1004-4          SUPPORTIVE SERVICE CODES AND DEFINITIONS

Auto Repair (AR)

Auto repair is one of the most costly SSSupportive Services. Repairs may be minor or be significant and beyond the value of the vehicle. Authorize reasonable car repairs only when other methods of transportation to and from work or approved activities are unavailable or unreliable.

An auto repair shop must confirm in writing the need for the repairs, their estimated costs, and that they will conduct the repairs or supervise them. Use discretion in requiring additional estimates.

Pay only for the cost of the estimates, the automotive mechanic's labor charges and/or the cost of replacement parts necessary to repair a participant's personal vehicle.  Expect the repairs to return the vehicle to a safe and reliable working condition.  

Assessment Testing (AT)

Professional assessment and evaluation of strengths, challenges to employment, and/or eligibility for community services needed (not covered by Medicaid).

Basic Education (BE)

Cost of approved basic education including workshop fees, tuition, books, and lab & activity fees not covered by WIAWorkforce Investment Act, DOLDepartment of Labor, UA, or other available resources.

Bus Tokens (BT)

Lack of transportation is one of the most common challenges to employment. For clients who do not have their own vehicle, the bus or other alternate public transit system may be their primary means of getting to and from work. Use the Bus Transportation code (BT) when SSSupportive Services are used to pay for public transportation.

Car Insurance (CI)

Liability car insurance policies can be paid by SSSupportive Services. Car insurance is an ongoing expense that must be worked into the family's budget. It is extremely important to review this with clients to ensure that they can cover the ongoing cost of maintaining car insurance. SSSupportive Services for liability insurance cannot exceed a 12-month term.

In rare cases, Work Services can provide comprehensive car insurance funds. Funding of comprehensive insurance cannot exceed 3 months and may be issued under the following circumstances:

1. It is required by their employer. Budgeting must include looking at wage progression and job advancement to ensure that the client will be able to take over the insurance costs in the future and that the job is one that can become basic of, or is a step towards, long-term self-sufficiency.

2. They are making loan payments on their vehicle. Work with the client to plan how they will pay their own car insurance payments within three months. If the client cannot maintain the insurance payments on their own in this period of time, the client may need help to explore the option of selling or trading the vehicle in on one they can afford.

Note:

High-risk liability insurance (SR-22) cannot be purchased under any circumstance.

Counseling Services (CL)

This service is used when an assessment, medical referral, or case history identifies counseling (individual or group) as a way to develop and build on strengths which will support employment or remediate challenges that interfere with employment. It may also be used to purchase assistance for disabled clients who are pursuing self-sufficiency from the Temporary Assistance program through application of SSISupplemental Security Income benefits.

Individual or group counseling supports client employability through improved life skills, safety, health, or abilities. For clients with certain challenges, such as mental health, substance abuse or domestic violence, Medicaid may pay for a limited number of counseling visits if recommended by a health care professional.

Counseling services may be provided with SSSupportive Services funds while a client is on a waiting list for a Medicaid provider or when Medicaid approved sessions have been exhausted but are still documented as necessary by the counseling or medical provider.

Community resources are often available and are sometimes available at a sliding fee scale or at no charge (for instance, Alcoholics Anonymous support groups are free). Supportive Services may assist clients with co-pays and the cost of visits recommended by health professionals if those visits are not covered by Medicaid.

Disabled clients who need assistance in applying for SSISupplemental Security Income benefits may receive counseling services to fund individualized assistance and benefits counseling. Assistance in applying for SSISupplemental Security Income and benefits counseling is sometimes provided by non-profit agencies (such as the Disability Law Center) for free. Supportive Services may be used when the vendor's service is the client's best option at establishing eligibility for SSISupplemental Security Income benefits.

Case Management Services (CM)

Intensive and specialized case management, outside the scope of Work Services, and provided by an entity other than the WSPWork Services Provider. Services provided by the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

Driver's License (DL)

If the client lacks a driver's license and needs one to engage in assigned activities, then authorize payment for the actual cost of fees charged by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

The cost of a commercial driver's license, or another license needed to enter a driving occupation, must be paid through the "Professional License" Supportive Service.

Emergency Shelter (ES)

Housing must be addressed immediately during the intake assessment. As soon as a family presents with a housing need, every effort should be made to assist them in finding or maintaining safe and affordable housing. This may include a referral to local housing assistance programs and application assistance if necessary.

If a family is homeless, refer them to a shelter. If space at a shelter is not available in your community or their place on a Housing Assistance wait list makes it unlikely that they will receive subsidized housing assistance soon, every effort should be made to help the family find an alternate housing arrangement. Options include family, friends, relocation, or finding an apartment with a short-term or monthly lease which would help build positive rental references.

