Section 5-319 - FIP demonstration sites. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-319. FIP demonstration sites.
 

(a)  "Demonstration site" defined.- In this section, "demonstration site" means a site that the Secretary selects in consultation with the local director. 

(b)  Demonstration sites authorized.- The Secretary may establish a FIP demonstration site in not more than six jurisdictions. 

(c)  Appointment of directors.- Notwithstanding any other law, the local director shall appoint a director of the FIP established in a demonstration site who shall report directly to the local director. 

(d)  Approval of demonstration site plans.- Notwithstanding any other law, the Secretary has sole authority to approve demonstration site plans that will govern FIP functions in a demonstration site, including the authority to approve demonstration site plans that will: 

(1) assist families that have an employable parent toward a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance; 

(2) ensure that individuals and families receive appropriate benefits; 

(3) reduce errors in the administration of FIP; 

(4) place temporary cash assistance recipients in employment in which their earnings will likely increase; and 

(5) improve the types of employment and employment retention rates of existing and former recipients. 

(e)  Duties of local directors.- The local director shall: 

(1) develop a demonstration site plan for submittal to the Secretary for approval that will detail its: 

(i) programmatic structure, including any programmatic changes; 

(ii) organizational structure, including any organizational changes; 

(iii) pay incentive structure and criteria for the award of pay incentives; 

(iv) measurable performance criteria and how these relate to the incentive structure; and 

(v) target performance criteria; 

(2) implement the plan as approved; and 

(3) report to the Department on the progress achieved in the demonstration site. 

(f)  Performance evaluation.- The proper operation of the demonstration site and the achievement of the target performance criteria shall be an element of the local director's performance evaluation. 

(g)  Performance incentive program.- The Secretary shall establish a performance incentive program to provide pay incentives for employees in a demonstration site. 

(h)  Secretary's powers.- The Secretary's powers under this section shall be construed liberally. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 88A, § 55; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.]