JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

SEC. 202. JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) General Rule.— For purposes of this title, a job search assistance program shall provide that— (1) eligible individuals who are selected to participate in the program shall be required to participate in a qualified intensive job search program after receiving compensation under such State law during any benefit year for at least 6 but not more than 10 weeks, (2) every individual required to participate in a job search program under paragraph (1) shall be entitled to receive an intensive job search program voucher, and (3) any individual who is required under paragraph (1) to participate in a qualified intensive job search program and who does not satisfactorily participate in such program shall be disqualified from receiving compensation under such State law for the period (of not more than 10 weeks) specified in the agreement under section 201. (b) Eligible Individual.— For purposes of this title— (1) In general.— The term “eligible individual” means any individual receiving compensation under the State law during any benefit year if, during the 3-year period ending on the last day of the base period for such benefit year, such individual had at least 126 weeks of employment at wages of $30 or more a week with such individual’s last employer in such base period (or, if data with respect to weeks of employment with such last employer are not available, an equivalent amount of employment computed under regulations prescribed by the Secretary). (2) Exception.— Such term shall not include any individual if— (A) such individual has a definite date for recall to his former employment, (B) such individual seeks employment through a union hall or similar arrangement, or (C) the State agency— (i) waives the requirements of subsection (a)(1) for good cause shown by such individual, or (ii) determines that such participation would not be appropriate for such individual. (c) Qualified Intensive Job Search Program.— For purposes of this section, the term “qualified intensive job search program” means any intensive job search assistance program which— (1) is approved by the State agency, (2) is provided by an organization qualified to provide job search assistance programs under any other Federal law, and (3) includes— (A) all basic employment services, such as orientation, testing, a job-search workshop, and an individual assessment and counseling interview, and 105 STAT. 1058 (B) additional services, such as ongoing contact with the program staff, followup assistance, resource centers, and job search materials and equipment. (d) Intensive Job Search Voucher.— For purposes of this section, the term “intensive job search voucher” means any voucher which entitles the organization (including the State employment service) providing the qualified intensive job search assistance program to a payment from the State agency equal to the lesser of— (1) the reasonable costs of providing such program, or (2) the average weekly benefit amount in the State.