Shoshone-Bannock - Annual Narrative Report 2016 Ban.AR 2015...The purpose of the Narrative report is...
Transcript of Shoshone-Bannock - Annual Narrative Report 2016 Ban.AR 2015...The purpose of the Narrative report is...
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
ANNUAL REPORT
FY-2016
P.L. 102-477 EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING and RELATED
SERVICES PROGRAM
Submitted by: Lori Pahvitse, 477 Human Services Director
NARRATIVE REPORT
The purpose of the Narrative report is to describe the goals of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' P.L. 102-
477 Program and to summarize accomplishments based on tri_bal objectives related to the goals. The
goals of the program are to:
1. Improve the effectiveness of education, employment, training and related services for the
resident eligible population.
2. To reduce joblessness for the Indian/Native American population in Southeast Idaho and to
assist and support individual and family efforts to become self-sufficient and responsible for
their family and children through gainful employment.
3. To strengthen the Tribes' ability to serve tribally determined goals consistent with the policy of
Indian self-determination.
4. To promote healthy lifestyles and community activities and events in its service delivery area
significant to the Shoshone-Bannock tribal culture, teachings, and traditions.
The 477 Human Services Department is comprised of the following programs:
• P.L. 102-477 Program:
o Adult Education
o Higher Education
o Job Placement and Training
o Contract Support
o WIOAAdult
o WIOA Youth
o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
o General Assistance
• Consumer Services Program:
o Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
o Consumer Services Block Grant (CSBG)
o Tribal Member Services
• Tribal Youth Education Program:
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o Johnson O'Malley (JOM)
o Title VII
o Tribal student services
• Vocational Rehabilitation
Overview
The 477 Human Services Department provides an array of education, employment and training
and related services for Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members, descendants, and members of
other Federally Recognized Tribes. The programs utilize a centralized intake process to reduce
the need for multiple applications. Participants of the program are provided a case manager
who assesses their eligibility, needs, makes appropriate authorization of services, referrals, and
oversees participant progress. 477 Department staff includes the Director, Program Managers
(4) MIS Officers (2), Case Managers (6), Budget Household Counselor, Employment Specialists
(2), Adult Education Instructor, K-12 Grade School Liaisons (4), Afterschool Instructor, Project
Coordinator/File Technician, Payment Processing Technician, Weatherization Crew (3), Wood
Crew (4), and Support Staff (3).
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON TRIBAL OBJECTIVES
1. Better evaluation of issues affecting individual and family self-sufficiency; and conditions
related to welfare dependency and families in poverty.
a. This objective has been met in a variety of approaches to increase self-sufficiency and
conditions related to welfare dependency and families in poverty. Staff in-service
sessions were provided on a variety of topics to educate, increase awareness and
increase appropriate referrals for participants. The 477 staff has met with other
departments to begin collaboration on issues related to housing, employment and
training. This will be a continuing discussion in the next year. Increased networking was
a priority and many meetings with organizations and programs such as the Tribal
Employment Rights Office (TERO), Tribal Courts, Tribal Health & Human Services
Department, State of Idaho programs and resources, and other local services was held
this past year.
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b. The TAS data system used by the TANF Program helps with compiling the quarterly
federal reports required by ACF. Using this system allows the case management team
to track participants' work participation activities and progress while receiving cash
assistance. Job placement and tracking progress is vital to demonstrating whether or
not families are finding jobs, going from part-time or seasonal to full time and whether
or not there is upward mobility in terms of pay and position. The TAS system has been
expanded and is used with our General Assistance. Vocational Rehabilitation has their
own data system they use for client tracking in terms of training, technical assistance,
program services and their work status. The TYEP program and EET program do not use
TAS and need to have a data system solution for reports and monitoring activity.
Development of a new database system for the 477 programs has been on-going in FY-
2016. Tribal D is the database used by the 477 Program for centralized application and
intake for all program services. All 477 applications taken at the Front Desk are entered
into the system along with scanning each application and related documents. After 477
eligibility has been determined, the system informs programs of a pending application
and they can begin processing for services. The goal of Tribal D is a common database
program designed to meet our various reporting and activity requirements. In addition,
the "tailored" system will allow managers from all the programs to monitor client
services and have ' real time' data available when needed.
