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Work
First
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and mental health problems may create a challenge for
many families who are trying to get and keep a job. Recognizing this
as a potential barrier, North Carolina provides TANF (Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families) funding for at least one Qualified Professional in
Substance Abuse for each of the area Local Management Entities (LME).
Qualified Professionals in Substance Abuse are located in some local
county departments of social services and are easily accessible by families
and social services staff. In a concerted effort to identify adults for
whom substance abuse is a challenge to successful employment, all Work
First adults are screened using a standardized screening tool for risk
of substance abuse. If there is evidence of substance abuse, a referral
is made to the Qualified Professional in Substance Abuse, who completes
a thorough assessment of the individual's situation. If appropriate,
the professional develops a treatment plan and serves as the care coordinator
to track the adult's progress through treatment. The substance abuse
professional and the Work First case manager jointly develop a plan for
the family to ensure success. If an adult refuses to be screened initially,
the entire family is ineligible for Work First but is evaluated for Medicaid.
If a Qualified Professional in Substance Abuse determines treatment is
appropriate and the adult fails to comply with the treatment plan, the
adult is ineligible for cash assistance but continues to get Medicaid.
The children, and if applicable, the second parent remain eligible for
Work First. A protective payee is appointed to manage benefits for the
family. The time clock continues to run and the individual is still required
to participate in the employment program.
The children are referred for substance abuse prevention and other behavioral
health services as needed. The treatment programs have increased services
and provide self-sufficiency skills training and vocational support for
individuals with substance abuse-related impairments.
Page last updated 11/30/2007