWORKs participants in REP.  OCAT assists with developing a plan towards work readiness activities and ultimately towards self-sufficiency.  For additional information, refer to Administrative Release 5449 released January 27, 2016.

Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP)

The FSSP is utilized to evaluate teen, parenting, health, housing, social and other family issues that have a bearing on the individual’s ability to focus on training and obtaining employment.

CalWORKs REP participants are required to sign a Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Plan within 90 calendar days of their determination of eligibility for CalWORKs cash aid.  REP participants receiving Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) must be registered into a WtW activity within 30 days of cash aid approval.

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