Other benefits of this system will be to minimize paperwork and case files and reducing
the risk of loss or being misplaced . Being able to hold workers accountable for
workload, file management, provision of services, following internal policy for service
limits and conditions and budget monitoring will greatly help with monitoring progress
of the programs.
b. Creative Case management initiatives to support personal and family goals and objectives.
a. Weekly Case Management meetings are held for case managers working with TANF,
General Assistance, Education, Employment, and Training, Tribal Youth Education,
Consumer Services and Vocational Rehabilitation participants. Because many
participants are engaged in several 477 activities throughout the year the meetings
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provide an opportunity to share information on services received, group problem solve,
and/or collaborate on case services. Case management staff are also part of the child
protection, juvenile justice and elderly/vulnerable adult protection teams.
b. TANF Purpose 3 and 4 activities and other program funding allows for case managers to
see their participants in group settings and in self-sufficiency workshops that include
self-improvement, workforce development skills, educational, cultural, family/youth
activities, conferences, and home maintenance workshops.
c. The TANF Program offers their participants incentives for attending workforce
development classes, and self-sufficiency workshops. Participants are issued an
incentive card and the cards are initialed by the instructor for participation or for a job
well done. When the card is complete the participant is allowed to redeem the card by
selecting from the Incentives closet. Items for personal/family hygiene, household
items, and some gift items.
d. The TANF/GA case managers have been cross trained to authorized energy assistance
payments for their participants and work closely with the Consumer Services program
staff to ensure timely and accurate processing of electricity, propane, gas and wood
requests. Referrals are made to the Consumer Services Program for weatherization and
Tribal member services.
c. Increased networking with other services providers to address barrier removal.
a. A highlight of the 477 Department in 2016 was the coordination of the highly successful
Gathering of Native Americans {GONA) held in August 2016. The event was a
collaborative effort by the 477 department, other tribal programs, and held at the
Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr. High School. Activities and discussions focused on domestic
violence, alcohol and drug use, suicide, choices, education, physical activities and
traditional games. A traditional feast was held along with other meals served to
participants. Many positive comments and feedback were received from the youth and
adult attendees and plans are being made to hold another GONA in 2017.
b. A six-week Summer Youth Employment Program was held in July/ August.
i. 31 youth participants were enrolled in STEM Classroom Training where they
received instruction and STEM activities provided by Idaho National Laboratory
(INL), employability skills, life skills, financial education, community services
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through various tribal programs and service providers. A field trip to
Yellowstone National Park was an opportunity to learn about environmental
occupations and a visit to the Shoshone-Bannock territory homelands.
ii. 43 youth participants were placed in various worksites throughout the tribal
departments, tribal enterprises, and health services. They were also provided
access to educational and a field trip to Yellowstone National Park to learn
about environmental occupations and a visit to the Shoshone-Bannock territory
homelands.
c. Networking sessions were held with Tribal Programs, local State programs and
contractors, and other service providers with the goal of coordination and increasing
access to services for our 477 participants. This is an on-going activity for our program
director, managers, and staff. Some of the networking sessions include: Tribal
Employment Rights Office (TERO); Idaho Department of Health & Welfare; Idaho
Department of Employment; Idaho State University START Program; Idaho State
University TRIO Program, Idaho State University School of Applied Technology; Idaho
Child Care Program; Idaho National Laboratories {INL); Local School Districts; Tribal
Health and Human Services Programs; Tribal Victims of Crimes Program; Tribal Child
Support Services; and other tribal programs.
d. 477 Program services are complimented by having the Consumer Services Program
housed under the same department. This arrangement provides case managers the
opportunity to address various barriers that affect 477 participant households. 477
Case Managers have been cross-trained to assess eligibility for the Low Income Energy
Assistance Program and to authorize services from their desk. This allows case workers
to help clients avoid shutoffs, evictions, and better management of their family and
household resources. This saves the client time and resources from having to complete
additional paperwork and travel from program to program. The program also provides
clients with weatherization information so that clients learn how to weatherize their
home to cut utility bills.
