Located in:
- Employment and Training Programs Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Programs Authorized Under Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)))
- a. General RequirementsThe State agency must prepare and submit an Employment and Training (E&T) Plan to its appropriate Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Regional Office. The E&T Plan must be available for public inspection at the State agency headquarters. A State agency may include its plan for the SNAP E&T program in a Combined Plan under WIOA but will require FNS approval prior to implementation and must continue to make a copy of the plan available for public inspection. If a State includes SNAP E&T in a Combined Plan under WIOA, the State agency will detail the following for each year covered by the Combined Plan:
- a. General Requirements
a. 1. THE NATURE OF THE E&T COMPONENTS THE STATE AGENCY PLANS TO OFFER AND THE REASONS FOR SUCH COMPONENTS, INCLUDING COST INFORMATION. Page 279 THE METHODOLOGY FOR STATE AGENCY REIMBURSEMENT FOR EDUCATION COMPONENTS MUST BE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED;
Current Narrative:
Some areas of the state have a shortage of remedial education funds. In other areas, specialized programs have been established to serve SNAP E&T populations. Minnesota is quite generous in supporting federal ABE funds. Even with state support, the influx of welfare reform has created a burden on resources and staff thus any SNAP E&T funds used are supplementing, not supplanting federal, state or local funds. Each employment and training program bears its portion of the costs for expanded educational services. Last year 84,000 plus Minnesotans received ABE services. This level of participation has strained resources in some areas of the state.
Activity: Orientation
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $1,600,000
Participants must receive services within thirty days of SNAP eligibility determination. While this activity is not a ’countable’ activity, it is required by state statute. Orientation must inform the participant of:
- the ability to participate in SNAP E&T;
- the date, time, and address to report to for services;
- the name and telephone number of the ESP;
- the services and support services available through the SNAP E&T program and other providers of similar services;
- the need to view SNAP as a temporary means of supplementing the family’s needs until the family achieves self–sufficiency through employment;
Orientations may be provided through audio–visual methods, but participants must have the opportunity for face–to–face interaction with program staff.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of Notices of Adverse Action (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 6,500 | 21,500 | 3,000 | Mandatory SNAP E&T (DWP) (2 Parent cases) (FSS) Participants | 2–4 hours | Employment Services Providers | Non–work – Orientation requires two to four hours of participation effort. Orientation is provided to participants once in a twelve–month period. |
Activity: Assessment and Employment Plan
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $2,600,000
Individualized employability assessments are mandatory for all participants within 30 days of eligibility determination. ESPs must consider the following when preparing an assessment: the person’s literacy; ability to communicate in the English language; educational and employment histories; occupational and employment assets; and barriers to employment. This information is incorporated into an employment plan (EP). Assessments are completed in person with client input. Like Orientation, this activity is not countable but is required by state statute.
The results of individual assessments are used to develop EPs. Goals and overall work plans must be achievable and directly relate to participant self–sufficiency. Employment plans are completed in an interactive, face to face meeting with participants. Both provider and participant sign the document. EPs must be written at or below the 7th grade reading level. Participants must receive a copy of the signed EP. Plans specify any support services necessary to achieve goals stated in the EP.
