808.17 Service Determination Appointments (SDA) and Ongoing Assessments (FAM)

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Service determination appointments (SDA) are conducted by an NHEP representative. Ongoing assessments are also conducted to update the Employability Plan (EP) as needed.

Purpose

The purpose of the assessment process is to:

•       Determine the individual’s ability to become employed;

•       Determine the individual’s short and long-term employment goals;

•       Assess potential barriers to employment; and

•       Determine the appropriate NHEP activities and support services needed for an individual and their family to develop long term economic mobility.

Service Determination Appointment Procedures

Review:

•       Any forms that the participant should have completed, that were provided at Orientation which includes the Generic Job Application; and

•       Conduct an initial assessment and enter into New HEIGHTS the:

-    Employment history;

-    Employment and/or training preference;

-    Educational history, skills, and abilities;

-    Potential barriers to immediate employment or employment preparation, including:

o    the need for NH Child Care Scholarship, transportation, or other support service;

o    claims that the individual or a family member are or have been a victim of domestic violence;

o    health problems that may affect NHEP participation;

o    immediate issues or family circumstances, including serious problems involving children, that need to be resolved prior to participation; and

o    any other factors that should be considered before enrollment in an NHEP activity.

Participant Requirements

Participants must attend all appointments arranged by the NHEP representative to complete the assessment process, including but not limited to:

•       Interviews and orientation;

•       Job search/job readiness workshops;

•       Vocational testing and interpretation;

•       Employment counseling; and

•       EP development.

Service Determination Appointment Requirements

The SDA is conducted on an individual basis. Use Form NHEP223 and the corresponding NHEP267 Form to verify participation hours with Job Search and Job Readiness efforts. Use this information and the completed Form NHEP225 to identify any needed support services. Develop an EP with the participant to identify assigned activities and referrals for services. The NHEP representative completes an EP with each NHEP participant.

All individuals are referred to approved core and secondary activities.  Clients with barriers who are not able to participate with core or secondary activities at this time can be enrolled in Barrier Resolution activities.

Ongoing Assessment Procedures

As part of the ongoing assessment, the NHEP representative must:

•       Monitor usage of support services, by reviewing verifications and payment history;

•       Monitor and verify activity participation to determine if the participant is making satisfactory progress;

•       Monitor the participant’s compliance with activity requirements;

•       Update the EP as necessary;

•       Monitor and determine if the participant is meeting participation requirements; and

•       Assess the need for referral to other community services or NHEP activities. See Barrier Resolution for further information.

Satisfactory Progress

The NHEP representative must determine if an individual is making satisfactory progress in an activity. The organization or agency, educational or training facility, or employer or provider, set the minimum standards for an activity to measure the NHEP individual’s:

•       Proficiency level in an activity; and

•       Ability to complete the activity in a timely manner.

Satisfactory progress in an activity means the individual is meeting the minimum standards. Some measures of satisfactory progress may include:

•       Academic grades;

•       Progress/evaluation reports;

•       Attendance;

•       Keeping on schedule for the customary progression in the activity; and

•       Completing steps in an activity towards an award, degree, or certificate.

If the participant is not making satisfactory progress in an NHEP activity, determine the reason(s) and either:

•       Modify the activity requirements; or

•       Refer the individual to another activity.

References: He-W 637’s; RSA 167:79; RSA 167:82; RSA 167:85; RSA 167:88

Editorial Revisions Made: 12/2023