Finding 520786 (2024-002)

Finding: 2024-002 The County did not perform Strengths + Needs Assessments on four participants for the Work First Family Assistance (TANF) program. All participants were eligible for benefits. Name of Contact Person: Patricia Baker Policy The County is responsible for completing the DSS-5298, Work First Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs, within six weeks from the date of application, and no less often than once every twelve weeks of the case being open for Employment Services. The DSS-5298 should be reviewed and updated at least every twelve weeks in coordination with the quarterly update to the Mutual Responsibility Agreement/Outcome Plan. Cause Due to inexperienced staff, the Strengths and Needs (DSS-5298) form was not completed accurately and timely for (4) Work First Family Assistance cases. Corrective Action Plan All Work First Family Assistance staff have reviewed the pending and active Work First Family Assistance cases to ensure the Strengths and Needs assessment has been completed. If it was not completed, staff will follow up at the next review/appointment time with the households to ensure compliance. All Work First Family Assistance staff completed classroom training related to Work First Family Assistance policy, including required forms necessary to determine and continue eligibility for assistance. This training was completed between July and October 2024. There is currently (1) full time staff working the Work First Family Assistance caseload. There is (1) vacancy, and (1) additional staff who assists on a limited basis with reviews and child-only cases. Leadership has reviewed the DSS-5298 requirement with applicable staff to ensure their knowledge and understanding of this required form to be present and reviewed with active case participants. Timeframe Policy + remedial training was completed upon discovery of this information being missing in June 2024. Training occurred in person, by the Family Support Services Supervisor, between July and October 2024. Follow Up Training and Quality Assurance staff will continue to monitor Work First Family Assessment cases by completing second party reviews for 25% of case actions completed. This includes applications, reviews, and changes for Work First Family Assistance cases. Second Party Audit scores will be shared directly with staff and Leadership to determine additional training needs, as applicable. Second Party Audit data will be stored in a Shared Folder, and reviewed by Leadership monthly. Proposed Completion Date: With continuous monitoring and implementation of policy and procedural training that was completed in July-October 2024, Davidson County will be in compliance with the Strengths and Needs Assessment requirement for Work First Family Assistance.