e. On an annual basis the programs coordinate to provide an Energy Resource Fair to
educate the community about alternative heating and cooling options and services to
aid with high heating and cooling bills. Local and regional utility companies are invited
to set up booths to interact with customers in our Service Delivery Area . The Consumer
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Services weatherization crew provides hands-on demonstrations on windows and doors,
water faucets, or household appliances that can be done to save energy and reduce
heating and cooling bills. Participants received weatherization incentives as part of their
participation. The program oversees two homeless shelters and a food and hygiene
pantry that is available to 477 participants and needy tribal members.
d. To increase support for clients as they transition from welfare to work.
a. The TANF Program provides a Transitional service when participants become over
income after finding employment. Transitional services are available for up to 12
months after they become employed and lose eligibility for the TANF cash assistance
grant. Transitional services can pay for work-related services, relocation, and other
depending on the participant needs.
b. Education, Employment and Training provides Employment Assistance to help eligible
participants who have been hired into full-time, permanent or some seasonal work
(construction, Wildland Firefighting, other as determined by the program) to assist with
work clothing, equipment and living needs until a regular paycheck is earned.
c. Referrals are made to local resource programs/agencies to assist participants with
transportation, child care, and other services available in the local communities through
other service providers.
e. To increase employability enhancement opportunities for non-custodial parents.
a. Non-custodial and custodial parents are able to attend self-reliance classes and
workshops and/or training activities as a means to increase their employability, job
retention and living skills.
b. Non-Custodial parents along with other eligible 477 participants are encouraged to seek
training, and post-secondary education and workforce training funded through the EET
Program, TERO and education/training institutions.
c. TANF, Consumer Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Tribal Court programs have
collaborated on Fatherhood Is Sacred and Motherhood Is Sacred Programs. The GONA
and family activities are a key component of our efforts to keep families together and to
bring non-custodial parents an opportunity to bond with their children to strengthen
their relationships. The activities also give our program more opportunity to interact
with more people that are interested in cultural practices. The practices are very family
oriented and it give both mothers and fathers a chance to teach their kids self-reliant
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behaviors while adding cultural lessons and the discipline it takes to 111ake traditional
crafts. It also can help the younger people develop a sense of being part of the
community by being constructive with their time. Almost all of the practices being
taught are time consuming and therefore develop a work ethic in the young people
while being encouraged to know their culture. These skills and practices will teach the
young people how to work and that will increase their chances of being hired for a job.
f. Services to promote family wellness, positive parenting skills, roles and responsibilities,
communication, incorporate cultural practices.
a. Prevention services are developed to provide youth and their families with information
and to provide them the tools for family wellness, positive parenting skills, roles,
responsibilities, communication and to incorporate cultural practices. The services,
activities and events are planned and coordinated by the TANF Program under TANF
purposes 3 and 4, Consumer Services CSBG grant, EET youth/families services and with
Tribal Youth Education, Vocational Rehabilitation and other tribal departments and
programs.
b. There is on-going collaboration and referrals for training provided by other tribal
programs such as the Four Directions Treatment Program and the Health Promotion
Disease Prevention Program, Tribal Courts, and other programs. The collaboration
allows the 477 Programs to link their clients to these types of activities whenever
possible. In addition, the 477 Department has sponsored community dinners, education
recognition, and educational/informational sessions. There are opportunities for elders
to be involved in planning events for the community. Culture is always incorporated
into our community events through an opening prayer, a drum group is usually present
and an elder is invited to assist with the opening activities. In addition, the 477 program
will include cultural knowledge integration with a science based initiative. Examples of
the possible projects include Camas (medicine and food plant) re-introduction, Bitter
Root reintroduction, and knowledge about sacred land sites for the tribes.
c. The 477 Department has collaborated with other tribal programs on a Tribal Action
Planning (TAP) committee, a movement within the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to combat
substance abuse (alcohol, meth, opioids, prescription, aerosol, etc.) and bring more
healing and sobriety to our community. Future activities will include substance abuse
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training, peer mentorship, healing and wellness activities and continued development of
an action plan for the Tribes.
g. To increase consumer education, budgeting, and services to aid in teaching and practicing
family household and budget management, personal organization, and other skills needed to
transition to education, training or work.