When due diligence has been exercised and no alternative resources or shelter can be found, it is appropriate to provide emergency shelter SSSupportive Services. Emergency shelter is intended to:

1. Assist clients who are working or pursuing employment with moving to a place closer to their work or potential employment. This is intended for clients whose commute to work and childcare is excessively long, prohibitively expensive, or a challenge to self-sufficiency;
2. Assist clients who are engaged in full time activities and cannot meet the high costs of initially securing housing such as paying first and last month's rent and it is necessary for them to relocate to maintain their job;
3. To assist families who have already paid rent, but who have an immediate need to change their housing for reasons outside of their control, i.e., to accept employment, to escape domestic violence, leave unsafe living conditions or their rental or lease agreement has been vacated by the property owner; or,
4. To pay unmet housing costs caused by unanticipated losses of income. This should only be done when there are no other resources available and a family's living arrangement is in jeopardy.

Note: 

This SS is to help families with an immediate emergency, or for initial funds to secure housing. This service cannot be used to pay deposits.Send requests for multiple months or multiple instances of need to for case specific approval.

Grooming (GR)

Grooming SS typically includes haircut and style, or beard grooming. Pay for grooming costs, if doing so improves the client's chances at getting or, if needed, to accept paid employment. Adult hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and laundry supplies may also be included in this category.

Gas Voucher (GV)

For clients who have their own vehicle or are getting reliable rides from someone within their support system, gas vouchers (or cards) may be used to subsidize their fuel expenses. While this is one of the most common and important SSSupportive Services Work Services offers, it should not be provided to clients automatically.

As working clients increase their income, they should be able to pay for more of their own transportation expenses. Help clients budget for ongoing fuel costs, pay what they are able, and plan for when this Supportive Service is no longer available to them.

Interview Clothing (IC)

To be successful in work search, clients must wear the appropriate clothes. Clearly, what is appropriate for an interview depends the entirely upon the job the client is applying for and the customs of the local labor market. Advise the client to use discretion in selecting clothing so that the clothing need can be met at a reasonable cost. Clients may also choose amount approved vendors to find the clothes that best suit their need for the best price.

Only the clothing essential for success at the interview(s) can be authorized. This is not a general clothing allowance.

Job Development and Placement (JD)

Development of a job or placement performed by a vendor, outside the scope of Work Services, and not available through partner agencies such as DOLDepartment of Labor or DVRDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation. JDJob Developer activities through the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

Job Search Assistance/Placement (JS)

Specialized or intensive job search assistance, development and placement outside the scope of Work Services and not available through partner agencies such as DOLDepartment of Labor or DVRDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation. JSJob Search activities through the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

Life Skills Training (LS)

Cost of approved life skills training including workshop fees, tuition, books, and lab & activity fees not covered by WIAWorkforce Investment Act, DOLDepartment of Labor, UA, or other available resources. LSLife Skills activities through the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

On-The-Job Training (OJ)

Reimburse employers for their costs while clients are working in On-The-Job Training programs, see WSPM  1005-4.

Professional License (PL)

Professional license encompass a range of occupations, from Plumbers to Certified Nurse's Aide. Pay the cost of a professional or commercial license the client needs to engage in a specific occupation. Pay the actual cost of the license as charged by the Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing.

Post-Employment Services (PO)

Specialized or intensive services (job coaching, job skills evaluation), outside the scope of Work Services, and not available through partner agencies such as DOLDepartment of Labor or DVRDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation. POPost Employment activities through the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

Pre-Employment Skills Training (PR)

Cost of approved pre-employment training, including testing for specialized occupational license and workshop fees, tuition, books, lab and activity fees, and not covered by WIAWorkforce Investment Act, DOLDepartment of Labor, UA, or other available resources. PRPre-Employment Skills activities through the WSPWork Services Provider are not billable as SSSupportive Services.

Relocation (RL)

Relocation funds may be provided in the event that the client needs to take part in a specialized and locally unavailable training or work experience activity that leads directly to a paid employment opportunity in the community in which they intend to live.

Relocation can also be provided if the client has been offered a job in a different community or from a rural community to a hub community or city in which the employment opportunities are substantially better.

Before authorizing Relocation SSSupportive Services, ask the following questions:

1. Can the client get a job where they currently live? Compare the local job market, current openings, and potential jobs over the next six months to the client's employment qualifications, work history, education/training, skills, knowledge, and abilities.

2. What has the client done to find work locally? Has the client been actively seeking work? Is an OJTOn-the-Job Training with a local employer feasible? Is there suitable training that would help the client get a job locally?

3. Will the client be able to go to work (or training) as soon as they relocate? Are there other reasons the client is requesting to leave the area such as substance abuse, DV,Domestic Violence or other issues that need to be addressed before the client is ready for employment? Are there legal issues that preclude relocation? Does the client have a current resume, social security card, driver's license, and other necessary documents and certificates required for the specific job, or the types of jobs they will seek? If for a training or educational opportunity, are they committed and how will they pay for the training they want to attend?

