Chapter DCF 103

DCF 103.03   Initial W-2 worker training.

DCF 103.04   Ongoing training for experienced W-2 workers.

DCF 103.05   Trainer qualifications.

DCF 103.06   Local responsibility for implementing updates.

DCF 103.07   Reports and records.

Ch. DCF 103 Note Note: Chapter HSS 217 as it existed on October 31, 1999 was repealed and a new chapter DWD 17 was created effective November 1, 1999. Chapter DWD 17 was renumbered to chapter DCF 103 under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635.

DCF 103.01 DCF 103.01 Introduction.

DCF 103.01(1) (1) Authority and purpose. This chapter is promulgated under authority set forth in s. 49.143 (2) (c), Stats., to ensure that each financial and employment planner, resource specialist, and supervisor employed by a W–2 agency directly or by subcontract has successfully completed a training program to achieve acceptable W-2 worker job performance. Successful completion of prescribed training is required for all new W-2 workers. The department shall make ongoing training available for experienced W-2 workers.

DCF 103.01(2) (2) Applicability. This chapter applies to W–2 agencies and the financial and employment planners, resource specialists, and supervisors who are employed by those agencies directly or by subcontract.

DCF 103.01 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1999, No. 526, eff. 11-1-99; CR 02-050: am. Register January 2003 No. 565, eff. 2-1-03; CR 06-044: am. Register November 2006 No. 611, eff. 12-1-06; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635.

DCF 103.02 DCF 103.02 Definitions. In this chapter:

DCF 103.02(1) (1) “Automated system” means a computer-supported process used by the department, including CARES.

DCF 103.02(2) (2) “CARES” means the department’s automated client assistance for re-employment and economic support.

DCF 103.02 Note Note: CARES is the automated system used by the Dept. of Children and Families to determine eligibility, calculate benefits, and retain data for W-2.

DCF 103.02(3) (3) “Case management” means the family-centered and goal-oriented process for assessing the needs of a W-2 group member and his or her family for employment, training, and supportive services and assisting the W-2 group member in obtaining services to achieve self-sufficiency.

DCF 103.02(4) (4) “Department” means the Wisconsin department of children and families.

DCF 103.02(5) (5) “Experienced financial and employment planner” or “experienced FEP” means a FEP employed by a W-2 agency directly or by subcontract who has completed initial FEP training.

DCF 103.02(6) (6) “Experienced resource specialist” means a resource specialist employed by a W-2 agency who has completed initial resource specialist training.

DCF 103.02(7) (7) “Financial and employment planner” or “FEP” means a case manager employed by a Wisconsin works agency directly or by subcontract who determines eligibility, assists in the process of determining eligibility, or performs case management functions. “FEP” includes a case manager who specializes in employment attachment and retention, assists W-2 participants with special needs, or assists W-2 participants with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) application process.

DCF 103.02(7m) (7m) “New financial and employment planner” or “new FEP” means an individual who is employed as a financial and employment planner by a W-2 agency, directly or by subcontract, and who has not completed the initial FEP training. “New FEP” includes a permanent employee of the W-2 agency who transfers into a FEP position and who has not completed initial FEP training within the previous year.

DCF 103.02(8) (8) “New resource specialist” means a person who is employed by a W–2 agency directly or by subcontract as a resource specialist who has not completed the initial resource specialist training, including a permanent employee who transfers into a resource specialist position and who has not completed initial resource specialist training within the previous year.

DCF 103.02(8m) (8m) “Participant” means an individual who participates in any component of the Wisconsin works program.

DCF 103.02(9) (9) “Resource specialist” means a worker employed by a Wisconsin works agency who performs application entry, provides an initial assessment of a potential W-2 applicant’s needs, makes referrals to service providers, or evaluates an individual’s need for W-2. “Resource specialist” may also include a worker employed by an agency contracted with the department to provide access services.

DCF 103.02(9m) (9m) “Supervisor” means a worker employed by a Wisconsin Works agency directly or by subcontract who supervises W-2 financial and employment planners or resource specialists.

DCF 103.02(10) (10) “Wisconsin works” or “W-2” has the meaning given in s. DCF 101.03 (37).

DCF 103.02 Note Note: “Wisconsin works” or “W-2” is defined in s. DCF 101.03 (37), Wis. Adm. Code, as “the assistance program for families with dependent children, administered under ss. 49.141 to 49.161, Stats.”

DCF 103.02(11) (11) “Wisconsin works agency” or “W-2 agency” has the meaning given in s. DCF 101.03 (38).

