Section 5-320 - Mentoring program.
§ 5-320. Mentoring program.
(a) Established.- In cooperation with local directors, the Secretary shall establish a mentoring program for former recipients.
(b) Use of mentors.-
(1) The mentoring program may include FIP caseworkers in local departments who volunteer to be mentors.
(2) The Department may contract with other entities under § 5-306 of this subtitle to acquire mentors for former recipients.
(c) Types of assistance provided.- Mentoring may include:
(1) providing assistance to resolve workplace problems;
(2) providing workplace adjustment assistance;
(3) job coaching;
(4) providing assistance to develop life skills;
(5) counseling and tutoring; and
(6) any other activities that will help former recipients through the first months that they no longer receive temporary cash assistance.
(d) Eligibility.- To be eligible to participate in the mentoring program, an individual shall:
(1) have been a recipient in the previous 6 months;
(2) have been employed; and
(3) have a demonstrated need and desire for assistance in acquiring and maintaining the skills necessary for a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance.
(e) Participation.- Program participation may not exceed 6 months.
(f) Incentives.- The Secretary may arrange to provide pay or other types of incentives to employees who volunteer to mentor former recipients.
(g) Secretary's powers.- The Secretary's powers under this section shall be construed liberally.
[An. Code 1957, art. 88A, § 56; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.]