DPSS Online

DESCRIPTION

Computer Application Class (CAC) component has been designed to provide GROW TAY participants, ages 18 to 24 years old, with knowledge and understanding of industry-standard software, used by today's employers, and hands-on computer experience needed for entry level positions. The goal of this program is to assist these youth achieve their short and long-term career goals, and increase their employment opportunities.

KEY POINTS

• Participants who have completed Rapid Employment Promotion (REP), Job Skills Preparation Class (JSPC), Fastrak, Vocational Assessment, or participants who are job-ready with no major barriers to employment, may be referred to the CAC component. Additionally, other participants who have basic knowledge of computer software may benefit from this class, as well.
  
  
• CAC is offered Monday through Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Metro Special GROW site, located at 2615 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
  
  
• Participants must attend a CAC Orientation and pre-screening conducted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) prior to enrollment in the course. Those who are not accepted for enrollment in the CAC training due to lack of computer knowledge may be referred to the Office Occupations class, which offers basic office and computer class training.
  
  
• Participants assigned to the CAC will receive classroom instruction and hands-on training experience.
  
  
• Upon completion of the class, participants receive a Certificate of Completion indicating the course hours completed..
  
  
• Class is limited to 25 participants per session, and enrollment/attendance is tracked on the MAPPER system.
  
  
• CAC is an open-entry/open-exit class where participants may begin the class at any time and complete different levels of training for 20 hours per week for 12 weeks.:
  
  
• Participants who fail to attend or complete the CAC component will be placed in noncompliance.

CASE MANAGER/CAC LIAISON DUTIES

It is recommended that each GROW site designate a GROW CAC Liaison to screen participants for referral to the CAC. However, if this is not possible due to GROW sites' caseload assignment, the GROW Case Manager can screen the participants and make the appropriate referral to CAC by following the procedures below:

• Screen participants prior to referral to the CAC to determine if they meet the criteria below for enrollment in the class.
  
  
  • Between the ages of 18 and 24 years;
  • Have basic computer skills (knowledge of Microsoft Word);
  • Must be job-ready with no major barriers to employment, which cannot be resolved immediately, or must have completed a GROW job-searching activity, such as REP, JSPC, Fastrak, or Pathways to Success;
  • Must have enough time left on aid to complete the activity.

• Contact LACOE CAC facilitator at (213) 744-3185 to refer interested participants to the next available CAC Orientation session. CAC Orientation is scheduled every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Metro Special GROW site.
  
  
• Track the status of the participant's referral to CAC Orientation.
  
  
• Upon receiving notification from the CAC facilitator that the participant has been accepted for enrollment in the class, schedule the participant to the next available CAC through MAPPER.
  
  
• Review the basic component requirements, objectives and expectations of the CAC training with the participant. Explain the attendance requirements such as the importance of attending everyday, being on time and completing the activity.
  
  
• Explain and have the participant sign the ABP 1463, Welfare-to-Work Plan Activity Assignment, which is generated through MAPPER once the CAC component is added.
  
  
• Closely monitor participants' attendance and progress by checking the Progress Report Listing report in MAPPER to ensure that ABP 1469, Progress Report, is sent and returned every 30 days.
  
  
• Issue transportation and ancillary expenses, as needed. If participants are in need of appropriate clothing to look for a job or go to job interviews, refer them to the Clothing Boutique or issue funds for clothing.

NOTE: Although transportation to attend the CAC is authorized by LACOE, participants may still need transportation to attend the CAC Orientation and the first day of the class.

• As recommended by the CAC provider, refer participants who do not have the basic computer skills for enrollment in the CAC to the Office Occupations class, per existing procedures.
  
  
• Act as the contact person between LACOE and DPSS regarding inquiries on the participant's referral/enrollment to the CAC.
  
  
• For participants who obtain employment during or upon completion of the CAC activity:

• Create a Working Component (WRK) with the job information, and
  
• Notify the Eligibility Worker via the ABP 296, Notification of Change.

If the employment is:

• Less than 20 hours per week, participation in CAC continues for the remaining hours, or participant may be assigned to another concurrent GROW activity;
  
• 20 hours or more per week, update the CAC component as completed and offer Post-Employment Services for individuals who remain on aid.

• Refer participants who complete the CAC component but do not find employment to the next appropriate GROW activity, per existing procedures.