Narrative: c.

Work participation: All work eligible individuals engage in an individualized plan, and as such, participate in a State or county defined work activity. Exception is made for those with a domestic violence waiver or for single parents with a child under age six for whom childcare is unavailable. Single parents with a child under age one are not exempt, unless specified by county policy.

Failure to engage in the individualized plan components and activities without good cause will result in sanction, as described in the sections of this plan on “sanctions” and “disqualifications”. Colorado considers childcare unavailable if childcare is inaccessible, unaffordable, or unsuitable as defined in each county policy. All participants are notified in writing of the criteria for this exemption, how to apply for the exemption, and the effect of this exemption on time limits.

Work activities, good cause for failure to participate and definition of ready to work: Colorado utilizes the federally defined work activities as the building blocks of an individualized plan that is outcome-based. Federally defined work activities are considered a means to an end, but not the end itself. As such, Colorado has implemented a statewide Employment Entry performance measure for the Colorado Works program, and provides guidance to counties on how to best utilize work activities to support and promote an employment goal. Per the State’s Work Verification Plan (WVP), all federally recognized work activities are used in Colorado, save the provision of childcare for another recipient in community services. Colorado adheres to the federal requirements around work participation and verification, and has consistently met the State’s work participation rate since 1996. Please see the WVP for a detailed list of activities, hours, and verification requirements.

Good cause for not engaging in work activities is determined at the county level, in accordance with federal and State guidelines. County departments utilize assessments, interviewing skills, and case management to support families in the goal of self-sufficiency, and determine together with the participant what activities best support their individualized plan. Case management is ongoing, allowing for the adaptation of the individualized plan over time and as circumstances change; Colorado employs a model of the Colorado Works program that is strengths-based and customer-centered. Counties are encouraged to engage program participants in a manner that stabilizes and supports the family, reserving sanctioning as a final resort after conciliation is unsuccessful.

Job ready is defined locally and outlined in county policies; Colorado has found that being ready to work is fluid and looks different family-to-family, and is committed to working with customers where they are at. Counties are encouraged to think about mid- to long-range planning for economic stability, implementing strategies that protect against recidivism because those who are exiting are truly more economically stable and no longer need the support of the program. In this vein, work ready is considered not only the ability to get work tomorrow, but also the ability to maintain and succeed in employment over the long-term.

Provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): 

Other Specialized Training: Colorado assists individuals to train for, seek and maintain employment to provide direct care in a long-term care facility and in other occupations related to elder care determined appropriate by the State for which Colorado identifies an unmet need for service personnel.