For volunteers who are determined functionally illiterate, the county agency or designated ESP must assign suitable participants to openings in literacy programs and provide transportation to ensure that participants have the opportunity to complete the required training.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5,800 | 17,500 | 1,200 | Mandatory SNAP E&T participants, DWP, 2p and FSS participants. | 2–4 hours | This activity is carried out by the ESP with information provided by the county human service agency. Under Minnesota Statute, ESPs are chosen by local service units. | Non–work Orientations, assessments and EPs are generally delivered at the same time. However, county flexibility offers some variation to this sequence. |
Activity: Job Seeking Skills (Job Readiness)
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $2,400,000
Structured group sessions ranging from 4 to 20 total hours weekly, with schedules left to the discretion of ESPs. Sessions cover resume writing, finding job openings, telephone techniques, completion of applications, interviewing techniques (with mock interviews), and motivational issues. Sessions normally include out–of–class assignments.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,700 | 15,500 | 550 | Mandatory SNAP E&T Participants and voluntary FSS, 2p and DWP participants who have little or no work history. | 4–20 hours | Employment Services Providers | Non–work |
Name of Activity: Job Club
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $2,850,000
Group monitored job seeking activities involves use of ESP facilities (e.g. phone bank), assistance with telephone techniques, and job reporting to staff. Important aspects of this activity are assistance and direction from staff and interaction with other clients. This segment will involve 8–20 hours per week, depending on participant status and locality of in–office participation.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 3,200 | 11,050 | 750 | Mandatory SNAP E&T Participants and voluntary FSS, DWP and 2p | 8–20 hours | Employment Services Providers | Non–work |
Name of Activity: Social Services
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $1,250,000
Non–work component consisting of referrals to agencies/programs designed to assist participants with overcoming personal/family barriers which impede successful transition to work. SNAP E&T case managers use other specialized providers to assist clients as part of meeting the goals of their employment plans. The costs of this component are for staff to maintain client records and scheduling appointments with other agencies. No SNAP E&T funds are used to support or pay for non–allowable activities.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide. | 375 | 6,800 | 50 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who are determined to need personal development as determined by assessments. | Individualized to participant’s needs. Services are designed to increase participant’s employment potential. | The ESP will determine whether this activity is used during the assessment. ESPs are responsible for following up with participants to ensure these activities take place. | Non–Work – Level of Participant Effort: Monthly hours determined by participant needs. Link to Employment: Determined by assessment which is employment focused. |
Name of Activity: Job Search
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $5,350,000
Individual participant effort includes telephone calling, walk–in contacts, completion of applications, interviews, and record–keeping, with progress to be reviewed by staff. This segment will involve 15 to 20 contacts per week, depending on locality. Certain aspects of this activity, such as the duration of each segment and the number of job contacts required, may vary among local areas.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 6,200 | 16,500 | 1100 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who are Job–ready individuals | 8–32 hours per week | This activity is operated by the ESP which is selected by the county. The provider may be the local WIA provider, Job Service, or a county agency. | Level of Participant Effort: Minimum of 8 hours per week, with actual level of participant effort dependent on the locality and participant status. Job search may be reduced for those participating in other activities. Resources: All available resources are used, as appropriate, to assist the individual in securing employment. These include Job Service, MN Youth and WIA/WIOA, which provide job–search assistance, relocation assistance, and non–SNAP funded subsidized employment. Monitoring Job Contacts: Participants are required to report job contacts and review job search with SNAP E&T staff. Contacts are verified on a sample basis as deemed appropriate at the local level. |
Name of Activity: Job Search
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $5,350,000
Individual participant effort includes telephone calling, walk–in contacts, completion of applications, interviews, and record–keeping, with progress to be reviewed by staff. This segment will involve 15 to 20 contacts per week, depending on locality. Certain aspects of this activity, such as the duration of each segment and the number of job contacts required, may vary among local areas.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 6,200 | 16,500 | 1100 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who are Job–ready individuals | 8–32 hours per week | This activity is operated by the ESP which is selected by the county. The provider may be the local WIA provider, Job Service, or a county agency. | Level of Participant Effort: Minimum of 8 hours per week, with actual level of participant effort dependent on the locality and participant status. Job search may be reduced for those participating in other activities. Resources: All available resources are used, as appropriate, to assist the individual in securing employment. These include Job Service, MN Youth and WIA/WIOA, which provide job–search assistance, relocation assistance, and non–SNAP funded subsidized employment. Monitoring Job Contacts: Participants are required to report job contacts and review job search with SNAP E&T staff. Contacts are verified on a sample basis as deemed appropriate at the local level. |
Name of Activity: Vocational Training
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $4,106,000
Post–secondary education designed to provide the participant with additional skills with which to gain employment. Training programs are selected based on the availability of jobs and the participant’s ability to succeed in completion of course work. This activity includes FastTRAC/Career Pathways and Minnesota Job Skills Partnership bridge training as well.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 400 | 4500 | 150 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who require additional training beyond secondary education to become self–sufficient. | From 9–24 months. May also include some short term direct employment related training lasting from 4 to 6 weeks. Again, DWP participants are time restricted. | ESPs and participants jointly determine which fields of study are best suited to the immediate employment openings and the participant’s ability to succeed in the training. | Non–Work – Level of Participant Effort: Usually 30 hours per week depending upon educational institution. Link to Employment: All training is related to job openings and where possible internships are part of the course work. |
Name of Activity: Education
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $3,200,000
Remedial, ESL, high school equivalency, high school completion, Adult Basic Education program, Adult Diploma program.
| Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 | 5,800 | 70 | Those needing ESL, adult basic education, literacy or other training to become job–ready. Minnesota refers any SNAP E&T participant who is considered functionally illiterate, reading below the 8th grade level, to be involved in literacy training. | Individualized to participant’s need and program availability. DWP participants are limited to educational activities which can be completed in 4 months or less. | The ESP, during the initial assessment, will determine whether education is needed through testing, and if so, will either provide this activity directly or refer the individual to another agency and monitor progress. | Non–Work Level of Participant Effort: Determined by structure of remedial education program and literacy status of participants. Educational agencies will determine the amount of effort for certificate or degree programs. Types of Education Activities: ESL, adult basic education, literacy training, GED or other educational activities designed to enhance the employability of participants. Link to Employment: Functional illiteracy is considered a barrier to employment. Education is used where necessary to assist the individual in becoming job–ready. Wherever possible, educational activities are linked to potential labor market attachments. Depending on individual circumstances, the participant may be assigned solely to this activity or may attend remedial education classes in conjunction with job search or other activities. |
Name of Activity: Workfare
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $30,000
Workfare: Workfare is a component in which SNAP recipients are required to work off the value of their household’s monthly SNAP allotment through an assignment at a private or public non–profit agency as a condition of eligibility. In lieu of wages, workfare participants receive compensation in the form of their household’s monthly benefit allotment. The primary goal of workfare is to improve employability and encourage individuals to move into regular employment while returning something of value to the community. Workfare assignments cannot replace or prevent the employment of regular employees. Workfare assignments must provide the same benefits and working conditions provided to regular employees performing comparable work for comparable hours.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide. | Anticipated Number of Work Slots Offered to ABAWDs per Month: 50 The number of anticipated work slots filled per month:15 | 275 | 35 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who are determined to need skill development as determined by assessments. | Individualized to participant’s needs. Most positions last from 1–4 months and are designed to increase participant’s employment potential through actual experience in the workplace. | The ESP will determine whether this activity is used during the assessment. ESPs are responsible for securing work sites, developing work contracts, providing work site supervisor orientation, monitoring time sheet submission and participant performance. | Work Level of Participant Effort: Monthly hours determined by participant SNAP allotment divided by federal minimum wage and depend on the participant’s background, work references, work history and EP. Link to Employment: Work sites are selected where ever possible to match participant needs for unsubsidized employment and skill development. |
Name of Activity: Work Experience
FFY 2016 Activity Cost: $620,000
Work Experience: is designed to improve the employability of participants through actual work experience and/or training. The goal of this experience is to enable participants to move into regular employment. In contrast to the workfare component, work experience placements can be with private, for–profit companies. Work experience assignments may not replace the employment of a regularly employed individual, and they must provide the same benefits and working conditions provided to regularly employed individuals performing similar work for equal hours. SNAP E&T providers can place E&T participants in work experience positions with private sector entities. However, households that include work experience participants must not be required to work more hours monthly than the total obtained by dividing the household’s monthly SNAP allotment by the Federal minimum wage. Depending on the amount of the household’s monthly SNAP allotment, mandatory E&T participants can be required to work up to 30 hours per week, and the individual’s total hours of participation in both work and non–work components is limited to 120 hours per month.
| Geographic Areas Covered: | Anticipated Number of ABAWDS: | Anticipated Number of Volunteers: | Anticipated Number of (NOAAs): | Targeted Population: | Duration: | Organizational Responsibilities: | Type of Component: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide. | Anticipated Number of Work Slots Offered to ABAWDs per Month: 60 The number of anticipated work slots filled per month: 25 | 1050 | 40 | Mandatory and voluntary participants who are determined to need skill development as determined by assessments. | Individualized to participant’s needs. Most positions last from 1–4 months and are designed to increase participant’s employment potential through actual experience in the workplace. | The ESP will determine whether this activity is used during the assessment. ESPs are responsible for securing work sites, developing work contracts, providing work site supervisor orientation, monitoring time sheet submission and participant performance. | Work Level of Participant Effort: Monthly hours equal to 80 or some subset of that if used in conjunction with other allowable activities. . Link to Employment: Work sites are selected where ever possible to match participant needs for unsubsidized employment and skill development. |