a. Consumer education, budgeting for individuals and families, and other self-sufficiency
classes/workshops are offered throughout the year. A series of workforce development
courses are available and are offered in the Spring and Fall. A list of courses is available
in in the appendices section. A monthly 477 Newsletter highlights program activities
and training is available to program participants. The newsletter has become important
as a tool to inform clients and the local community of ongoing 477 activities, program
announcements and training opportunities. Social media is also used to inform our
participants and community about the 477 Human Services Department information
and activities.
b. The 477 Department collaborates with Idaho State University's START Program . This
program helps to remove academic barriers to people who will attend short term
training or academic education to increase the chances of their success in a classroom
setting. The program is geared for those that need support with math, English and
writing skills. A typical student is a high school graduate either recently graduated or re
entry students that are older and want to be competitive in the academic setting. GED
graduates are also accepted in this student development project. The hope is to create
a cohort of students that will be supportive to each other when they attend Idaho State
University. The 477 Program worked collaboratively with the START Program and allows
START staff to actively recruit Native students from the community to their program.
h. To work with tribal enterprises and other employers to increase employment opportunities
for the Indian/Native American population.
a. The 477 HSD Program has had several projects that have supported collaborati_ve efforts
and establishing relationships with key individuals within various businesses and
government agencies. These relationships are beginning to result in offers for
internships for students and recruitment with our students for various types of work.
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Here is a brief description of these collaborative projects and the supporting agencies
that are working with us to create more job opportunities.
b. Student Networking Luncheon - this event brings together all post-secondary students
being funded through the 477 programs to allow them to network with tribal hiring
managers, and tribal and enterprise human resource departments. The students also
get to network among themselves to discuss resources that they have and other
relevant information. This was highly successful and another student network luncheon
will be planned for the coming year.
c. Job and Resource Fair - this is coordinated through our Vocational Rehabilitation and
education, employment and training programs and involves the Idaho Department of
Employment/Job Service, local employers and Tribal and Enterprises hiring
departments. Other resources such as TERO OSHA/TOSHA training programs, workforce
development training programs, Forest and Environmental Services, local industries and
other representatives attend. This has evolved into a regional event.
d. Summer Youth Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Project - this project
provided the 477 HSD Program to work with a variety of agencies and tribal
departments to create culture based curriculum for our summer youth employees. Nine
different agencies and over 20 people were involved in planning and supporting this
project included,;_Shoshone Bannock Tribe's 477 Human Services Department, Shoshone
Bannock Fisheries Department, Sha-Ban IT Department, Idaho State University's (ISU)
College of Business, ISU Geoscience Department, ISU Energy Systems Technical
Engineering Program (ESTEC), Craters of the Moon National Park Service, Idaho National
Laboratory, Shoshone Bannock News, and Shoshone Bannock Water Management
Program. A Summer Youth calendar of activities is in the summary report in the
appendices section. This program is a kickoff activity to increase students into technical
fields. This part of the STEM initiative will eventually be expanded to create
relationships with corporations, universities and various government agencies to hire
students that are being trained in our local community.
e. The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provided students with summer
employment opportunities in the tribal programs, tribal enterprises and in the local
area. Youth were employed in a variety of positions ranging from environmental
technicians to administrative office assistants.
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f. On-going meetings with our tribal departments. The goal of these meetings are to 1)
learn more about the types of technical work professionals do in our tribal workforce,
and 2) share info about our cadre of students involved in academic, short term and long
term info to see if they can match students with a job or project. The various
departments are: TERO, Fisheries, Water Resources, Land Use, Environmental
Engineering of the Indian Health Service, Agriculture Extension Services from the
University of Idaho, Tribal Enterprises, Construction Services, Land Information Services,
Education, Department of Energy, Finance, Fish and Wildlife, Language and Cultural
Preservation and Transportation.
SUMMARY
In FY 2016, the 477 Human Services Department's priority was to continue to develop program
services and to build trust and strengthen the team mentality of staff members. Each program
manager has developed weekly or bi-weekly team meetings to provide their staff with time to
discuss planning and coordination of services and activities, ideas and ability to problem solve as
a team. The entire 477 department meets every month to allow for updates from program
staff, and to provide in-service trainings and staff recognition . Case management team
meetings are held weekly to coordinate services within the programs and to ensure that cases
are being managed appropriately and recommendations on case issues are discussed.
