Section 5-319 - FIP demonstration sites.
§ 5-319. FIP demonstration sites.
(a) "Demonstration site" defined.- In this section, "demonstration site" means a site that the Secretary selects in consultation with the local director.
(b) Demonstration sites authorized.- The Secretary may establish a FIP demonstration site in not more than six jurisdictions.
(c) Appointment of directors.- Notwithstanding any other law, the local director shall appoint a director of the FIP established in a demonstration site who shall report directly to the local director.
(d) Approval of demonstration site plans.- Notwithstanding any other law, the Secretary has sole authority to approve demonstration site plans that will govern FIP functions in a demonstration site, including the authority to approve demonstration site plans that will:
(1) assist families that have an employable parent toward a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance;
(2) ensure that individuals and families receive appropriate benefits;
(3) reduce errors in the administration of FIP;
(4) place temporary cash assistance recipients in employment in which their earnings will likely increase; and
(5) improve the types of employment and employment retention rates of existing and former recipients.
(e) Duties of local directors.- The local director shall:
(1) develop a demonstration site plan for submittal to the Secretary for approval that will detail its:
(i) programmatic structure, including any programmatic changes;
(ii) organizational structure, including any organizational changes;
(iii) pay incentive structure and criteria for the award of pay incentives;
(iv) measurable performance criteria and how these relate to the incentive structure; and
(v) target performance criteria;
(2) implement the plan as approved; and
(3) report to the Department on the progress achieved in the demonstration site.
(f) Performance evaluation.- The proper operation of the demonstration site and the achievement of the target performance criteria shall be an element of the local director's performance evaluation.
(g) Performance incentive program.- The Secretary shall establish a performance incentive program to provide pay incentives for employees in a demonstration site.
(h) Secretary's powers.- The Secretary's powers under this section shall be construed liberally.
[An. Code 1957, art. 88A, § 55; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.]