Here is an additional communication that was sent out and the information below in a different format.
Thanks,
Danie
Danielle Goodrich/CSO Administrator/Pierce North Community Services
Office
Economic Services Administration
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
(O) 253 983 6767 / (C) 253-343-4839 /
danielle.goodrich@dshs.wa.gov
Transforming
Lives
From: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org <fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org>
On Behalf Of Maureen Howard
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:59 AM
To: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org; maureen howard <maureenhowardconsulting@gmail.com>
Subject: Homeless Coalition - Fwd: Fw: Mitigation Efforts for CSD Clients re: COVID-19
This just came in.
Maureen
From: Nolan, Ellen E. (DSHS) <nolanee@dshs.wa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 8:59 AM
Subject: Mitigation Efforts for CSD Clients re: COVID-19
Message from Babs Roberts- Community services Division, Economic Services Administration,
Department of Social and Health Services
In addition to the below: we are exploring having the Governor exempt the time limit requirement
that is in RCW. We are exploring waiver options that would waive the work hours requirement for student eligibility, allow for EBT use for hot meals, and some level of waiver or reduced verification requirements related to “stop work” documentation… again
those are not yet in in play. Certainly we hope to see options for CR-SNAP and additional SNAP issuance in the Congressional bill and are beginning planning on implementation of those.
COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19 continues to impact many Washingtonians, including those served by the Department of Social and Health
Services (DSHS) through WorkFirst. These impacts come in the form of illness, missed work caused by illness and economic disruptions, lack of child care due to center closures, K-12 school and early learning closures, and reduced activity opportunities due
to site closures at our Employment Security Department (ESD), Commerce Department (Commerce), and State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) partners, as well as the need to reduce face to face interactions in our Community Services Offices (CSOs).
During this uncertain and challenging time, DSHS views the COVID-19 pandemic as an event outside of the control of WorkFirst participants. Therefore, participants have good cause based on
WAC 388-310-1600 (3) for not participating in required activities. In response, DSHS is taking the actions listed below to support those we serve and mitigate the spread of the virus:
Suspending the WorkFirst Sanction Process, including home visits
As of March 16, 2020, WorkFirst staff will temporarily suspend WorkFirst Sanction Reduction or Termination penalties due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. WorkFirst
services will be offered each month, however, if a participant does not continue to engage in their activity, no adverse action will be taken as a result of non-participation. Participants have good cause for non-participation since it is due to an event outside
of their control. This also suspends the need for a home visit by our staff as part of the sanction process. Clients who closed in sanction will not have to cure sanction before being eligible for the cash grant.
This policy is temporary and will end when the outbreak is over.
Exempting WorkFirst Participation For Good Cause
All WorkFirst participants are temporarily exempt from required participation. Clients can choose to continue participation and, to the extent possible, we will continue case management,
but participation will not be required. This is based on the Governor’s declaration that schools close until April 27, and in anticipation that early learning and childcare providers will follow suit. Again, this policy is in response to emergency conditions
and will end when the outbreak is over.
Expanding Desk-side and Telephone WorkFirst Orientations
All WorkFirst Orientations will be conducted desk-side, with the option of utilizing the telephone in order to
conduct the orientation when appropriate in place of scheduled group classes. This expands a process currently piloted in a number of CSOs. Our goal is to reduce the instance of requiring WorkFirst participants to gather in groups for WorkFirst-related events/activities,
or reporting to the CSO for tasks that may be completed by telephone. This is to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Suspending Home Visits for the Teen Living Assessment
In compliance with Federal law, DSHS conducts a Teen Living Assessment (TLA), which may include a home visit,
for all unmarried, minor parents applying for TANF cash assistance to determine eligibility and offer support to the household. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the home visit will be suspended until further notice beginning March 16, 2020. WorkFirst
Social Service Specialists (WFSSS) are responsible to make their best effort to determine a safe living environment and situation, for the teen and their child, by completing all required assessment screening tools in the office or over the phone.
Continuing Payment for WorkFirst Work-Study and community jobs Participants
Community Jobs and WorkFirst work-study participants will continue to be employed and receive payment even if they are temporarily unable to participate due to emergency operations
changes or closures as a result of COVID-19. This aligns with directions for the Federal/State work-study participants.
ABAWD
An injunction to the new ABAWD Waiver rules has been approved in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clients
in all counties, including King County, will be temporarily granted good cause based on current partner and employer closures.
We will continue to offer a referral to any ABAWD client who is not participating in work or work like activities. Most State Board Community and Technical College ABAWD Navigators
are continuing to work virtually with clients.
Ellen E. Nolan J.D, Senior Government Relations Advisor
Economic Services Administration
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
(o)360-725-4544
nolanee@dshs.wa.gov
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Transforming
Lives
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Tel: 253-756-8146 (LL)
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MaureenHowardConsulting
maureenhowardconsulting@gmail.com
Tel: 253-756-8146 (LL)
Cell: 253-255-2200
3320 S. 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
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