(a)      The Secretary, in cooperation with directors of local departments of social services, shall establish a mentoring program for former FIP recipients.

      (b)      The mentoring program may include Family Investment Program caseworkers in local departments who volunteer to be mentors.

      (c)      The Department may contract with other organizations under § 47 of this article to acquire mentors for former FIP recipients.

      (d)      Mentoring may include:

            (1)      Providing assistance to resolve workplace problems;

            (2)      Providing workplace adjustment assistance;

            (3)      Job coaching;

            (4)      Life skills;

            (5)      Counseling and tutoring; and

            (6)      Any other activities that will help former FIP recipients through the first months that they are off temporary cash assistance.

      (e)      To be eligible to participate in the mentoring program, an individual shall:

            (1)      Have been a FIP 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.

      (f)      Program participation may not exceed 6 months.

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

      (h)      The Secretary's powers under this section shall be given liberal construction.