4. Will this job advance them in their goal to achieve self-sufficiency?

5. If the client does not have a job already, what are the client's job opportunities in the area where the client wants to reside? Does this client clearly meet the requirements for jobs available in that community? Have they applied for any jobs long-distance (online, fax, phone interviews)?

6. Do they have a plan and are there resources to meet their family's needs in the new community? Are there family members or friends in the new location? Where will they live, how will they get to work, is there child care available?

7. What are the alternatives to paying for travel? Does the client have other resources (i.e., PFDPermanent Fund Dividend Division, tax return, etc.)?

When authorizing payments for relocation:

1. Out-of-state moving costs may not be authorized;
2. The assigned activity or employment opportunity must remain unavailable in the client's community of residence, or within a reasonable commute from their residence;
3. Use the least costly means of relocation;
4. Check with the Work Services supervisor before authorizing.

Note:

No more than $3,000.00 per program year per household (July 1 through June 30) may be authorized for this service.

Remedial Medical/Dental (RM)

Remedial medical and dental covers care typically seen as cosmetic in nature and not covered by Medicaid. Although Medicaid may not find the care essential, this type of care is often essential in gaining paid employment. The three most common services are: eye glasses, dentures, and hearing aids. All three are costly and should be authorized when other resources are not available and employment prospects are in the near future. Substance abuse evaluations also can be covered.

Note:

Authorize no more than $1,500.00 per program year per adult (July 1 through June 30) for this service.

Special Tools, Clothing, and Equipment (ST)

Some occupations and trades require special tools, clothing, or equipment. Typical requests are for safety equipment, outdoor clothing, boots, or gloves. This can include appropriate business clothing specific to the employer's standards.

Authorized purchase of special gear only when needed by the participant to take part in specialized occupational training, or to enter paid employment or unpaid work experience. Clients must obtain an itemized list of necessities from their employer.

Start-up Costs (SU)

Stat-up expenses include low-cost items or services not otherwise listed in this chapter. Such items include alarm clocks, child car seats, school supplies, criminal history background checks, and fingerprinting costs.

Items or services authorized for purchase must relate directly to accepting or retaining employment, or to participate in an assigned work activity.

Transportation (TR)

Lack of transportation is one of the most common barriers to employment. The most frequently authorized transportation services are bus passes and gasoline allowances.

Transportation service can cover part or all of the costs of local travel by personal vehicle, public transportation, car pool, or for-hire vehicle when needed by the participant to travel to and from any assigned activity. For-hire vehicles include taxis and private carriers, and cars driven by others who require payment in return for the ride. Use prudent judgement when authorizing use of for-hire vehicles, to assure that the provider's charges remain reasonable.

Consider the cost of bringing dependent children to and from a child care provider when determining a participant's transportation needs. When participants living in different households use a car pool to travel to activities, authorize each participant to receive their share of the car pool's cost.

When more than one household member participates in a required activity, each can receive a transportation payment. However, shared rides among household members to the same activity reduces their combined travel costs.

Depending on local resources and needs, the WSPWork Services Provider may elect alternative means of purchasing services for participants. Contact WSTA@alaska.gov if necessary when serving clients who reside is difficult areas.

Vocational Training (TU)

Cost of approved post-secondary or other education (not BE, LS, PR) including workshop fees, tuition, books, lab and activity fees not covered by WIAWorkforce Investment Act, DOLDepartment of Labor, University of Alaska, or other available resources. The course of study must meet the DPADivision of Public Assistance's approved education or training programs, see WSPMWork Services Procedure Manual 1003-2.

Wage Supplementation (WS)

Reimburse employers for their costs while clients are working Job Start subsidized employment, see WSPMWork Services Procedure Manual 1005-5.

Youth Enrichment Activities (YE)

This service is used to support before and after school activities or other extra-curricular activities of dependent children who are included in the Temporary Assistance case.  It may also be utilized to help families with the 'above and beyond' cost for families who are on Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) I, or may be in transition between PASS I-III childcare assistance programs. 

As with all other SSSupportive Services, use this service to promote a parent's participation in employment or approved work activities. A child's participation in before and after school activities, such as Boys and Girls clubs, may help ensure the parent has adequate time to get to work or provide opportunities for parents to pursue evening or weekend classes and training.

Note:

This Supportive Service is not considered childcare and may not be used as a substitute for childcare. It is intended to supplement the Childcare Development Fund provided by the CCPO,Child Care Program Office or their designees.  Youth Enrichment funding may be used as short term payment for childcare while an unlicensed provider works towards their licensure.