(A)Which section of the Revised Code applies to the work experience program (WEP)?

(1)Section 5107.05 of the Revised Code authorizes the director of job and family services to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Title IV-A, Title IV-D, federal regulations, state law, and the state plan.

(2)The county agencies shall administer the work activity programs in accordance with the requirements contained in this rule and not in accordance with sections 5107.40, 5107.54, 5107.541 and 5107.61 of the Revised Code.

(B)What is the definition of a work experience program ?

(1)WEP is a work activity that is:

(a)Performed in return for cash assistance; and

(b)Provides an individual an opportunity to acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment.

(2)WEP activities may include, but are not limited to:

(a)Work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing;

(b)Service as an Ohio works first (OWF) ombudsperson pursuant to sections 329.07 and 5107.61 of the Revised Code; and

(c)Work as a school volunteer or classroom aide. A work-eligible individual may be assigned at a nonpublic or public school when they have a minor child enrolled in that school. Assignments pursuant to this paragraph shall meet the definition of WEP.

(i)A county agency may contract with the chief administrator of a nonpublic school or with any school district board of education that has adopted a resolution under section 3319.089 of the Revised Code.

(ii)A contract shall provide for a participant to volunteer or work at the school as a classroom aide. When that is impossible or impractical, the contract may provide for the participant to volunteer to work in another position at the school.

(iii)A contract may provide for the nonpublic school or board of education to receive funding to pay for coordinating, training, and supervising participants volunteering or working in schools.

(iv)Notwithstanding section 3319.088 of the Revised Code, a participant volunteering or working as a classroom aide under this section is not required to obtain an educational aide permit or paraprofessional license. The participant shall not be considered an employee of a political subdivision for purposes of Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code and is not entitled to any immunity or defense available under that chapter, the common law of this state, or section 9.86 of the Revised Code.

(C)What activities do not meet the definition of WEP?

(1)Job search and job readiness activities;

(2)Vocational education;

(3)Caring for a disabled family member; and

(4)Attending medical appointments.

(D)What requirements apply to WEP?

(1)Hours assigned to WEP are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (5/2011) requirements pursuant to paragraph (J) of rule 5101:1-3-12 of the Administrative Code.

(2)Each county agency shall make a list of WEP sites available to the public.

(3)Work-eligible individuals assigned to WEP are not employees of the Ohio department of job and family services (ODJFS) or the county agency. The operation of WEP does not constitute the operation of an employment agency by the ODJFS.

(4)Unless a county agency pays the premiums for an entity, aA work eligible individual is to be placed in and participating in WEP in order for a private or government entity with which a work eligible individual is placed for WEP activities shallto pay premiums to the bureau of workers' compensation on account of the work eligible individual unless a county agency pays the premiums for the entity.

Effective: 10/1/2023

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 4/1/2027

Certification: CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY

Date: 09/18/2023

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 5107.05

Rule Amplifies: 5107.05

Prior Effective Dates: 09/29/2006 (Emer.), 12/29/2006, 10/01/2008, 02/01/2012, 01/01/2017, 04/01/2022