Narrative: a. 1.

During the past year Arkansas had a USDA approved waiver from the SNAP RTW provisions. The waiver that covers the state is based on labor surplus estimates from the Department of Labor. As the economy has improved and unemployment rates have decreased, state agencies have seen the areas available to be covered by the waiver decrease or disappear. This is the case for Arkansas beginning January 1, 2016.

On January 1, 2016 the SNAP recipients in Arkansas who have been identified as ABAWDs will be subject to the PRWORA sponsored participation limits on this population called the requirement to work. Under these regulations an ABAWD will have 3 months in a fixed 36 month period to receive assistance unless they are exempt or complying with the requirements associated with RTW. Participants will need to be participating in a SNAP E&T component for at least 20 hours per week, but with less than half the required time spent in the countable job search or job search training components. Individuals may also meet the requirement by volunteering in agency designated special Workfare programs that lead to skill building and potential employment.

Arkansas decided to form better practices that offer appropriate avenues for individuals to comply with work requirements in other ways that involve job search, training, OJT, work experience, education, and Workfare opportunities. Arkansas’ vision includes “building on our history as an innovator in the delivery of human services, to develop a robust, statewide, job-driven, employment and training program that will produce a job-ready workforce able to meet the needs of Arkansas’ current employers, attract new industry, and build Arkansas’ economy”. As a result, Arkansas was selected by FNS as 1 of 10 States with robust goals, to receive 2 years of technical assistance from SJI (the Seattle Jobs Initiative) and ultimately renamed E&T as the “SNAP to Skills” initiative. The initiative is supported by 50% funds from FNS that match non-federal dollars from new partners willing to serve this population.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations (DCO) has designated six components (with subcomponents) to be used in the E&T Program: Independent Job Search, Job Search Training, Education, Work Experience, On the Job Training and Job Retention. These components are structured to reach ABAWDs who may not possess the skills or employer qualifications needed to secure and retain employment. (After these ABAWDs become employed, DCO will work to ensure that eligible households continue to receive SNAP benefits.) Components may vary among E&T counties based on services available in that locality.

The E&T Program components are listed below:

• Independent Job Search (IJS) - E&T participants can perform independent job search for not more than half of the 20 hour average per week, per month requirement to meet a job search component. The participant must make at least 3 job contacts each week of assignment to this component. IJS may last up to 10 weeks during a 12 month period.
• Job Search Training - This component will include job skills assessment. It may include one-on-one help with resume development, procuring job leads, and interview coaching. Skills testing may also be conducted. Participants may be provided employment counseling, motivational techniques, and effective job search methods and instructions in a group setting. Participants may be assigned an employment counselor or case manager for the following supports:

1. Develop an employment and training plan;

2. Provide encouragement;

3. Assist in finding financial aid for education;

4. Manage referrals; and/or,

5. Monitor and report progress.

• Education - Participants may be provided:

1. Educational programs or activities designed to improve basic skills including literacy, reading and math programs to improve functional levels;

2. Assistance in acquiring a high school diploma/equivalency;

3. Assistance to acquire proficiency in the English language;

4. Occupational skills training, including but not limited to work keys and self-guided computer-assisted learning programs;

5. Short courses (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant); and/or,

6. Post-secondary vocational training (limited to 24 months).

• Work Experience - An activity or program designed to help SNAP recipients gain skills, training, or work experience that will improve their likelihood to obtain regular employment. Participants in this component do not receive any monetary compensation for their work. Work experience training should take place at a supervised training site.
• On the Job Training (OJT) - Participants receive training on the job, or through an apprenticeship, that provides knowledge or skills direct at a specific job. Under OJT or apprenticeship, participants may be hired by a private or public employer and will be paid at the same rate as other employees performing the same or similar jobs.
• Job Retention - This component consists of cash payments to vendors on behalf of a former E&T Program participant to support job retention. This supportive service is available up to 90 days to individuals who have secured employment. Only individuals who have received other employment and training services under the E&T program are eligible for job retention services. The request for assistance from the individual must be for an immediate job-related need. Some examples of the job retention services that DHS will cover are:

1. Clothing required for employment;

2. Equipment or tools required for employment;

3. Testing fees;

4. Vision correction (such as eyeglasses, eye exams, etc.);

5. Mandatory membership fees or dues, e.g., union or professional association dues; and,

6. Licensing and bonding fees.

Independent Job Search

In conjunction with another assigned component, E&T Program participants may be required to make a pre-determined number of inquiries to prospective employers over a specified period of time prior to referral for additional employment services. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the component Independent Job Search is 1416 The cost for 1,416 projected participants is $163 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 7 Number of participants expected to receive a reimbursement 189 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $34,900 ÷ 189 = $185 (estimated average per participant) Targeted Population Participants who either have no barriers that would prevent employment, or who already possess job seeking skills or training will be assigned to this component. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration E&T participants can perform independent job search for not more than half of the 20 hour average per week, per month requirement to meet a job search component. The participant must make at least 3 job contacts each week of assignment to this component. IJS may last up to 10 weeks during a 12 month period. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations will contract with the participating contractors to administer and verify the independent job search component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement (see table 4) $196,246 ÷ 1423 = $138 Total Cost of the Component $231,146 ÷ 1423 = $162

Job Search Training

All E&T Program participants will be placed in this component. This component will include a job skills assessment, including an assessment of functional educational level and employability. In addition, this component may include help with resume development, job leads, and interview coaching. Participants may be provided employment counseling, motivational techniques, and effective job search method and instructions in a group setting or through an employment counselor or case manager who works with the participant individually. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the component is 2011 (see table 4): The cost for 2011 projected participants is $163 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 29 Number of participants expected to receive a reimbursement 243 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements (estimated average per participant) $45,280 ÷ 243 = $186 (estimated average per participant) Targeted Population Participants that need help with basic job skills and/or job-seeking skills may be assigned to this component. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration All E&T participants will receive job search training, for less than half of the 20 hour average per week, per month requirement to meet a job search component. This component is taken in conjunction with another job search component. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and verify the assisted job search component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement (see table 4) $139 (282,826 ÷ 2040 participants) Total Cost of the Component $328,106 ÷ 2040 = $161 per participant

Employment Counseling

Participants may be provided with counseling related to: • Educational programs or activities designed to improve basic skills including literacy, reading and math programs to improve functional levels. • Assistance in acquiring a high school diploma/equivalency. • Assistance to acquire proficiency in the English language. • Occupational skills training, including but not limited to work keys and self-guided computer-Assisted learning programs. • Short courses (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant). Post-secondary vocational training (limited to 24 months). Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the Component is 2214 ABAWDs (see table 4): The cost for 2214 projected participants is $166 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 43 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 282 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $55,160 ÷ 282 = $196 estimated average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of educational assistance to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract no less than 3 hours per week over a 24-month period. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and verify the assisted job search component of the SNAP E&T Program Cost of the Component per Placement $139 (314,786 ÷ 2257 participants) Total Cost of the Component $367,946 ÷ 2257 = $163

Job Club

A sub-component of Job Search Training, participants in this component will comply with support services to increase employability. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the Component is 989 (see table 4): The cost for 989 projected participants is $177 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 25 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 141 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $27,760 ÷ 141 = $197 average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of educational assistance to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and to comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract no less than 3 hours per week over a 24-month period. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and verify the Job Club component of the SNAP E&T Program Cost of the Component per Placement $145 (146,825 ÷ 1014 participants) Total Cost of the Component $172 (174,585 ÷ 1014 participants)

GED & Remedial Education

Participants in this Educational Activities sub-component will receive assistance completing a GED program to increase their qualifications for employment. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the Component is $741. The cost for 741 projected participants is $148 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 12 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 68 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $10,960 ÷ 68 = $161 (average estimate per participant) Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of a high school degree or equivalency to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and to comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and verify the GED component of the SNAP E&T Program Cost of the Component per Placement $98,757 ÷ 753 = $131 per participant Total Cost of the Component $109,717 ÷ 753 = $146 per participant

OccupationalSkills

Participants may be enrolled in activities designed to help the participant improve basic skills including reading and math, acquire a high school diploma or GED, learn the English language, or gain occupational skills including but not limited to work keys and self-guided computer-assisted learning programs. Participants may also be enrolled in short courses such as, but not limited to, certified nursing assistant training or post-secondary vocational training as long as the client is progressing. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Number of ABAWDS expected to begin the Component 4641 The cost for 4641 projected participants is $153 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 12 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 346 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $141 ($48,730 ÷ 346 participants) Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of an educational skills enhancement to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and to comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and verify the Basic Skills component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement $143 ($663,270 ÷ 4653 participants) Total Cost of the Component $153 ($712,000 ÷ 4653 participants)