DCF 103.02 Note Note: “Wisconsin works agency” is defined in s. DCF 101.03 (38), Wis. Adm. Code, as “a person, county agency, tribal governing body, or a private agency contracted under s. 49.143, Stats., by the department to administer the Wisconsin works program under ss. 49.141 to 49.161, Stats., and ch. DCF 101. If no contract is awarded under s. 49.143, Stats., ‘Wisconsin works agency’ means the department.”

DCF 103.02(12) (12) “W-2 handbooks, manuals, and instructional materials” means department-issued handbooks, manuals, and memos that are addressed to W–2 agencies and set forth eligibility and benefit criteria and case maintenance and case processing information for Wisconsin works.

DCF 103.02(13) (13) “W-2 worker” means a resource specialist and a financial and employment planner.

DCF 103.02 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1999, No. 526, eff. 11-1-99; CR 02-050: r. (4) and (6) to (15), renum. (5), (16) and (17) to be (4), (10) and (11), cr. (5) to (9), (12) and (13) Register January 2003 No. 565, eff. 2-1-03; CR 06-044: am. (5), (6), (7) and (8), cr. (7m), (8m) and (9m), Register November 2006 No. 611, eff. 12-1-06; corrections in (4), (10) and (11) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6. and 7., Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635.

DCF 103.03 DCF 103.03 Initial W-2 worker training.

DCF 103.03(1) (1) FEPs and resource specialists.

DCF 103.03(1)(a) (a) The department shall make initial W–2 worker training available to new FEPs and resource specialists directly or through contractors. The W–2 agency shall ensure that each FEP and resource specialist completes the department’s initial training during the first 6 months of employment.

DCF 103.03(1)(b) (b) No FEP may make independent decisions related to eligibility or perform case management functions until the initial W–2 training for new FEPs is successfully completed.

DCF 103.03(1)(c) (c) No resource specialist may make independent decisions related to providing an initial assessment of a potential W–2 applicant’s needs, making referrals to service providers, or evaluating an individual’s need for W–2 until the initial W–2 training for new resource specialists is successfully completed.

DCF 103.03(1)(d) (d) To successfully complete the initial W–2 training, a new FEP or resource specialist shall attend all class hours and shall participate in all instructional activities. The W–2 agency shall develop evaluation strategies to ensure that the new FEP or resource specialist achieves a minimum standard of competence.

DCF 103.03(1m) (1m) Supervisor. A supervisor who is employed on or after December 1, 2006, to supervise FEPS or resource specialists shall complete the department’s new worker training for the job function of the workers that the supervisor is supervising during the first 6 months of employment, unless the supervisor worked in that job function within one year prior to the date of hire as a supervisor. If a supervisor supervises both FEPs and resource specialists, the supervisor shall be required to complete the FEP training only.

DCF 103.03(2) (2) Standard curriculum.

DCF 103.03(2)(a) (a) The department shall develop a standardized curriculum for training new FEPs and resource specialists. The standardized curriculum shall include courses, independent study, and closely supervised practical experience and shall ensure that learning objectives support an acceptable standard of competency at completion. The curriculum may vary depending on job function and may include the following:

DCF 103.03(2)(a)1. 1. Program philosophy emphasizing W-2 as a work program.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)2. 2. Policy and procedure in W-2 handbooks, manuals, and instructional materials.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)3. 3. Eligibility determination.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)4. 4. Automated systems used in the W-2 program.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)5. 5. Interpersonal skills needed to perform W-2 functions.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)5g. 5g. Civil rights compliance, cultural awareness, and diversity issues.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)5r. 5r. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

DCF 103.03(2)(a)6. 6. Case management information and skills, including:

DCF 103.03(2)(a)6.a. a. Employment and training information for W–2 participants, including job readiness assessment, skills training opportunities, job search activities, labor market information, career planning, and job retention skills.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)6.b. b. Special needs of the W–2 participant or a family member as those issues affect the W–2 participant’s employability, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and physical or mental disabilities.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)6.c. c. Community resources and supportive services available to assist W–2 participants.

DCF 103.03(2)(a)6.d. d. Collaboration and coordination with local child welfare agencies.

DCF 103.03(3) (3) Domestic abuse training.

DCF 103.03(3)(a) (a) A FEP shall complete 12 hours of training in domestic abuse awareness within the first year of employment, including case management strategies and the department’s comprehensive screening tool.

DCF 103.03(3)(b) (b) A resource specialist shall complete 6 hours of training in domestic abuse awareness within the first year of employment.

DCF 103.03(3)(c) (c) A supervisor who is required to take the initial W-2 training under sub. (1m) shall complete domestic abuse awareness training for the job function of the workers who the supervisor is supervising.

