The community service component is a structured program in which the participant performs unpaid work under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations. Community service programs must be limited to projects that serve a useful community purpose. Community service programs must include structured activities that both provide a community service and also improve the employability of the participant. Community service programs are designed to improve the employability of participants not otherwise able to obtain employment.
Community service provides the participant with the opportunity to establish or re-establish contact with the workforce in a non-threatening environment and develop a current work history and references while providing services that are of direct benefit to the public and/or community. Community service is a transitional activity with the goal of securing and maintaining permanent unsubsidized employment and achieving economic self-sufficiency.
The prior training, experience, and job skills of a participant must be taken into account, to the extent possible, in making appropriate community service assignments. The Department must have a written agreement with the work site. Daily supervision is required. The hours of participation in a community service program must be detailed in the agreement and the Self-Sufficiency Contract.
For selection criteria and placement, scheduling, time and attendance, communication with the work site, termination of assignment, participant protection, and worker protection, see 468 NAC 2-020.07C1ff.
Short term training or similar activities may be counted as community services as long as such activities are of limited duration and are a necessary or regular part of the community service.
For example: An individual providing clerical support might attend computer training classes as part of the community service if the assigned activity requires it.
The case manager is responsible for determining the maximum number of hours of community service allowed for the Employment First participant each month. This is determined by adding the family’s ADC cash payment amount and their Food Stamp allotment then dividing the total monthly benefit amount by the federal minimum wage. For determining the maximum number of hours for participation in a community service program, see 468-000-308.
Work sites may include, but are not limited to federal, state, county,
local and tribal governments and colleges, universities and school districts.
Community
service includes, but is not limited to, participation in volunteer organizations
such as AmeriCorps, Volunteers
in Service to America (VISTA), private volunteer organizations, or court
ordered community service.
Examples of service fields may include, but are not limited to: health,
social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural redevelopment,
welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, and child care.
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