DESCRIPTION

A SIP is an education/training program in which the participant was enrolled prior to the orientation/appraisal appointment. A SIP is an undergraduate degree or certificate program that leads to employment.  A SIP must be approved for it to qualify as a GROW activity.

• A SIP can be approved when: 
  
  
• The participant does not already have a bachelor's degree, certificate, employable skills, or a vocational license; and
   
• The program is consistent with the employment goal; and 
  
  
• The participant is attending at least 20 hours a week; and

 
• It can be completed within the participant's remaining time on aid; and

 
• The program is likely to lead to employment in a growth occupation.

 

EXCEPTION: A participant who is in an undergraduate degree or certificate program that is not approved under the growth occupation requirement, may be allowed to continue and complete the current educational semester or quarter. At the completion of the semester or quarter, the participant can be assigned to either Job Skills Preparation Class or a new SIP if the new program meets all the SIP requirements and can be completed within the participant's remaining time on aid.



Also, Non-Custodial Parent Training Programs offered by a Private Industry Council (PIC), Service Delivery Area (SDA) provider, or community-based organization receiving a grant from the Department of Labor qualify as SIPs.


• To continue in the SIP, proof of enrollment is required initially from the participant. If verification is not received, the GROW computer automatically initiates noncompliance and schedule a pretermination hearing with the Case Manager. 
  
  
• If an individual is in an otherwise approvable SIP except that he/she participates less than 20 hours a week, a concurrent assignment to Job Skills Preparation Class (JSPC) is made. The individual's weekly participation in the two combined activities, SIP and JSPC, must equal 20 hours. 
  
  
• The following are examples of SIPs which cannot be approved: 
  
  
• GED, High School Diploma, Adult Basic Education (ABE), or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. 
  
  
• Programs that will not be completed within the participant's remaining time on aid. 
  
  
• Programs leading to a post baccalaureate degree.

 
• Progress reports are required every 30 days and will be generated automatically to the participant by the GROW computer system. 

 
• For participants who complete their SIPs, the GROW system will automatically schedule the participant for an appointment with the Case Manager to discuss the next activity.  Participants remaining unemployed after their SIPs are referred to JSPC. 
  
  
• For participants who fail to participate in and/or complete their SIPs, the GROW system will automatically initiate noncompliance and schedule a pretermination hearing with the Case Manager.

CASE MANAGER DUTIES

• Approve/deny SIP during Orientation/Job Skills Assessment. 
  
  
• If approved, provide participant with GROW system-generated ABP 1464, Verification Request Form. 
  
  
• If denied, assign the participant to JSPC.

 
• Explain and have the participant sign the ABP 1463, Activity Assignment.
  
  
• Complete/Update ABP 821, GROW Case Manager Checklist.
  
  
• Authorize work-related expenses not covered by SIP provider after verification is received. 
  
  
• For individuals who obtain employment during SIP:
  
  
• Create a Working Component (WRK) with the job information. 
  
  
• Give/send ABP 192, Verification of Employment Request, to participant for employer to verify employment, 
  
  
• Schedule appointment in 30 days (for participant to return employment verification), and 
  
  
• Notify EW with the ABP 296, Notification of Change. 
  
  
• If the employment is:
   
• Less than 20 hours per week, participation in SIP continues; or 
  
  
• 20 hours or more per week, update SIP activity as completed and offer Post-Employment Services to individuals who will remain on aid.

 
• Stop all work-related expenses except transportation if it's needed until the participant's first pay check.

Following SIP evaluation, the outcomes should include: 

• Approval/denial of SIP.
   
• The participant and Case Manager signed the ABP 1463. 
  
  
• Any requested supportive services referrals were made. 
  
  
• Work-related expenses were authorized after verification was received. 
  
  
• Participants not attending a SIP full-time were assigned to JSPC.