Iowa Admin. Code r. 877-7.14

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Rule 877-7.14 - Activities and services

(1)Core services. Core services are designated as self-service and informational, which do not require registration or eligibility determination; and staff-assisted, which require registration and eligibility determination.

a. The following types of activities and services are considered self-service or informational core services:

(1) Determination of eligibility to receive services under WIA;

(2) Outreach, intake (which may include worker profiling) and orientation to the information and other services available through the system;

(3) Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs;

(4) Job search and placement assistance and, where appropriate, career counseling;

(5) Provision of employment statistics information, related to local, regional, and national labor market areas, such as job vacancy listings in such labor market areas, information on job skills necessary to obtain the jobs listed, and information relating to local occupations in demand and the earnings and skill requirements for such occupations;

(6) Provision of performance and program cost information on eligible providers of training services;

(7) Provision of information regarding how the local area is performing on the local performance measures and any additional information with respect to the workforce development center system in the local region;

(8) Provision of accurate information relating to the availability of supportive services, including child care and transportation available in the local region, and referral to such services as appropriate;

(9) Provision of information regarding filing claims for unemployment compensation;

(10) Assistance in establishing eligibility for welfare-to-work and programs of financial aid for assistance for training and education programs that are not funded under the Act and are available in the region;

(11) Follow-up services, including counseling regarding the workplace, for WIA participants who are placed in unsubsidized employment, for not less than 12 months after the first day of employment, as appropriate.

b. The following types of activities and services are considered staff-assisted core services:

(1) Counseling;

(2) Individual job development;

(3) Job clubs; and

(4) Screened referrals.

(2)Intensive services. A participant must receive intensive services before being determined to be in need of training services to obtain employment that leads to self-sufficiency. Intensive services include:

a. Comprehensive and specialized assessments of skill levels and service needs, including diagnostic testing and use of other assessment tools, and in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals;

b. Development of an individual employment plan to identify the employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate combination of services for the participant to achieve the employment goals;

c. Group counseling;

d. Individual counseling and career planning;

e. Case management for participants seeking training services;

f. Short-term prevocational services, including development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct, to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training;

g. Out-of-area job search expenses;

h. Relocation expenses;

i. Internships; and

j. Work experience.

(3)Training services. The following types of activities and services are considered to be training services:

a. Occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment;

b. Programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include cooperative education programs;

c. Training programs operated by the private sector;

d. Skill upgrading and retraining;

e. Entrepreneurial training;

f.Job readiness training; and

g. Customized training.

(4)Supportive services. Supportive services are those services necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under WIA. The following types of supportive services are allowable:

a. Clothing;

b. Counseling;

c. Dependent care;

d. Financial assistance;

e. Health care;

f. Housing assistance;

g. Miscellaneous services;

h. Needs-related payments;

i. Residential/meals support;

j. Services to individuals with disabilities;

k. Supported employment and training; and

l.Transportation.

(5)Youth services. An array of services may be made available to youth. The list of youth services, which must be made available in each region, is as follows:

a. Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies;

b. Alternative secondary school offerings;

c. Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning;

d. Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing;

e. Occupational skill training;

f.Leadership development opportunities;

g. Supportive services;

h. Adult mentoring, for a duration of at least 12 months, which may occur both during and after program participation;

i. Follow-up services; and

j. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including drug and alcohol abuse counseling.

(6)Customized training. The purpose of customized training is to provide training specific to an employer's needs, so individuals will be hired, or retained, by the employer after successful completion of the training. Customized training is normally provided in a classroom setting and is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer or group of employers. The employer(s) must commit to hire, or in the case of incumbent workers, continue to employ, an individual on successful completion of the training and must pay not less than 50 percent of the cost of the training. Participants enrolled in this activity must be covered by adequate medical and accident insurance.

