Employer Eligibility

Any private for-profit employer, private non-profit employer, and public hospital can participate in the MS STEPS Program as long as they are in good standing and are in compliance with the laws of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and carry a current Workers Compensation policy or have proof of a Self-Insured Plan, if required by law. The following are exceptions in participation:

No firm or industry in violation of local, state, or federal labor laws is eligible for reimbursement assistance nor will a proposal be approved if it is determined that abnormal conditions, such as a strike, a lockout or other similar conditions exist at the establishment or any of its affiliates within the state.

MS STEPS funds shall not be used to fund any private for-profit or non-profit employer suspended or barred from doing procurement business with the State of Mississippi.

Any employer who receives funds under a MS STEPS agreement must provide immediate written notice if, at any time, the employer or its subsidiaries learn that its MS STEPS certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

Employers must commit to retain the participant after the six month subsidized employment period.

In order to participate in the MS STEPS Program, an employer must have a worksite located in the State of Mississippi.

Participant Eligibility

Must be Mississippi residents at least 18 years of age

Must have at least one child in the home under the age of 18

The total family income cannot exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Participants will be provided:

Outreach, intake, and orientation to the information and other services available through the WIN Job Center.

Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, and abilities.

Job search and placement assistance.

Follow-up services, including counseling for not less than 12 months after the first day of employment.

Comprehensive and specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs, which may include diagnostic testing and use of other assessment barriers and appropriate employment goals.

Development of an individual employment plan.

Case management.

Short-term prevocational services, including development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct.

Any individual referred to the WIN Job Center by an employer (commonly referred to as a "reverse referral"), must go through the system in the same manner as other job seekers participating in the MS STEPS Program. This process must be completed prior to the beginning date of employment.

MS STEPS begins December 1, 2009 and ends September 30, 2010.

MS STEPS provides a wage and fringe benefit subsidy to employers who provide an hourly wage and a transferable work skill to eligible participants. In an effort to increase small business participation, priority will be provided to employers with twenty-five or fewer employees. The priority of participation will not limit other businesses unless their participation is prohibited by employer eligibility.

MS STEPS provides the following:

A monthly reimbursement to the employer at the following levels:

1st month - 100%

2nd month - 100%

3rd month - 75%

4th month - 50%

5th month - 50%

6th month - 25%

Subsidized employment for up to six months (with a maximum of 1040 hours for the entire training period and no more than 175 hours per month) during which the participant is being employed.

For information on the MS STEPS Program,
contact your local WIN Job Center representative
or call 1-888-844-3577.

MDES and MDHS are equal opportunity employers
Programs that have auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities, TTY 1-800-582-2233.
Funded by: U.S. Department of Labor/Mississippi Department of Employment Security.


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