Activity Referral and Enrollment
Clients receiving TAFDC have access to many Pathways to Work education, training and employment programs as one way to increase their economic mobility. Economic Assistance Case Managers, Full Engagement Workers and Self Sufficiency Specialists must provide a clear expectation to nonexempt clients that they must be enrolled in an activity or work by the end of their Pathways to Work Planning Period.
As part of the Pathways to Work Planning Period or when completing planning activities with the Full Engagement Worker (FEW), the client will decide what Pathways to Work activity they will participate in.
Clients will have the opportunity to learn about and explore programs when they connect with the FEW for the Welcome Call or at a TAFDC Pathways to Work Orientation. Self Sufficiency Specialists (SSSs) will complete the referral and enrollment process for clients in their caseload.
FEWs and SSSs will complete Pathways to Work activity referrals and update an activity referral status in the Pathways to Work workflow.
Funded and Contracted Providers
When a client has selected a funded or contracted provider, FEWs and SSSs must inform clients that their information will be shared with program and to expect contact from a staff member to complete the enrollment process. Clients must also be provided with the contact number for the program.
A Pathways to Work Activity referral must be completed in BEACON through the Pathways to Work workflow. In addition to generating the referral, you must also connect with the provider by either sending a encrypted email with the client’s name, telephone number and any other information that may be helpful (best time to call, client goals, employment/education history, etc.) and copy their supervisor or by phone to make a direct connection. DTA Staff must identify clients by last name and first initial with the DTA Agency ID when emailing providers about specific participants.
Reminder: DTA Staff must encrypt all emails containing client information, including referrals to Employment and Training programs by using “SECURE:” in the subject line.
The provider will notify DTA once the client becomes enrolled and agrees to start services. This can be completed by phone, email or by returning a completed Pathways Activity referral. If a client will not begin services with a provider they were referred to, the FEW or SSS must determine next steps with the client; including if another activity is a better fit or if additional support is needed.
Local and Community Resources
When a client requests a referral to a non-DTA funded program or activity, FEWs and SSSs will complete a Pathways activity referral. FEWs and SSSs must share any program information they have, including direct contacts, to help facilitate enrollment. A client may also report that they are already enrolled in an activity to DTA. If the activity the client is enrolled in is an approved Pathways to Work activity, they may submit a letter from the program with the start and expected end date and weekly days/times of activity, a course schedule, or a completed Pathways activity referral.
Employment
A client who reports that they are working or starting work must be connected to the FEW if they haven’t been already. A Pathways to Work Plan must be completed. For a client who is subject to work rules, if their expected work hours will not meet their requirement the FEW must help the client choose another Pathways to Work activity. SSSs will complete all employment related supports for anyone in their caseload and may collaborate with the FEW if needed.
FEW Follow-up
FEWs must schedule a follow-up Engagement action for Program Enrollment 15 days from when they issue an Activity Referral to support a smooth transition. Clients who are subject to work rules must enroll in a Pathways to Work activity or start work before the end of their Pathway to Work Planning Period.
A client who has been issued a Pathways Activity referral must have follow-up completed who does not enroll.
Related Topics
Issuing Activity Referrals and Updating Activity Status
Completing a Pathways to Work Plan
Last Update: August 9, 2023