Alternative Work Experience Program (AWEP) SR 06-12, 10/06 (FAM-A) |
This core activity is for participants who cannot find unsubsidized employment, to assist the participant in acquiring the general skills, training, and knowledge and work habits necessary to obtain employment.
NHEP staff negotiates with host sites to develop each AWEP placement. An agreement is reached when it includes:
§ The duties and responsibilities to be performed by the participant,
§ The scheduled days and hours of the work placement,
§ That the host site meets all FLSA requirements,
§ The reporting and supervision responsibilities of the host site, and
§ The skills to be attained by the client.
AWEP Activity Requirements
• completion of Form NHEP232, WEP Agreement, between the AWEP host and the NHEP specifying the tasks to be performed by the participant, hours of the work placement, and duration of the agreement; and
• an approved EP which includes the AWEP placement information.
AWEP Verification Requirements
This activity shall be verified and documented on the bi-weekly Form NHEP270, WEP Verification, or other verifications approved by NHEP to be signed by the onsite supervisor and returned to the NHEP worker. There is no limit to the length of time a recipient may participate in a work experience program. Participation in this activity will be case managed by the NHEP worker.
Participant Requirements
AWEP participants are responsible for:
• honoring the provisions of Form NHEP 232, WEP Agreement;
• recording attendance;
• submitting attendance information for review by the host and NHEP representative upon request;
• informing the team member or other NHEP representatives and the host in the event of an injury while working in an AWEP work placement; and
• attending a reassessment interview with an NHEP representative prior to the end of an AWEP work placement or placement extension.
Host Requirements
The host of an AWEP work placement is responsible for the following:
• honoring the provisions of Form NHEP232, WEP Agreement;
• providing supervision to the participant;
• signing off on a completed Form NHEP270, WEP Verification , at least bi-weekly; and
• informing the team member or other NHEP representative if an NHEP participant is injured while working in an AWEP work placement.
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AWEP Support Services
Recipients may be authorized for the following support services for this activity:
• child care assistance; and
• transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).
Termination of an AWEP Placement
An AWEP placement can be terminated prior to the end of the agreement period if the employer or participant fails or neglects to comply with the requirements of the agreement. Every attempt should be made to resolve the problem. However, if this is not possible, follow the procedures described below:
• The NHEP team member notifies the host in writing at least 7 calendar days prior to the termination stating the reason(s) for the termination.
• The host or the participant has 7 calendar days notice period to remedy the violation or complaint prior to the agreement termination.
• When the NHEP team member terminates the agreement, the team member notifies the host.
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AWEP Work Place Protections
Individuals in AWEP work placements have the same work place protections as all other employees. All individuals participating in AWEP activities or work placements will be given Form NHEP101, Your Rights in the Work Place. NHEP participants in AWEP work placements are entitled to the protections regarding sexual harassment and work conditions such as safe environment, non-discrimination and adequate rest and meal periods.
Limitation of Hours in AWEP Work Placement Based on Minimum Wage
Individuals participating in an AWEP work placement cannot be required to participate more hours than the number of hours equal to the amount of their full monthly assistance grant (including any amounts removed due to DFA applied sanctions), plus the total food stamp allotment received for the current month, divided by the federal minimum wage.
If the resultant number of hours is more than the current minimum participation requirement of 20 or 30 hours, the number of hours over 20 or 30, rounded down, can be required of that individual (not to exceed 40 hours per week).
If the resultant number of hours is less than the current minimum participation requirement of 20 or 30 hours, require the individual to meet federal minimum participation requirements.
Other NHEP activity participation, such as ABE, single course, or job search, can be provided in addition to the AWEP activity.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements do apply to AWEP’s. Count any family that participates the maximum hours they are allowed under the minimum wage requirement of the FLSA as having satisfied the 20 hour per week core activity requirement if actual participation falls short of 20 hours per week.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation (WC) coverage is provided to all participants in AWEP who have completed Form NHEP232, WEP Agreement. This coverage applies to injuries sustained while in an AWEP work placement only. Form NHEP102, Notice About Workers’ Compensation Coverage, is provided to participants before beginning their AWEP and describes the benefit and reporting requirements. Hosts receive Forms NHEP103, WEP Pamphlet, and NHEP104, The Work Experience Program: Most Frequently Asked Questions, which describe the benefits and requirements of AWEP host. When an incident occurs, the participant must contact an NHEP team member immediately. If the individual meets WC coverage criteria, the team member will provide direction in filing a claim.