1023-2         CASE MANAGEMENT OF CLIENTS RECEIVING DISCOVERY SERVICES

Throughout the implementation of the continuum of Discovery services the CM Case Manager continues regular FF Families First case management services and documentation of activities.

1023-2 A.     Case Management Supports

The CM Case Manager supports client participation and provides service coordination as needed to maintain stability of the client/family. The DS Discovery Specialist and CM Case Manager have equal responsibility to communicate throughout the provision of Discovery services. This is of particular importance should questions or situations surface that affect the FF Families First client’s ability to participate in Discovery services as outlined in his/her FSSP Family Self Sufficiency Plan or IFSSP Informed Family Self Sufficiency Plan.

The CM Case Manager  works with the client to develop an FSSP Family Self Sufficiency Plan  or IFSSP Informed Family Self Sufficiency Plan  that is achievable, balancing Discovery service appointments with other services identified in the client’s plan. Case managers may encourage Discovery participants to include other countable and non-countable activities as long as the FF Families First client can complete required Discovery activity hours. While CM Case Managers help set high expectations and multiple activities may be identified on the FSSP Family Self Sufficiency Plan , work activities  that have potential to interfere with the client’s participation in Discovery services will be postponed until the client is engaged and making progress towards employment through Discovery services. Because Discovery is part of the job search process, clients must not engage in a traditional job search during participation in Discovery. Job readiness activities are allowable.

In cases where the client does not follow through or participate in Discovery, the CM Case Manager evaluates the appropriateness of the referral to Discovery services. The CM Case Manager should also evaluate the client’s situation for possible exemption from work activity and good cause (ATAP 723-3A). The CM Case Manager may assign an alternate activity or request penalty as appropriate.  

Throughout the implementation of the of Discovery services, the CM Case Manager must ensure regular documentation (CMS Case Management System and the FF Families First client’s hard copy file) typical of the CM Case Managers role under Work Services. In the sections that follow, examples of CLNO Client Notess are noted.

1023-2 B.    Discovery Services as Work Activity

Activities in the continuum of Discovery services are countable work activities for ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program Work Services.  

Discovery service hours in which the FF Families First client participates are “Structured Work Search” (J3) and must be entered as countable work activities in CMS Case Management System.

In some cases, the FF Families First client may participate in an unpaid work experience as part of Discovery services, in which case the participation would be classified or coded as “Work Experience” (WX).

The CM Case Manager will follow work activity verification procedures using the FF Families First client’s work activity calendar or other record as documentation of time the client spends engaged in Discovery activities.