Summary of Specifications:
This initiative will include the development (continuation) of the Orange County DSS, In-Home Assessment Program. This project focuses on providing a strength-based, family focused assessment for consumers applying for temporary assistance benefits from the DSS. For the past six years, the DSS has continued to develop and strengthen the In-Home Assessment Project, expanding the service delivery structure and supporting the development of follow-up services geared towards developing employment related diversion services. The Orange County Department of Social Services anticipates awarding a contract to one Proposers to serve TANF applicants from both the Eastern and Western portions of the County. These services may include but are not limited to: 1. Strength-Based Assessment: appointments are scheduled for the assigned case managers based on applicants to enter the DSS seeking assistance to meet their temporary economic needs. The focus of the required home visits is to develop a strength-based, family focused assessment and individualized service plan that highlights the needs of the family and offers service geared towards assisting in the development of self-sufficiency. 2. Employment Related Diversion Services: When possible, the case managers assigned to each family develop services that may strengthen the family’s ability to gain employment prior to requiring TANF services. 3. Eligibility Assistance: Each case manager will engage the family or single individual in completing their application for temporary assistance and gathering the necessary documentation required to determine eligibility. During home visit days, the case manager consults with the assigned social welfare examiner near the end of each day to communicate the results of the assessment and provide the eligibility documentation. During these case conference sessions, the DSS identifies additional information that may be required to determine eligibility and reviews the assessment with each case manager to develop a course of action for the applicants. This may include, enrollment in employment services, drug and / or alcohol treatment, applications for day care, educational needs, etc. 3 4. Substance Abuse Assessment Services: Each IHAP Program will provide on Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) for both the Newburgh and Middletown Office. The assigned CASAC will work with the DSS and the IHAP Project to provide the required OTDA drug and alcohol assessment. During the consumer’s initial DSS screening a ten question, Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) assessment is conducted to determine the applicants need for substance abuse services. If required the DSS screener will schedule the applicant for a full substance abuse screening to be conducted by the CASAC in the DSS Office. 5. Follow-up Services: As required case managers assigned to the program will provide additional services as defined by their initial strength-based assessment. This may include transportation to possible employment sites, attending the consumers CASAC assessment, enrollment in mental health treatment or other services as determined needed during the case conference with the DSS.