(7)Entrepreneurial training. The purpose of entrepreneurial training is to help participants acquire the skills and abilities necessary to successfully establish and operate their own self-employment businesses or enterprises.

a. The methods of providing training may include classes in small business development, marketing, accounting, financing, or any other courses that could contribute to a participant's goal of self-employment. On-site observation and instruction in business skills may also be provided, as well as individualized instruction and mentoring.

b. Entrepreneurial training may not be used for training in job-specific skills other than business management. However, it may be provided concurrently or consecutively with specific skill training for the purpose of establishing an enterprise that utilizes those skills.

c. Payments under entrepreneurial training are limited to training programs and activities that provide instruction in business operation and management. Funds may not be used for any direct costs associated with the establishment or operation of the business (e.g., materials, inventory, overhead, or advertising).

d. All participants who are enrolled in this training must apply for any financial assistance for which they may qualify, including Pell Grants. For purposes of this requirement, financial assistance does not include loans.

e. Participants must be covered by adequate medical and accident insurance.

(8)Follow-up services. The purpose of these services is to identify any problems or needs that might preclude a former participant from remaining employed or continuing to progress toward unsubsidized employment. The provision of follow-up services and contacts or attempted contacts must be documented in the participant file.

a. Follow-up services must be provided for all adults and dislocated workers who enter employment for not less than 12 months after the first day of employment. The first follow-up contact must occur within the first 30 days of entering employment. The first contact must be a personal contact (in person or by telephone) with the participant. A second contact must occur approximately 90 days after the first day of employment. Contacts are required quarterly thereafter for the next three quarters. The types of follow-up services provided must be based on the needs of the adult or dislocated worker. Follow-up services may include:

(1) Counseling regarding the workplace;

(2) Assistance to obtain better employment;

(3) Determination of the need for additional assistance; and

(4) Referral to services of partner agencies or other community resources.

b. Follow-up services must be provided for all youth for not less than 12 months from the date of exit from the program. The first follow-up contact must occur within the first 30 days of entering employment. The first contact must be a personal contact (in person or by telephone) with the participant. A second contact must occur approximately 90 days after the first day of employment. Contacts are required quarterly thereafter for the next three quarters. Follow-up services may be provided beyond 12 months at the discretion of the RWIB. The types of services provided must be determined based on the needs of the youth. Follow-up services for youth may include:

(1) Leadership development and supportive services;

(2) Regular contact with the youth's employer, including assistance in addressing work-related problems that arise;

(3) Assistance in securing better paying jobs, career development, and further education;

(4) Work-related peer support groups;

(5) Adult mentoring; and

(6) Tracking the progress of youth in employment, postsecondary training, or advanced training.

(9)Guidance and counseling. Guidance and counseling is the provision of advice to participants through a mutual exchange of ideas and opinions, discussion and deliberation. Guidance and counseling should be academic or employment-related, and may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral. Guidance for youth must be categorized as either academic (primarily provided to assist a youth in achieving academic success), or employment-related (primarily provided to assist a youth in achieving employment-related success).

(10)Institutional skill training. The purpose of this service is to provide individuals with the technical skills and information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs. Institutional skill training is conducted in a classroom setting.

a. All participants who are enrolled in this service must apply for any financial assistance for which they may qualify, including Pell Grants. All participants must be covered by the training institution's tuition refund policy. In the absence of a refund policy established by the training institution, the WIA service provider must negotiate a reasonable refund policy with the training site.

b. Participants must be covered by adequate medical and accident insurance.

c. A participant who is employed must not be earning a self-sufficiency wage to be enrolled in this service.

(11)Job club. The purpose of this activity is to provide a structured job search activity for a group of participants who develop common objectives during their time of learning and working together, supporting one another in the job search process. The scheduled activities and required hours of participation should reflect proven job search techniques and the employment environment of the region.

a. Participants in job club shall meet the following objectives:

(1) Have been prepared to understand and function in the interview process and the workplace;

(2) Have completed all tools needed for effective work search, including a resume and an application letter; and

(3) Have the opportunity to complete as many actual job contacts and interviews as possible after completing all of the job search tools.

b. Participants must be covered by adequate medical and accident insurance.

