Section 5-320 - Mentoring program. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-320. Mentoring program.
 

(a)  Established.- In cooperation with local directors, the Secretary shall establish a mentoring program for former recipients. 

(b)  Use of mentors.-  

(1) The mentoring program may include FIP caseworkers in local departments who volunteer to be mentors. 

(2) The Department may contract with other entities under § 5-306 of this subtitle to acquire mentors for former recipients. 

(c)  Types of assistance provided.- Mentoring may include: 

(1) providing assistance to resolve workplace problems; 

(2) providing workplace adjustment assistance; 

(3) job coaching; 

(4) providing assistance to develop life skills; 

(5) counseling and tutoring; and 

(6) any other activities that will help former recipients through the first months that they no longer receive temporary cash assistance. 

(d)  Eligibility.- To be eligible to participate in the mentoring program, an individual shall: 

(1) have been a recipient in the previous 6 months; 

(2) have been employed; and 

(3) have a demonstrated need and desire for assistance in acquiring and maintaining the skills necessary for a lasting exit from temporary cash assistance. 

(e)  Participation.- Program participation may not exceed 6 months. 

(f)  Incentives.- The Secretary may arrange to provide pay or other types of incentives to employees who volunteer to mentor former recipients. 

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

[An. Code 1957, art. 88A, § 56; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.]