Community Work Experience (CWEP) SR 06-12, 10/06 (FAM-A) |
This core activity shall be for participants, who cannot find unsubsidized employment, to acquire the general skills, training, and knowledge and work habits necessary to obtain employment.
CWEP participants are limited to non-profit organizations or community agencies that provide direct community service. Programs must include structured activities that both provide a community service and also improve the employability of participants. Excluded activities include unstructured and unsupervised activities such as helping a neighbor or friend, and foster parenting.
NHEP staff negotiates with host sites to develop each CWEP placement. An agreement is reached that 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.
CWEP Activity Requirements
• completion of Form NHEP232, WEP Agreement, between the WEP 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 CWEP placement information.
CWEP Documentation and 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
CWEP 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 CWEP work placement; and
• attending a reassessment interview with an NHEP representative prior to the end of an CWEP work placement or placement extension.
Host Requirements
The host of a CWEP 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 CWEP work placement.
CWEP 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 CWEP Placement
A CWEP 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.
CWEP Work Place Protections
Individuals in CWEP work placements have the same work place protections as all other employees. All individuals participating in CWEP activities or work placements will be given Form NHEP101, Your Rights in the Work Place. NHEP participants in CWEP 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 CWEP Work Placement Based on Minimum Wage
Individuals participating in an CWEP 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, minus any monthly child support payments retained by the Department, divided by the federalminimum wage.
If the resultant number of hours is more than the current minimum participation requirement of 30 hours, the number of hours over 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 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 CWEP 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 CWEP who have completed Form NHEP232, WEP Agreement. This coverage applies to injuries sustained while in an CWEP work placement only. Form NHEP102, Notice About Workers’ Compensation Coverage, is provided to participants before beginning their CWEP 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 CWEP 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. *