(12)Leadership development. The purpose of leadership development is to enhance the personal life, social, and leadership skills of participants, and to remove barriers to educational and employment-related success. Leadership development opportunities may include the following:

a. Exposure to postsecondary educational opportunities;

b. Community and service learning projects;

c. Peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring;

d. Organizational and team training, including team leadership training;

e. Training in decision making, including determining priorities;

f.Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting, work behavior training, and budgeting of resources;

g. Employ ability training; and

h. Positive social behavior or "soft skills," including but not limited to, positive attitudinal development, self-esteem building, cultural diversity training, and work simulation activities.

Leadership development activities are normally conducted in a group setting and must include a schedule for the participant to follow, regular contact by a staff person, a maximum length of time allowed in the activity, and documentation that the participant and staff are making the required contacts and following the established schedule. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(13)Limited internship. The purpose of a limited internship is to provide a participant with exposure to work and the requirements for successful job retention that are needed to enhance the long-term employability of that participant.

a. Limited internships are limited in duration, devoted to skill development, and enhanced by significant employer investment.

b. Internships may be conducted at public, private, for-profit and nonprofit work sites. The use of an intern should involve a substantial investment of effort by employers accepting the intern, and an intern must not be employed in a manner that subsidizes or appears to subsidize private sector employers.

c. The total participation in a limited internship for any participant must not exceed 500 hours per enrollment. In addition, for in-school youth, participation must be limited to 20 hours per week during the school year. In-school youth may participate full-time during summer vacation and holidays.

d. Limited internship agreements must be written only for positions for which a participant would not normally be hired because of lack of experience or other barriers to employment.

e. Participants may be compensated for time spent in the activity. This compensation may be in the form of incentive and bonus payments or wages. If the participant receives wages, the WIA service provider is the employer of record. The wages paid to the participant must be at the same rates as similarly situated employees or trainees of the employer of record, but in no event less than the higher of the federal or state minimum wage. Participants receiving wages must always be paid for time worked, must not be paid for any scheduled hours they failed to attend without good cause, and must, at a minimum, be covered by workers' compensation in accordance with state law. In addition, all participants who are paid wages must be provided benefits and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as other employees of the employer of record working a similar length of time and doing the same type of work.

f. Participants receiving incentive or bonus payments based on attendance must not receive any payment for scheduled hours that they failed to attend without good cause.

g. Participants who are not receiving wages must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

h. Limited internships may be used in conjunction with on-the-job training with the same employer. However, when this occurs, the internship must precede on-the-job training, and the on-the-job training time for the participant must be reduced.

i. If the private sector work site employer hires the participant during internship, the internship for that participant must be terminated.

(14)Mentoring. The purpose of mentoring is to provide a participant with the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with an adult. The adult mentor should provide a positive role model for educational, work skills, or personal or social development. Mentoring for youth must be categorized as either academic (primarily provided to assist a youth in achieving academic success) or employment-related (primarily provided to assist a youth in achieving employment-related success).

(15)On-the-job training. The purpose of on-the-job training (OJT) is to train a participant in an actual work situation that has career advancement potential in order to develop specific occupational skills or obtain specialized skills required by an individual employer.

a. Since OJT is employment, state and federal regulations governing employment situations apply to OJT. Participants in OJT must be compensated at the same rates, including periodic increases, as trainees or employees who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer. Wages paid must not be less than the highest of federal or state minimum wage or the prevailing rates of pay for individuals employed in similar occupations by the same employer.

b. Participants in OJT must be provided benefits and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as other trainees or employees working a similar length of time and doing the same type of job. Each participant in OJT must be covered by workers' compensation in accordance with state law.

c. Payment to employers is compensation for the extraordinary costs of training participants, including costs of classroom training, and compensation for costs associated with the lower productivity of such participants. A trainer must be available at the work site to provide training under an OJT contract. For example, a truck driving position in which the driver drives alone or without immediate supervision or training would not be appropriate for OJT. The payment must not exceed 50 percent of the wages paid by the employer to the participant during the period of the training agreement. Wages are considered to be moneys paid by the employer to the participant. Wages do not include tips, commissions, piece-rate-based earnings or nonwage employee fringe benefits. Payment for overtime hours and holidays is only allowable in accordance with local policies. Holidays may be used as the basis for OJT payments only if the participant actually works and receives training on the holiday.