On June 14 -16, 2016, a site visit was made by Mr. Kenneth LeMeiux, DWD Specialist/AOTR, to
review our 477 Education, Employment and Training and related services program. Cases were
reviewed along with financial documents and other relevant information and documentation.
Overall, the visit was very productive and Mr. LeMeiux was able to meet with the full Fort Hall
Business Council and Executive Director to provide his exit summary.
The 477 Plan was modified to include the Consumer Services Block Grant (CSBG) and was
approved by the Fort Hall Business Council for submission. The Tribes received a request to
extend the approval deadline through December 2016 and approval was provided to CSBG. We
are still waiting for notification whether the 477 Plan with CSBG has been approved.
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The General Assistance Program was approved under the Tribes' 102-477 Plan in July, 2015. GA
caseloads grew to a high of 167 in June 2016 (last month of GA services in FY 2016) and there
were still cases pending approval at that time. GA program individuals were provided case
management services and opportunities for training and education opportunities along with
cash assistance and supportive services for barrier removal. Many of the GA participants lacked
a high school diploma or GED and had many barriers to employment. Often housing was a
reoccurring issue. Of concern was the shortage of funding that occurred in June and GA cases
had to be closed.
The goals and objectives of the Tribes' P.L. 102-477 will continue to be a priority in the next
year. The Director and Managers meet monthly with the Executive Director and the Fort Hall
Business Council to ensure that all concerns and recommendations are being discussed and
updates are being provided. Outreach to all areas of the reservation and local service areas will
be a priority in the coming year.
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Summer Youth Employment & Training Program
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes 477 Human Services Department's Summer Youth Employment and
Training Program completed another successful season. Th is year's program served 74 youth between
the ages of 14-17. Participating youth were enrolled in Work Experience or a STEM Classroom Training
activity.
There were 43 work experience participants. These youth work for 5-6 weeks, for 24 hours a week and
are paid $7.25 per hour. Youth are placed in jobs at various worksites throughout the Fort Hall
community. The worksites this year are the Tribal Planning Department, Office of Public Affairs, Fort
Hall Recreation, TERO, the Water Resource Department, Wildlife Department, Fish and Wildlife, Sage Hill
Convenience Store, Trading Post Grocery, TP Gas Station, Bannock Peak Truck Stop, Property
Management, and the 477 Human Services Department. The program would not be able to provide
work experience opportunities without the support of tribal programs and enterprises who volunteer to
sponsor a worksite for the youth . This commitment is important to youth development in our
community and the 477 Human Services Department thanks these worksites for their dedication to
youth in our service area.
The Classroom Training activity providing exposure to education and careers in the areas of Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This year the program enrolled 31 youth in the classroom
activity. The youth meet Monday through Thursday each week and keep a journal during their
participation in the program . This year's activities include a Science Day coordinated with the Idaho
National Laboratory (INL) who brought scientists to Fort Hall and spent the day with our youth working
on experiments and hosting a lunch for them. Another day was spent at INL where they interacted with
scientists and engineers and observed and participated in demonstrations involving robotics, the
environment, and other areas. Field trips included a visit to Mt. Putnam, Idaho National Laboratory, and
Yellowstone National Park to learn about the ecosystem and energy generated from the earth. The
youth also learn about the Shoshone-Bannock culture and how to work together in small and large
groups through various activities and projects. Additional classes included Financial Literacy, Health
Education, along with community service projects such as painting and cleaning at the district lodges
and Festival Grounds. A 3-day Gathering of Native Americans {GONA) was held in coordination with the
Summer youth program. The highly successful event was held at the Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr. High
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School. Activities and discussions focused on domestic violence, alcohol and drug use, suicide, choices,
education, physical activities and cultural and traditional games, a traditional feast including pit cooked
salmon and stew was held along with other meals. Many positive comments and feedback were
received from the youth and adult attendees. Our youth are always a very energetic and helpful group
and hold much promise for the future. We appreciate them and would like to recognize them for their
commitment to showing up each day, ready and eager to learn. We also thank the Tribal Tax
Department, Land Buy-Back Program, Tribal Health & Human Services Programs, Language and Culture
Program, and other tribal programs for their support and sponsorship. Also, a big thank you to the 477
staff who take the time to work with the youth and take them on the various learning experiences.
