I. The commissioner shall assess a participant's ability for employment based on:
      (a) Such person's work experience, skills, training, education, physical abilities, local labor market area conditions, and if appropriate, aptitude and vocational interests.
      (b) Such person's child care, transportation, and other support service needs.
      (c) Any other factors that the employment program considers relevant in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
   II. The commissioner may make the assessment in paragraph I through various methods, including, but not limited to, interviews, testing, counseling sessions, and self-assessment instruments. Participants identified as needing additional services not provided by the commissioner may be referred to community agencies, resources, and services.
   III. Assessments and analysis of outcomes shall be used to determine the activities to which an individual is mandated to participate and such assessment criteria and the resulting assignment shall be described in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
   IV. The commissioner shall develop an employment contract in conjunction with the participant. To the extent that it is feasible and consistent with the purpose and goals of this subdivision, the employment contract shall reflect the preferences of the participant with respect to goals for employment, training, or education. The employment contract shall:
      (a) Indicate employment goals for achieving long-term economic independence, including goals for immediate employment in the labor market.
      (b) Outline a planned series of action steps necessary to achieve employment goals.
      (c) Include mandatory participation in any employment-related activities as assigned by the employment program.
      (d) Describe the services to be provided by the employment program.
      (e) Identify the support service needs of the participant and indicate how those needs are being addressed.
    V. The commissioner shall make the final approval of the employment contract.
Source. 1995, 310:62, eff. Nov. 1, 1995. 2006, 325:15, eff. Oct. 1, 2006. 2007, 349:15, eff. Sept. 14, 2007.