d. An OJT contract with an employer may be written for a maximum of 6 calendar months unless the contract is for a part-time OJT of less than 500 hours, in which instance the contract period may be extended to a maximum of 12 months. Under no circumstances may an OJT contract be written for a participant if the hours of training required for the position in which the participant is to be trained are determined to be less than 160 hours. The number of OJT training hours for a participant must be determined using a standardized chart, unless the regional customer service plan contains an alternative methodology for determining the length of OJTs. The hours specified must be considered as a departure point for determining actual WIA training hours. If the total number of training hours for the OJT position cannot be provided during the maximum contract length allowable, as many training hours as possible must be provided. The OJT training hours for a participant must be reduced if a participant has related prior employment or training in the same or similar occupation. Previous training or experience, which occurred so long ago that skills gained from that experience are obsolete, may be disregarded to the extent that those skills need to be relearned or reacquired. The number of training hours for a participant may be increased based upon the participant's circumstances, such as a disability. The number of hours of training for any participant as well as the process for extending or reducing those training hours from the basic method of determination must be documented.

e. OJTs may not be written with temporary help agencies or employee leasing firms for positions which will be "hired out" to other employers for probationary, seasonal, temporary or intermittent employment. A temporary employment agency may serve as the employer of record only when the OJT position is one of the staff positions with the agency and not a position that will be "hired out."

f. In situations in which an employer refers an individual for eligibility determination with the intent of hiring that individual under an OJT contract, the individual referred may be enrolled in an OJT with the referring employer only when the referring employer has not already hired the individual and an objective assessment and service plan have been completed which support the development of an OJT with the referring employer.

g. Prior to recontracting with an OJT employer, the past performance of that employer must be reviewed. An OJT contract must not be entered into with an employer who has previously exhibited a pattern of failing to provide OJT participants with continued long-term employment as regular employees with wages and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as similarly situated employees. Employer eligibility for future OJT contracts need not result in termination if OJT participants voluntarily quit, are terminated for cause, or are released due to unforeseeable changes in business conditions. An employer that has been excluded from OJT contracting because of failing to hire participants may again be considered for an OJT placement one year after that sanction was imposed. In this recontracting situation, if the employer fails to retain the participant after the OJT ends, and there is no apparent cause for dismissing the employee, the employer must not receive any future OJT contracts.

h. OJTs may be written for employed workers when the following additional criteria are met and documented:

(1) The employee is not earning a self-sufficiency wage as defined in the regional customer service plan; and

(2) The OJT relates to the introduction of new technologies, introduction to new production or service procedures, upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills or workplace literacy, or other appropriate purposes identified in the regional customer service plan.

(16)Preemployment training. The purpose of preemployment training is to help participants acquire skills necessary to obtain unsubsidized employment and to maintain employment.

a. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Instruction on how to keep jobs, including employer's expectations relating to punctuality, job attendance, dependability, professional conduct, and interaction with other employees;

(2) Assistance in personal growth and development which may include motivation, self-esteem building, communication skills, basic living skills, personal maintenance skills, social planning, citizenship, and life survival skills; and

(3) Instruction in how to obtain jobs, including completing applications and resumes, and interviewing skills.

b. Preemployment training activities must include a schedule for the participant to follow, regular contact by a staff person, a maximum length of time allowed in the activity, and documentation that the participant and staff are making the required contacts and following the established schedule.

c. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(17)Remedial and basic skill training. The purpose of remedial and basic skill training is to enhance the employability of participants by upgrading basic literacy skills through basic and remedial education courses, literacy training, adult basic education, and English as a second language (ESL) instruction. Remedial and basic skill training may be conducted in a classroom setting or on an individual basis. Remedial and basic skill training may be used to improve academic or language skills prior to enrollment in other training activities.

a. For adults and dislocated workers, remedial and basic skill training must be offered in combination with other allowable training services (not including customized training).

b. Remedial and basic skill training activities must include a schedule for the participant to follow, regular contact by a staff person, a maximum length of time allowed in the activity, and documentation that the participant and staff are making the required contacts and following the established schedule.

c. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(18)Secondary education certification. The purpose of secondary education certification is to enhance the employability of participants by upgrading their level of education. Secondary education certification activities may be conducted in a classroom setting or on an individual basis.

a. Secondary education certification must be categorized as one of the following:

(1) Secondary school;

(2) Alternative school;

(3) Tutoring; or

(4) Individualized study.

b. Participation in this component must be expected to result in a high school diploma, general educational development (GED) certificate, or an individualized educational program (IEP) diploma.

c. Secondary education certification activities must include a schedule for the participant to follow, regular contact by a staff person, a maximum length of time allowed in the activity, and documentation that the participant and staff are making the required contacts and following the established schedule.

d. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(19)Skill upgrading. The purpose of skill upgrading is to provide short-term prevocational training to participants to upgrade their occupational skills and enhance their employability. Examples of allowable skill upgrading activities include a typing refresher to increase speed and accuracy, keyboarding, or basic computer literacy. Skill upgrading may be conducted in a classroom setting or on an individual basis, but must be short-term in nature and must not exceed nine weeks in duration. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(20)Summer activities. The purpose of summer activities is to provide a youth with summer employment activities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning.

a. The employment component provides participants with a positive employment experience during the summer months. The employment experience should be directly linked to academic and occupational learning activities. The employment component could be a limited internship, on-the-job training, vocational exploration, or work experience.

b. The summer academic learning component assists youth in achieving academic success. For in-school youth the goal is to prevent the erosion of basic literacy skills over the summer months and, to the extent possible, to increase basic literacy skill levels, particularly in reading and math. In addition, the purpose of the academic learning component includes the improvement of the employment potential of individuals who are not intending to return to school.

(1) All participants must have at least 30 hours of academic learning activities included in their service strategies.

(2) The academic learning activities should be designed as a comprehensive instructional approach that includes thinking, reasoning, and decision-making processes that are necessary for success in school, on the job, and in society in general.

(3) The academic learning activity may include:

1. Remedial and basic skill training;

2. Basic literacy training;

3. Adult basic education;

4. English as a second language;

5. General educational development (GED) instruction;

6. Tutoring;

7. Study skills training;

8. Leadership development opportunities;

9. Adult mentoring;

10. Citizenship training;

11. Postsecondary vocational and academic courses;

12. Applied academic courses; and

13. Other courses or training methods that are intended to retain or improve the basic educational skills of the participant.

(4) The academic learning activities may be conducted in a classroom setting or on an individual basis. The academic learning curriculum provided to a participant should take into account the learning level and interests of that participant.

(5) A participant may be paid a wage-equivalent payment (stipend) based upon attendance for time spent in the academic learning activity, or may be paid release time wages for time spent in the academic learning activity if work experience, on-the-job training, limited internship or vocational exploration is the primary activity. In lieu of being paid a stipend or wages, the youth may be rewarded with an incentive and bonus payment. Participants cannot be paid for unattended hours in the academic learning activity.

c. The occupational learning component provides youth with an opportunity to learn occupational skills related to a specific occupation, or to an occupational cluster. The occupational learning activities may be incorporated in the employment or academic learning component or may be a separate component such as skill upgrading.

d. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(21)Vocational exploration. The purpose of vocational exploration is to expose participants to jobs available in the private or public sector through job shadowing, instruction and, if appropriate, limited practical experience at actual work sites.

a. Vocational exploration may take place at public, private nonprofit, or private-for-profit work sites.

b. The total participation in this activity for any participant in any one occupation must not exceed 160 hours per enrollment.

c. The length of a participant's enrollment is limited to a maximum of 640 hours, regardless of the number of explorations conducted for the participant.

d. The participant must not receive wages for the time spent in this activity and is not necessarily entitled to a job at the end of the vocational exploration period.

e. The service provider must derive no immediate advantage from the activities of the participant and on occasion the operation of the employer may actually be impeded. In the case of private-for-profit organizations, the participant must not be involved in any activity that contributes, or could be expected to contribute, to additional sales or profits or otherwise result in subsidization of wages for the organization.

f.Vocational exploration activities must include a schedule for the participant to follow, regular contact by a staff person, a maximum length of time allowed in the activity, and documentation that the participant and staff are making the required contacts and following the established schedule.

g. Participants must be covered by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance.