History. The Summer Youth Program has been around since the 1970's and was funded under the
Comprehensive Employment and Training Program or CETA through a grant from the US Department of
Labor. In the 1990's the program was authorized under Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), then the
Workforce Investment Act or WIA in 1998. The program will continue to operate under new funding
under the Work Innovation and Opportunities Act in the forthcoming years. The Shoshone-Bannock
Tribes also provides annual funding to employ Tribal Member youth. The Summer Youth Program
operates under a consolidated program authorized under Public Law 102-477 and offers year around
youth services to aid with academic success. The Summer Youth Program has contributed to the
workforce of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. This is the program where many people got their first
opportunity to work in a paid job.
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FY-2016 Tribal TANF Narrative Report
The TANF Narrative will address the seven questions for reporting as required by 45 CFR
286.275 along with the program service activities that fit within each of the questions.
1. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes TANF work activities are: 1) barrier removal and life skills, 2)
training and education, 3) employment, and 4) special cases. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
recognizes the first step in moving participants toward successful and long-term
employment, participants must first become healthy-mentally, physically, spiritually and
psychologically- before they can contribute to their family and community.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes TANF program has a case management approach to work
with the participant engaged in approved work activities. Each participant has a Personal
Responsibility Contract that determines and prioritizes activities that are realistic and
attainable.
a. Barrier removal and life skills.
Barriers to employment can be the lack of a driver's license or transportation, lack of
childcare, housing issues, and a lack of training or no previous work experience. Life
skills are important to participants who are working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
and workshops are made available through the program or local resources. Referrals
are made for counseling, substance abuse awareness, parenting or employability
enhancement as determined by case managers and participants. July 1, 2014, drug
testing was implemented as part of case management services not as a condition of
eligibility but to assist participants to identify barriers to employment. The Shoshone
Bannock Tribe has identified substance abuse as a significant barrier to work
participation and employability and testing is a part of the employment process. The
477 /TANF Program made it a priority to assist participants to identify and access
services for substance abuse. Testing positive will not affect eligibility for the program.
In order to increase interest, promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, the
TANF classes were replaced by Self-Sufficiency Workshops. The workshops are short
term and designed to keep participants interested and motivated. Instead of on-going
classes, workshops will have start dates and end dates and participants will have to
register to attend-promoting personal responsibility. Self-Sufficiency workshops may
include but not be limited to the following areas: Job Search/Job Readiness, Computer
Literacy, Self-Improvement, Healthy Lifestyles, Family/Life Planning, Parenting, Cultural
and other workshops and trainings in the local community by approval of Self-Reliance
Specialist
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b. Training and Education.
Many participants lack even the basic skills to apply for employment or training.
Informing participants of what trainings are available and supporting them in how to
access these opportunities that will improve their becoming more employable.
The 477 Program has an on-site Adult Education Instructor available to assess and help
participants work on their GEDs and on adult basic education. Also available on-site
throughout the year are Workforce training workshops.. Workshops included Basic
Computer, MS Office Classes for Basic/Intermediate Word, Excel, and Power Point,
Customer Service, office techniques, and leadership classes are offered. The Program
maintains a working relationship with Idaho State University and we have participants
enrolled in their short-term workforce classes. Participants have completed Certified
Nursing Assistant, Welding and many other classes. START (Successful Transitions And
Retention Track) through Idaho State University also comes to the program to recruit
participants whose goal is to attend higher education, it is a social and academic support
system. Referrals are also made to the tribal TERO program for OSHA/TOSHA training
available through that program.
Participants also have the opportunity to participate in Work Experience (WEX), the
majority of WEX placements are within the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal departments and
enterprises. This enables participants to obtain hands on training within a variety of
work fields to see if it meets their goal or interest.
c. Employment.
Many participants take the opportunity to work while working on their employment
related goals by utilizing the temporary placement services that are in the surrounding
communities. Fort Hall is located between two cities Pocatello and Blackfoot. Many
work seasonal work, since we are rural area harvesting of potatoes and beets are
available temporary work as well as firefighting in the summer months. The program
counts 40% of any earned income the family earns.
d. Special Cases.
