Temporary Assistance (TA) recipients designated as employment and training ready recipients with refugee status are referred to the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program as mandatory participants. The term ‘refugee’ is a legal classification. These individuals are residing in the United States, having traveled here from another country. Information from the Family Support Division (FSD) Income Maintenance Policy Manual regarding who can be classified as a refugee is found at http://dss.mo.gov/fsd/iman/refres/rrtoc.html.
Refugees in mandatory status must comply with work participation requirements and must participate in work activities as required of all mandatory recipients. Inability to communicate in English does not exempt or exclude a refugee from the work participation requirement.
Recipients with refugee status who are referred to Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) service providers for services may be working with a refugee resettlement agency at the time of referral. Refugee resettlement agencies are a valuable resource and may provide employment services, social services, and language training specifically adapted for refugees, in addition to other kinds of assistance. If the refugee isn’t already actively working with a local resettlement agency, make the referral at the time of enrollment in MWA. A listing of current resettlement agencies can be found at http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/iman/refres/1510-015-25.html. Record the name and address of the resettlement agency in the MWA System case notes when the referral is made, and when the referral is accepted.
It is important when working with a refugee that the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) case manager recognizes and respects cultural diversity as it relates to employment and other requirements of the MWA program. The resettlement agency may be able to assist the case manager and the refugee regarding these sociological differences.
When a refugee is working with a resettlement agency, if agreed to locally, the resettlement agency serves as the primary service provider for the refugee. The MWA case manager remains the primary case manager, providing direction to the resettlement agency regarding the requirements of the MWA program and the refugee’s responsibility to meet those requirements. It is the MWA case manager’s responsibility to determine if services provided by the refugee resettlement agency meet MWA work requirements and ensure that this information is entered into the MWA System for reporting purposes.
Do not duplicate services or efforts of the resettlement agency. Allow that agency to take the lead in discovering needs, developing a plan and providing services that benefit the refugee, and move him/her along the path to self-sufficiency. Maintain close contact with the resettlement agency regarding the recipient’s progress and activities. Accept the documentation of the refugee service provider, and do not require the recipient to also meet with the MWA case manager. If services provided by the resettlement agency do not fall within MWA allowable activities, it is the MWA case manager’s responsibility to work with the recipient to offer appropriate activities through other means.
Most of the refugees resettled in a community have a local sponsor and will have been resettled by one of the national volunteer agencies. The sponsor may be an individual, a church, a civic organization, a state or local government, or other local group or organization.
In resettling the refugee, the resettlement agency and the sponsor have a commitment to provide:
Once employment is found, the sponsor helps the refugee locate permanent housing, acquire minimal furniture, and arrange for utilities.
An application for Temporary Assistance (TA) may occur when the material needs of the refugee exceed the assistance which is provided by the sponsor. TA can be a necessary supplement while the sponsor continues to meet some of the needs of the refugee, maintaining the personal relationship with the refugee, and helping with orientation and seeking employment. The sponsor and the resettlement agency may also offer necessary supportive services such as providing or locating transportation, child care, and interpreter services. If MWA funds are used to pay Transportation Reimbursement Expenses (TRE) and/or Work Related Expenses (WRE) for refugees, ensure that these payments do not duplicate payments made by the resettlement agency.
At the time of enrollment in the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program, the MWA case manager must assess the recipient for language barriers immediately. If a refugee requires language interpretation, use any practical means to provide that service effectively. Determine if the refugee is already working with a local resettlement agency and if appropriate, enlist their assistance to overcome the language barrier. Keep in mind that using children or other community members for language services may compromise the recipient’s confidentiality. The resettlement agency and/or the sponsor for the refugee may be the best source to provide information or the services needed to effectively communicate with the refugee recipient. When working with the refugee and the resettlement agency, use the following questions as a starting point to determine the best mix of services to the refugee:
Remember, the inability to communicate in English does not exempt or exclude a refugee from the employment and training requirement. Make appropriate referrals to English as Second Language (ESL) providers or other resources as applicable.