(22)Work experience. The purpose of work experience is to provide participants with short-term or part-time subsidized work assignments to enhance their employability through the development of good work habits and basic work skills. Work experience should held participants acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment.

a. This activity should be used for individuals who have never worked or have been out of the labor force for an extended period of time including, but not limited to, students, school dropouts, individuals with disabilities, displaced homemakers, and older individuals. Work experience must be limited to persons who need assistance to become accustomed to basic work requirements, including basic work skills, in order to successfully compete in the labor market.

b. Work experience may be used to provide:

(1) Instructions concerning work habits and employer and employee relationships in a work environment;

(2) An improved work history and work references;

(3) An opportunity to actively participate in a specific work field; and

(4) An opportunity to progressively master more complex tasks.

c. Work experiences may be paid or unpaid. If the participant is paid wages, the wages must be at the same rates as similarly situated employees or trainees of the employer of record, but in no event less than the higher of the federal or state minimum wage. In most situations, the service provider is the employer of record. Participants must always be paid for time worked, but must not be paid for any scheduled hours they failed to attend without good cause.

d. In addition, all individuals participating in work experience must be provided benefits and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as other employees of the employer of record working a similar length of time and doing the same type of work. Each participant must be covered either by workers' compensation in accordance with state law or by adequate on-site medical and accident insurance. Participants are exempt from unemployment compensation insurance. Therefore, unemployment compensation costs are not allowable.

e. Under certain conditions participants in a wage-paying work experience may be paid for time spent attending other activities. Such payments may be made only if work experience participation is scheduled for more than 50 percent of the scheduled training time in all activities. Usually, the participant will be enrolled simultaneously in both the work experience and another activity.

f.Service providers may supplement the costs of wages and fringe benefits only if the service provider is the employer of record. In these instances, the payment for work experience would be made to the employer after adequate time and attendance and supporting documentation is provided. Any such arrangement must be specified in an agreement with the service provider.

g. Work experience may take place in the private, for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector, or the public sector. A participant cannot be placed in work experience with an employer with whom the participant is already employed in an unsubsidized position.

h. Work experience must not be used as a substitute for public service employment activities.

i. A work experience agreement at one work site may be written for a maximum of 13 calendar weeks unless the agreement is for a part-time work experience of less than 500 hours, in which instance the activity period may be extended to a maximum of 26 weeks.

(23)Miscellaneous services.

a. Bonding is an allowable cost, if it is not available under federally or locally sponsored programs. If bonding is an occupational requirement, it should be verified that the participant is bondable before the participant is placed in training for that occupation.

b. The costs of licenses or application fees are allowable if occupationally required.

c. The costs of relocation are allowable if it is determined by service provider staff that a participant cannot obtain employment within a reasonable commuting area and that the participant has secured suitable long-duration employment or obtained a bona fide job offer in the area of relocation.

d. The costs of lodging for each night away from the participant's permanent home are allowable if required for continued program participation. While the participant is away from home or in travel status for required training the costs for meals are allowable.

e. The costs of special services, supplies, equipment, and tools necessary to enable a participant with a disability to participate in training are allowable. It is not an allowable use of WIA funds to make capital improvements to a training or work site for general compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

f. Supported employment and training payments are allowable to provide individuals requiring individualized assistance with one-on-one instruction and with the support necessary to enable them to complete occupational skill training and to obtain and retain competitive employment. Supported employment and training may only be used in training situations that are designed to prepare the participant for continuing nonsupported competitive employment. Employment positions supported at sheltered workshops or similar situations may not utilize this activity.

g. The cost of transportation necessary to travel to and from WIA activities and services, including job interviews, are allowable.

h. Incentive and bonus payments are allowable to reward youth for attendance or achievement. Payments must be based upon a local policy that is described in the regional customer service plan, is applied consistently to all participants and is based on attendance or achievement of basic education skills, preemployment/work maturity skills, or occupational skills. The payments may be based on a combination of attendance and achievement.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 877-7.14