Finding 1097229 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency Non-Compliance Finding 2024-002 Criteria: 42 USC 608(b)(1), 608(b)(2)(B)(ii); 45 CFR section 261.11 states that the County may make required assessments within 30 days of the date an individual becomes eligible for assistance. Counties are expected to complete the DSS-5298, North Carolina’s Work First Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs, within six (6) weeks from the date of application and no less often than once every twelve (12) weeks of the case being opened for employment services. The ongoing assessment process as outlined in Section 117 will continue throughout the life of the employment case, and the DSS-5298 should be reviewed and/or updated at least every twelve (12) weeks in coordination with the quarterly update to the Mutual Responsibility Agreement / Outcome Plan. Condition: The County did not perform Strengths and Needs Assessments on four participants. All participants were eligible for benefits. Context: Of the 180 participant files, we examined thirty-six and determined that four did not have follow-up assessments. Effect: The County did not appropriately assign Work Eligible indicators to the family. Cause: The County had significant turnover in the DSS office. The worker assigned to TANF was new to the position and had not been properly trained to perform the assessments. Questioned Costs: None. All participants were eligible for the benefits received. Recommendation: We recommend that staff have a proper training course implemented and a secondary review be performed to ensure that assessments are being completed. Name of Contact Person: Trish Baker, Department of Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.