5.1.1  Assessment at Application

5.1.1.1 Assessment with Former W-2 Participants at Application

5.1.1.2 Referral for Formal Assessment at Application

During the application process and prior to placing the individual in a W-2Wisconsin Works placement, the W-2 agency must work with the applicant to:

·        Complete an informal assessment (see 5.2);

·        Complete an Educational Needs Assessment Educational needs assessments determine if the individual needs, or would benefit from, education or training activities, including a course of study for the granting of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation. In making this determination, the FEP must consider the following: • The information gathered on the applicant/participant’s current educational levels; • The level of education and training necessary to obtain full-time employment in the local labor market; and • The applicant/participant’s personal employment goals. (see 5.3);

·        Start the process of career assessment (see 5.4); and

·        Obtain the results of any career assessments, vocational evaluation/assessments, or formal assessments, if available from prior W-2 episodes (see 4.6.3).  

Using the assessment information gathered at application, the worker may require the applicant to participate in up-front job search activities as a condition of eligibility (see 2.9.2).

To make the initial W-2 placement and develop the EPEmployability Plan, the FEPFinancial and Employment Planner must use the best information available during the application timeframe using the:

·        Results of the informal assessment, educational needs assessment, and career assessment, if available;

·        Progress made during assignment to up-front job search activities, if assigned; and

·        Results of any other vocational evaluation/assessments or formal assessments, if available.

5.1.1.1 Assessment with Former W-2 Participants at Application

When an individual applies for W-2, the W-2 agency must:

1. Determine if the individual received W-2 in the past; and

2. Obtain prior assessment information.

If prior assessment information is current and relevant to the individual’s current situation, this information may be used to aid in decision-making for the initial placement and EP.

If the individual received W-2 in the past, the W-2 agency must check the WWPWisconsin Work Programs Participant Barriers page to see if any formal assessments were completed previously. If so, the applicant’s W-2 agency must obtain all copies of:

·        Formal assessments;

·        Treatment notes; and

·        Any additional information from ECFElectronic Case File.

If the formal assessment is not available in ECF and the individual was previously assigned to a different agency, the current W-2 agency must contact the previously assigned agency. The previously assigned W-2 agency is required to provide all copies of requested documentation to the current W-2 agency so that it is received within seven working days. (See 4.6.3)

The FEP should consider a formal assessment acceptable if completed within one year prior to W-2 TW-2 Transition placement.

Results from a prior formal assessment may only be used if the assessment:

1. Contains the necessary elements; and

2. Is relevant to the employment barrier in question.

If the prior formal assessment results have an expiration date that indicates the results are no longer valid or there is reason to believe the formal assessment information does not reflect the participant’s current circumstances, then a new formal assessment must be completed. (See 5.5.1.1)

5.1.1.2 Referral for Formal Assessment at Application

During the application process, the FEP may also refer the applicant for vocational evaluation/assessment Assessments which are conducted to help individuals living with a disability establish realistic vocational goals and a plan to achieve them. The vocational evaluation process is designed to assess the unique strengths, resources, and experiences of an individual in order to match that person’s abilities and preferences to appropriate work placements, jobs, or training programs. The process is interactive; the intent is for staff to learn about the participant and the participant to learn about themselves and/or formal assessment of employment barriers. (See 5.5.1) However, completing referrals for vocational evaluation/assessments or formal assessments are not eligibility requirements.  

The FEP must never delay eligibility determination and initial placement because of a pending assessment.

The placement decision must be made using the best available information during the application timeframe. (See 1.4.4) The W-2 placement may be adjusted later, if needed, when additional assessment information is received.

To gather assessment results, W-2 agencies are encouraged to consult with other employment and training resources, and accept previous assessments done by other agencies if appropriate.

History: Release 24-11; Release 20-03; Release 19-07; Release 19-02; Release 17-01; Release 11-01.