Haw. Code R. § 17-794.1-27

Current through September, 2024

Section 17-794.1-27 - Job search and job readiness assistance

(a) The department may offer a job search program as a component of the FTW program.

(1) The job search activities may include making contact with potential employers, whether by telephone, in person or via Internet, to learn of suitable job openings, applying for vacancies, and interviewing for jobs; and

(2) The job search program may serve participants through either individual or group job-seeking activities.

(A) Individual job search includes counseling, development of job-seeking skills, information dissemination and support on a one-to-one basis; and

(B) Group job search includes the provision of counseling and training in a group setting, for example through Job Club, where participants are taught job-seeking skills, and may include a phone bank from which participants contact potential employers.

(b) The department may place participants in a job readiness activity administered by any agency or organization under contract with the department. The job readiness assistance may comprise of two types of activities, either separately or as a combination:

(1) Preparation necessary for an individual to seek or obtain employment. This includes but is not limited to activities such as the following:

(A) Preparing a resume;

(B) Preparing a job application;

(C) Training in interviewing skills;

(D) Instruction in work place expectations, including but not limited to instruction on appropriate attire and behavior on the job;

(E) Training in effective job seeking, including but not limited to career exploration activities; and

(F) Life Skills training, including but not limited to self-esteem building, home, family, and budget management skills; and

(2) Placement in substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or rehabilitation activities for those individuals who are otherwise employable. The treatment or therapy must be determined to be necessary as certified by a qualified medical or mental health professional.

(c) The following activities shall not be considered part of the job search and job readiness assistance as they do not constitute work or direct preparation for work:

(1) Child's dental checkups, immunization, and school attendance;

(2) Parenting skills training;

(3) Participation in Head Start;

(4) Remedial education;

(5) English as a Second Language (ESL);

(6) Arranging for transportation or child care;

(7) Removal of tattoos;

(8) Payment of traffic citations;

(9) Expungement of criminal records;

(10) Attending driver's education;

(11) Attending general educational development classes;

(12) Applying for government benefits; and

(13) Other similar activities that do not have a direct connection to finding or preparing for employment.

(d) The department may allow combining of the job search and job readiness activities with other allowable educational, training, or employment activities designed to improve the individual's employability.

(e) Job search and job readiness assistance shall not be treated as an activity under FTW if the participant has participated in such job search for four consecutive weeks or a total of 180 hours in the preceding twelve-month period, or 120 hours in the preceding twelve-month period for a WEI who is a single custodial parent with a child under 6 years of age

(f) The department may extend the maximum allowable number of job search hours to 360 hours in the preceding twelve-month period, or 240 hours in the preceding twelve-month period for a WEI who is a single custodial parent with a child under 6 years of age, if the state unemployment rate is at least 50% greater than the national rate or if Hawaii qualifies as a "needy State" as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture under 42 U.S.C. Section 603(b)(5).

(g) Job search and job readiness assistance participants shall be supervised on an on-going basis, no less frequently than daily.

(h) The department may pay for child care, transportation, and other supportive services for participants in structured job search and job readiness activities, provided funds are available.

Haw. Code R. § 17-794.1-27

[Eff 6/11/07; am and ren § 17-794.1-27, 6/26/09; comp JAN 16 2012] (Auth: HRS § 346-14) (Imp: HRS § 346-263; 45 C.F.R. §261.2(g); 42 U.S.C. §603(b)(5) )