808.01 Initial Appraisal SR 04-11, 05/04 (FAM-A)

At application and before establishing that an individual is exempt from work requirements (see Section 808.05, Exemptions from Participation in NHEP, for exemption criteria), the Family Services Specialist (FSS) must:

• refer to Form 261, TANF Interview Checklist, to identify the forms, pamphlets, and topics that must be covered during a TANF eligibility interview; and

• conduct an initial appraisal of the individual using Form 226, Initial Employment Appraisal. Form 226 captures the individual’s skills, prior work experience, and employability.

Form 226 must be completed at initial application for every NHEP/FAP financial assistance applicant who:

• is not obviously ineligible; and

• is a potential mandatory or voluntary NHEP participant (this includes all dependent children age 16 or older who are not full time students and all adults who are members of the assistance group).

Discuss the following with the individual:

• Employment history. Review the individual’s last 3 jobs, including hire and termination dates, reason for leaving, and hourly wage.

• Skills and abilities. Discuss the individual’s education level, work skills, training, hobbies, and any past aptitude and literacy tests.

• Potential barriers. Review whether the individual needs assistance with child care, transportation, health problems, family circumstances, or any other barrier that would interfere with NHEP participation.

At redetermination or other contact with the individual, complete Form 226 if the individual:

• volunteers for the NHEP program; or

• changes in status from exempt to mandatory.