The program recognizes that some conditions and circumstances may limit or prevent a
person from actively participating in work activities. Pregnant women in their 3rd
trimester unable to work due to complications, females during first twelve {12) months
after giving birth to a child, or having a verified disability that prevents a participant
from working. All special cases need to be approved by Self-Reliance Specialist and
documented.
2. Transitional Services. If a participant loses eligibility for cash assistance due to
employment they can be eligible for Transitional Services for up to 12 months after they
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secure employment. Transitional Services are to support participants so they can maintain
employment..
3. All TANF participants excluding Caretaker Relatives are required to meet and/or exceed
weekly work participation activities in order to maintain eligibility to receive cash
assistance. The TANF program enforces sanctions to induce cooperation with the set
requirements. If participants are not complying with the program a sanction will be
imposed. A sanction in the program is a $50 grant reduction. If they continue to be non
compliant after the sanction their case will be closed and they will not be able to re-apply
for services for 90 days.
A new incentive program allows participants to earn needed household items, personal
hygiene and other necessary items that maybe a stress on the participant budgets. The
expectation of this program is to engage participant in being more active in their self
sufficiency goals. The participants earn incentive points by attending self-sufficiency
workshop or other eligible work activities. The more active a participant is in attending self
sufficiency activities the more points they can receive. Participants who have utilized the
incentive program have been very receptive of it. This has been very successful with
participants who choose to take opportun ity of the program .
Participants who are actively participating may also be eligible for supportive services.
Supportive services are to assist TANF participants in barrier removal. Supportive service
could include help with a power bill, vehicle insurance, rental assistance or work related
clothing or supplies needed. Participants must submit a r'7quest with supporting
documentation. We also make referrals to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Consumer
Services program for energy assistance or housing issues within their rules and regulations.
4. The TANF program does not pay for childcare expenses. We refer participant to the
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Early Childhood Program. Also we have applications on site for
participants to apply for the Idaho Childcare Program to pay for these expenses.
5. At-Risk services (non-recurring short-term benefits). An individual with a dependent child, at risk of becoming eligible for TANF within ninety (90) days without intervention, may be eligible for at-risk services. An application must be completed for services. Social security number and income will be verified. At-Risk payments do not count toward the TANF t ime limit. The following At-Risk Eligibility Criteria must be met:
1. Native American. The applicant must meet the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal TANF Program's service population/area requirements. 2. Eligible Individual. The individual must be a parent with an eligible minor child in the home, or must be a pregnant woman in her last trimester of pregnancy.
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3. Need for Work-Related Services. The individual must be in need of work-related services and be unemployed or underemployed. 4. Income Limit. The family's income must be below two hundred percent {200%) of the federal poverty guidelines. The individual must meet the income criteria for only the first month to receive at-risk services for up to ninety {90) days. 5. Resource Limit. The family's resources must be such that he/she is unable to meet an emergent need, or is unable to meet the emergent need because of circumstances beyond his/her control. 6. Residence. The individual must meet the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal TANF Program residency requirements. 7. TANF Restrictions. The following restrictions will apply: 1. The individual cannot be eligible for or receiving TANF benefits.
2. If an individual received at-risk services within the past twelve (12) months the individual cannot receive at-risk services.
3. At-Risk services will only be paid for work-related services identified and authorized in a thirty {30) day period to meet needs that do not extend beyond a ninety {90) day period. Payment for at-risk services will be made to the provider of services.
As a part of the 477 application process at-risk participants will be provided with the State Application for Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Child Support Services. Case Managers will work with the at-risk adult to provide resources and referrals to help meet family needs. Self-Sufficiency, job search and readiness, self-sufficiency classes and Workforce Development trainings are also available.
6. In the TANF Plan Section XI: Rights and Due process: if a participant is dissatisfied with a
decision they must first resolve it with their SRS within 5 days. If the issue has not been
resolved the participant may make a written appeal within 10 days to have a hearing with
the TANF Manager. If the participant is not satisfied with the decision ofthe TANF Manager
they then have another 10 days to request an administrative review by the 477 Director.
