WSR 00-18-019

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

(WorkFirst Division)

[ Filed August 28, 2000, 11:08 a.m. ]

Original Notice.

Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

Title of Rule: WAC 388-310-1850 Washington state WorkFirst program, Re-employ Washington Workers.

Purpose: To repeal WAC 388-310-1850. The Re-employ Washington Workers (RWW) program, effective July 31, 1999, was implemented to provide rapid reemployment services to low-wage unemployment insurance claimants under the WorkFirst postemployment services umbrella. Effective June 30, 2000, the WorkFirst RWW program is being ended, with the key concepts from the program blended into a more comprehensive, pro-active service delivery model - the newly evolved job success coach initiative.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050.

Summary: Effective June 30, 2000, the WorkFirst RWW program is being ended. The WorkFirst job success coach initiative (JSCI), however, will be implemented shortly thereafter. JSCI is an evolutionary model in the delivery of WorkFirst postemployment services, and blends the key concepts from the RWW program into a more comprehensive, proactive service delivery model. The newly evolved program, JSCI, is designed to increase the success of WorkFirst participants in the workplace.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Sandy Jsames, WorkFirst Division, P.O. Box 45480, Olympia, WA 98504-5480, e-mail JSAMESSM@DSHS.WA.GOV, fax (360) 413-3482, (360) 413-3239.

Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Repeal of WAC 388-310-1850 Re-employ Washington Workers program. Effective June 30, 2000, all WorkFirst RWW funding is being diverted into the WorkFirst job success services model (JSSM). WAC has been developed for JSSM and the public hearing is scheduled for June 27, 2000. JSSM is an evolutionary model in the delivery of WorkFirst postemployment services, blending the concepts of RWW into a proactive service delivery mode. Because of this diversion of funds into JSSM, there is no funding available for RWW and no program activities will be provided, effective June 30, 2000.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: No funding is allocated for the existing RWW program, which is in the process of being phased out. RWW is evolving into JSSM.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Changes do not affect small business.

RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. This proposal meets the definition of a significant legislative rule. However, RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii) exempts DSHS rules that only apply to client medical or financial eligibility.

Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento Restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on October 10, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kelly Cooper, DSHS Rules Coordinator, by October 3, 2000, phone (360) 664-6094, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail myercme@dshs.wa.gov [coopekd@dshs.wa.gov].

Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 664-6185, by October 10, 2000.

Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than October 11, 2000.

August 23, 2000

Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

2785.1
REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 388-310-1850 Re-employ Washington Workers (RWW).

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office