Once a TAFDC Work Program required, ESP required or ESP volunteer grantee’s/other parent’s case is active, you must schedule a Pathways to Self Sufficiency (PSS) Assessment Appointment. These clients will appear on the Pending PSS Assessment view. You can schedule appointments for either an in-person or telephone PSS assessment. However, since clients may have difficulty explaining their assessment responses over the phone, it is recommend that an in person PSS assessment take place whenever possible.
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Note: |
If five business days after the case has been established an appointment has not been scheduled for either an in-person or telephone assessment, an automated letter will be sent scheduling an in office appointment. This automated appointment will be scheduled during core hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) unless the client has an accommodation with appointment times that differ from the core hours. It is very important for you to schedule the client to ensure that the Pathways assessment is conducted timely. Failure to keep this appointment will result in the TAFDC case being closed. |
The assessment is your opportunity to engage your client in a discussion about self-reported strengths, self-reported challenges to finding employment, as well as support services and referrals to DTA specialists that will help him/her reach economic self-sufficiency.
The assessment will not be a one-time interview, but an ongoing conversation with your client required at a minimum at every reevaluation.
When interviewing clients (especially during the PSS assessment) it is important to remember to utilize your Motivational Interviewing techniques to:
express empathy with your client’s situation through reflective listening (i.e., repeating back to your client key elements of your discussion)
if appropriate, help your client see how his/her goals may not be able to be realized in his/her current situation
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Example: |
A client who indicates that s/he wants to become a customer service representative but also indicates that s/he does not like working with people may not be best suited for the customer service field. |
avoid argument and direct confrontation; and
be optimistic and support positive change.
In order for your clients to be successful, you must continue to emphasize the importance of reaching economic self-sufficiency. This involves:
viewing and helping clients see themselves as job seekers
emphasizing to our clients the ways of achieving a successful transition off of assistance
explaining available support services
using success stories to motivate a discouraged client; and
sharing the Department’s belief that your client will succeed.
The assessment will take place in the PSS Assessment workflow.
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The ESP Assessment workflow will still be available for SNAP clients and EAEDC clients who may require services. If you enter the ESP Assessment workflow to complete the PSS Assessment, a pop-up message will notify you to use the PSS Assessment workflow. |
Assessment Questions Challenges
Assessment Questions Strengths