English as a Second Language

Participants will comply with programs that increase English language skills. Type of Component This is a non-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Anticipated Number of ABAWDS Who Will Begin the Component 81 The cost for 81 projected participants is $94 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 0Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 5 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $270 ÷ 5 = $54 average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of an educational skills enhancement to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and to comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer the Basic Skills component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement $90 ($7,321 ÷ 81 participants) Total Cost of the Component $94 ($7,591 ÷ 81 participants)

Work Experience

Participants will comply with programs that increase specific job skills. Type of Component This is a work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Anticipated Number of ABAWDS Who Will Begin the Component 407 The cost for 407 projected participants is $161 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 0 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 24 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $3,000 ÷ 24 = $125 average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component are in need of an educational skills enhancement to become job ready. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Participants will be asked to attend classes and to comply with the educational requirements and activities as defined in the E&T contract. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer the Basic Skills component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement $153 ($62,453 ÷ 407 participants) Total Cost of the Component $161 ($65,453 ÷ 407 participants)

On the Job Training (OJT)

Participants receive training that provides knowledge or skills pertaining to a specific job, or participation in an apprenticeship program, and are capable of working in a supervised setting, and abiding by normal work rules. OJT or apprenticeship sites can be developed with either private or public employers. Participants in this activity will receive pay from the employer for their work. Type of Component This is a-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. (OJT sites will be developed for individual clients on an as needed basis.) Anticipated Number of ABAWDS Who Will Begin the Component is 609 The cost for 609 projected participants is $147 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 3 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 48 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $7,000 ÷ 48 = $146 average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component will be in need of work experience. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Each placement will be designed to meet the unique needs of the sponsoring employer and the participant. Duration is expected to be three to six months. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and evaluate the assisted job search component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement $135 ($82,464 ÷ 612 participants) Total Cost of the Component $146 ($89,464 ÷ 612 participants)

Job Retention

A cash payment is issued to a vendor on behalf of a former E&T Program participant to help the former participant retain his or her job. The request for assistance must be for an immediate job-related need, such as a uniform or tool required to do the job. Type of Component This is a non-work/case management component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Anticipated Number of ABAWDS Who Will Begin the Component is 718 The cost for 718 projected participants is $171 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 19 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 93 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $191 ($17,800 ÷ 93 participants) Targeted Population 0 Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration A former E&T Program participant whose E&T case was closed due to the person finding employment. Organizational Responsibilities Not applicable. Cost of the Component per Placement $105,152 ÷ 737 = $143 Total Cost of the Component $122,952 ÷ 737 = $167

Vocational Training

Participants may be enrolled in education programs or activities designed to help the participant improve basic skills including reading and math, acquire a high school diploma or GED, learn the English language, or gain occupational skills including but not limited to work keys and self-guided computer-assisted learning programs. Participants may also be enrolled in short courses such as, but not limited to, certified nursing assistant training or post-secondary vocational training as long as the client is progressing. Type of Component This is a-work component. Geographic Areas Covered and Variations Among Local Areas This component is expected to be a part of the SNAP E&T Program for the FFY 2016. Anticipated Number of ABAWDS Who Will Begin the Component is 216 The cost for 216 projected participants is $203 per client Number of non-ABAWD participants expected to begin the component 22 Number of Participants Expected to Receive a Reimbursement 20 Estimated Allowable Reimbursements $5,000 ÷ 20 = $250 average per participant Targeted Population Participants assigned to this component will be in need of work experience. Level of Participant Effort or Number of Hours of Participation in the Component and Duration Each placement will be designed to meet the unique needs of the sponsoring employer and the participant. Duration is expected to be three to six months. Organizational Responsibilities The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, will contract with participating contractors to administer and evaluate the assisted job search component of the SNAP E&T Program. Cost of the Component per Placement $163 ($38,768 ÷ 238 participants) Total Cost of the Component $184 ($43,768 ÷ 238 participants)