NEWTON
Catawba County will fill nine to 11 jobs through a federal employment subsidy program.
The program, administered through the Department of Social Services, is for people who qualify for federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. The money will help low-income people land a job with the county.
Catawba County commissioners reviewed the program at their Tuesday night meeting. DSS applied for the subsidies through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Commissioners' approval isn't necessary. The program costs the county nothing, said DSS Director John Eller.
The funds are part of $5 billion that Congress included in last year's stimulus package to help states offer basic or temporary assistance to families.
Twenty-three North Carolina counties are participating.
Eller told commissioners that several departments in county government — including DSS, the tax department, register of deeds and the sheriff's office — have expressed interest in a subsidized position.
The program is for seven months, to the end of the federal budget year (Sept. 30), but could be extended, depending on the national performance level.
The money will be allocated per quarter. Catawba County will get $90,000 for the first quarter, plus two more quarterly allocations.
After the time is up, Eller said it's possible some or all of the workers could remain with the county through attrition of current employees.
"At least, these workers would have temporary employment, they will get additional training and be able to add to their resumes," Eller said.
"Some may even try something new (with the county) and improve their marketability."
Eller said DSS will work with a temporary staffing agency for potential workers.
"We will give them the necessary skill sets and go from there," he said.
How it works
Families that do not qualify for Work First cash assistance, but have used up or are ineligible for unemployment benefits, may be eligible for subsidies.
1. The family must have a dependent child in the home that meets the age, kinship, citizenship and immigrant rules of the Work First Family Assistance Program.
2. The family total monthly gross income must be less than 200 percent of the poverty level:
• $1,805 for a family of 1
• $2,428 for a family of 2
• $3,052 for a family of 3
• $3,675 for a family of 4
• $4,298 for a family of 5
• $4,922 for a family of 6
• $5,545 for a family of 7.
Work First case managers and supervisor will determine eligibility, and the Work First supervisor will support and supervise the contract with the temporary employment agency.
Recipients must meet federal citizenship requirements.
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