DCF 103.03(4) (4) Comparable training. A W-2 agency may develop its own training to implement the standardized curriculum under sub. (2), with approval by the department. A W-2 agency that chooses not to participate in the initial training for new W-2 workers offered by the department or its contractors shall submit a training implementation plan to the department for approval at least 45 days before the planned start date of the training. Training plans shall be submitted to the department on an annual basis. The plan shall do all of the following:

DCF 103.03(4)(a) (a) Specify the number of hours of classroom training, independent study, planned exercises, and activities.

DCF 103.03(4)(b) (b) State how W-2 handbooks, manuals, and instructional materials will be used.

DCF 103.03(4)(c) (c) Explain how training will address the interpersonal and case management skills needed to perform the W-2 function.

DCF 103.03(4)(d) (d) Specify the number of hours of supervised practical experience, including the use of automated systems, W-2 program policy and procedure application, and case management techniques.

DCF 103.03(4)(e) (e) Indicate the length of the training program.

DCF 103.03(4)(f) (f) Describe how learning will be evaluated.

DCF 103.03(4)(g) (g) Include the name, address, position title, and qualifications of each trainer.

DCF 103.03 Note Note: Send the proposed W–2 training implementation plan to: BWF Partner Training Section, DCF Division of Family and Economic Security, 201 E. Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI 53708-8916.

DCF 103.03 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1999, No. 526, eff. 11-1-99; CR 02-050: r. and recr. Register January 2003 No. 565, eff. 2-1-03; CR 06-044: r. and recr. (1) and (3), cr. (1m), (2) (a) 5g., 5r. and 6. d., am. (2), (a) (intro.), 1. and 4., 6. a. and b., (4) (intro.), r. (2) (b) and (c), Register November 2006 No. 611, eff. 12-1-06.

DCF 103.04 DCF 103.04 Ongoing training for experienced W-2 workers.

DCF 103.04(1) (1) Standard curriculum. The department shall develop an ongoing course or courses for supervisors, experienced resource specialists, and experienced FEPs and shall make the course or courses available each year directly or through contractors. The department shall annually define required training courses and develop a standardized curriculum for each job function as needed. The curriculum shall include the following:

DCF 103.04(1)(a) (a) Refresher material on W-2 policy and procedure.

DCF 103.04(1)(b) (b) Automated systems used in the W-2 program.

DCF 103.04(1)(c) (c) Interpersonal skills needed to perform W-2 functions.

DCF 103.04(1)(cg) (cg) Civil rights compliance, cultural awareness, and diversity issues.

DCF 103.04(1)(cr) (cr) Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

DCF 103.04(1)(d) (d) Enhanced case management information and skills, including:

DCF 103.04(1)(d)1. 1. Employment and training information for W–2 participants, including job readiness assessment, skills training opportunities, job search activities, career planning, labor market information, and job retention skills.

DCF 103.04(1)(d)2. 2. Special needs of the W–2 participant or a family member as those issues affect the W–2 participant’s employability, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and physical or mental disabilities.

DCF 103.04(1)(d)3. 3. Community resources and supportive services available to assist W-2 participants.

DCF 103.04(1)(d)4. 4. Collaboration and coordination with local child welfare agencies.

DCF 103.04(2) (2) Comparable training. A W-2 agency may develop its own training to implement the standardized curriculum under sub. (1), with approval by the department. A W-2 agency that chooses not to participate in training offered by the department or its contractors shall submit a training implementation plan to the department for approval at least 45 days before the planned start date of training. Training plans shall be submitted to the department on an annual basis. The plan shall:

DCF 103.04(2)(a) (a) Specify the number of hours of classroom training, independent study, planned exercises, and activities.

DCF 103.04(2)(b) (b) Indicate the length of the training program.

DCF 103.04(2)(c) (c) Describe how learning will be evaluated.

DCF 103.04(2)(d) (d) Include the name, address, position title, and qualifications of each trainer.

DCF 103.04 Note Note: Send the proposed W-2 training implementation plan to: BWF Partner Training Section, DCF Division of Family and Economic Security, P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI 53708-8916.

DCF 103.04 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1999, No. 526, eff. 11-1-99; CR 02-050: am. (1) (intro.) to (c), renum. (2) to be (3) and am. (3) (intro.), cr. (2) Register January 2003 No. 565, eff. 2-1-03; CR 06-044: am. (1) (intro.) and (a), (d) 1. and 2., cr. (1) (cg) and (cr), (d) 4., r. (2), renum. (3) to be (2), Register November 2006 No. 611, eff. 12-1-06.

DCF 103.05 DCF 103.05 Trainer qualifications. The department shall ensure that the person doing the training has:

DCF 103.05(1) (1) Knowledge of the programs and procedures in which the person will conduct training as evidenced by prior experience or education.

DCF 103.05(2) (2) Experience or education in training techniques or adult education.