7. Not applicable.
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1
477 Activities October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016
# Date Proposal Name 10/04/2015 and ongoing Tribal Youth Council Meeting (weekly)
2 10/5 - 10/22/15
3 10/13/15 4 10/15/15
5 10/16/15 6 10/23/15 7 10/24/15 8 10/29/15 9 11/4 - 11/19/2015
10 11/7/15 11 11/10/15 12 11/12/15 13 11/13/15 14 11/17 - 12/1/15 15 11/19/15 16 11/20/15 17 12/7/15 18 12/8 - 12/17 /15
19 12/10/15 20 12/16/15 21 12/17/15 22 12/17/15 23 12/22 - 12/23/15 24 12/23/15 25 12/28 -12/30/15 26 12/29/15 27 1/13 - 2/3/16 28 1/21/16
477 Workforce Training Sessions
Basic Computer Class
Microsoft Word - Beginner
Microwoft Word - Intermediate
Fort Hall Elementary School Kindness Project
Tribal Scholarship Deadline
Pumpkin Fun, Run/Walk for Disability Employment Awareness
Month - PNA Distribution
Halloween Family Fun Night
Tribal Youth Health Day
Special Service Parent Meeting #55 and #25
477 Workforce Training Sessions
Basic Office Skills
Microsoft Excel - Beginner
Microsoft Excel - Intermediate
Veterans Powwow
U of I High School Visit
Weatherization Class
ABE Tutor Outreach
Baby Moccasin Making Class
Community Thanksgiving
Toys for Tots Roundup - Distribution in Dec.
Higher Education Scholarship Workshop
477 Workforce Training - Winter Classes
Customer Service
Conflict Resolution
Financial Literacy
Team Work/Team Building
Leadership
Time Management
Weatherization Class - Doors
Youth Coloring Contest - Families
Weatherization Class - Windows
Elderly Christmas Baskets
Cake and Ornament Making - Out of school activity
Christmas Stocking Giveaway - PNA Distribution
Shawl and Vest Making - Cultural Activity
Student Networking Luncheon
Financial Budgeting Workshop
Weatherization Class - Insulating Your Home
1/26/16 Plant Medicine Workshop 29
477 Activities October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016
30 1/28/16 31 1/28/16 32 2/01 - 2/9/2016 33 2/1/2016 and ongoing
34 2/5/16
35 2/16 -2/18/16 36 2/16/16 37 2/20/16 38 2/23/16 39 3/1 - 3/30/16 40 3/5/16 41 3/16/16
42 4/7/16 43 4/12 - 4/26/16
44 4/23/16 45 4/30/16 46 5/2/16 47 5/8/16
48 7/9/16 49 7/11/16 so 7/11 - 8/12/2016 51 8/1/16-8/3/16 52 8/4/16 53 8/4/16 54 8/18/16 55 8/28/16 56 9/14 -9/28/19
57 9/17/16 58 9/21 - 9/23/2016 59 9/22/16 60 9/30/16
FAFSA Workshop
Weatherization Class - Weatherizing Your Windows
Conversational Shoshone
Native Arts Weekly Group
477 Workforce Training - Computers 101
Fatherhood Is Sacred/Motherhood Is Sacred Facilitator Training
FAFSA Workshop
Fort Hall Sweethearts Powwow & Gathering
Traditional Storytelling - Cultural Activity
Working with Buckskin & Beads
Fort Hall Spring Community Social Powwow & Gathering
Job/Resource Fair
The Bear Dance Ceremony Presentation
TANF Workforce Training - Computer Classes
Microsoft Word - Beginner
Microsoft Word - Intermediate
Microsoft Excel - Beginner
Microsoft Excel - Intermediate
See ah duh Plant Medicine Presentation
The Energy Efficient Homes Workshop
2016 TANF/GA Conference
Mother's Day Event
"Swing and Sway the Native Way" Social Powwow
Youth Career Day
Summer Youth Employment Program
Gathering Of Native Americans (GONA)
Kids Day Activities
Kids Day Powwow
Back to School Bash (School Supplies Distribution)
Family Fun Night
Fall Weatherization Classes
Suicide Prevention Healing Round Dance & Community Healing
Gathering
OWEESTA Financial Train the Trainer
Tyhee Indian Day Activities
Indian Day Activities