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 Requirements [27]
The 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:
[27] 7 CFR § 273.7(c)(6)
- a. General Requirements [27]
a. 1. The nature of the E&T components the State agency plans to offer and the reasons for such components, including cost information. The methodology for State agency reimbursement for education components must be specifically addressed. If a State agency plans to offer supervised job search in accordance with paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, the State agency must also include in the E&T plan a summary of the State guidelines implementing supervised job search. This summary of the State guidelines, at a minimum, must describe: The criteria used by the State agency to approve locations for supervised job search, an explanation of why those criteria were chosen, and how the supervised job search component meets the requirements to directly supervise the activities of participants and track the timing and activities of participants;
Current Narrative:
SNAP E&T State Plan submitted and approved by FNS in separate State Plan. Component details follow:
Non-Education, Non-Work Component Details
Details: Supervised Job Search (SJS)
Summary of the State guidelines implementing SJS: Each E&T provider has been approved by the State Agency to provide this component. Providers will be responsible for tracking this information with SNAP Works and monitoring by the State Agency. Supervised Job Search will only account for less than 50% of all activities because this is a non-qualifying component for an Able-Bodied Adult subject to RTW. Each provider designates specific days and times each month that allows each participant assigned to this component to search for jobs with guidance and feedback from the provider. This is the criteria used to establish each provider as an approved site for this component. This allows all work registrants the opportunity to seek, and possibility obtain employment, which leads to the start of self-sufficiency. Each E&T participant in this component is expected to complete between 10-12 hours per month.
Direct link: Providers assist the participants in the following ways: assistance in completing applications and resume preparation, job search skill development, interview coaching and providing specific job leads and referrals the provider and participant deem appropriate. Each provider works with participants to help establish and meet employment goals, thereby increasing their employment potential and opportunities. Each participant's employment history and criminal background are considered when coaching the participant in this component. The provider will host virtual and in-person to assist with job searches.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in Employment and Training.
Criteria for participation: Reading and computer knowledge are necessary for this component.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 533
Estimated annual component costs: $1,836,225.68
Details: Job Search Training (JST)
Description of the component: Job Search Training is a component that enhances the job readiness of participants by teaching them job-seeking techniques, increasing job search motivation, and boosting self-efficacy and self-confidence. This component will offer one-on-one help with resume development, procuring job leads, interview coaching (including mock interviews), skills testing, employment counseling, motivational techniques, effective job search methods, and instruction in group settings. Participants in this component must be willing and able to participate on the days and times specified by the provider. Participation in this component can be in-person or remote. Although non-ABAWD participants have no limitation to the number of hours they may spend in this component, they are expected to participate in this activity 10 hours weekly when assigned. Non-ABAWDS are allowed 80 hours per month of participation in this component.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in Employment and Training.
Criteria for participation: All participants with a High School Diploma or GED or a higher may participate in this component.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 150
Estimated annual component costs: $535,902.11
Details: Job Retention (JR)
Description of the component: Job Retention consists of cash payments to vendors on behalf of former E&T participants to support job retention. This supportive service is available for a minimum of 30 days and up to 90 days to individuals who have secured employment. The State’s providers are required to track employment data for 90 days after the completion of the E&T program. Job retention information will be entered into the State’s MIS system, SNAP Works, where E&T Central Office personnel may view and compile reports on the Job Retention status of each provider. Participants in this component must be employed.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in Employment and Training.
Criteria for participation: Only individuals who have received other E&T services under the E&T program and are currently employed are eligible for job retention services.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 50
Estimated annual component costs: $196,392.03
Educational Program Details
Details: Basic/Foundational Skills Instruction (includes High School Equivalency Programs) (EPB)
Description of the component: Educational programs or activities designed to assist in improving basic skills including literacy, reading and math programs to the functional level or to obtain a GED or high school equivalent certificate. Participants assigned to this component are those seeking their GED or equivalent, or have scores in reading, math, or literacy below the required standard. Clients are expected to participate in this activity 20 hours per week.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in Employment and Training.
Criteria for participation: Participants who do not have a High School Diploma, GED, or score on the TABE test indicating that additional literacy skills are needed.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 310
Estimated annual component costs: $1,079,118.22
Not supplanting: Members of this component will receive basic education activities that is designed to improve literacy and math skills in addition to acquiring their GED (if needed). This component will be monitored and reviewed by the State Agency to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal M/E process and guidelines.
Cost parity: The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines.
The provider will verify the costs for E&T participants vs. non-E&T participants.
Details: Career/Technical Education Programs or other Vocational Training (EPC)
Description of the component: Career/Technical Educational program is short-term competency-based, with a hands-on experience emphasis and a quantifiable measurement of success that is designed to prepare people for work in a trade or craft, such as a technician, nurse, or welder. It may also include work keys or self-guided computer-assisted learning programs. Participants would need to commit to attending scheduled classes that could range from 4-8 weeks, depending on the type of training.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in Employment and Training.
Criteria for participation: Participants who do not have a high school diploma or GED, or whose score on the TABE test indicate that additional literacy skills are needed.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 452
Estimated annual component costs: $1,561,222.53
Not supplanting: Members of this component will receive the skills necessary to enter the workforce through a specific trade. The costs of these classes are not covered by any other funds (state or local government) and must be paid before classes can begin. The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines.
Cost parity: The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines.
The provider will verify the costs for E&T participants vs. non-E&T participants.
Details: English Language Acquisition (EPEL)
Description of the component: English Language Acquisition is designed to help participants improve their ability to speak, read, listen, and write the English language. The participant must commit to attending scheduled classes on specific days and times set by the provider. This can be in-person or virtual.
Clients are expected to participate in this activity 40 hours per month (10 hours per week).
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate, particularly non-English speaking refugees and immigrants.
Criteria for participation: A participant must speak limited English or none to participate in EPEL component.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 2
Estimated annual component costs: $6,790.20
Not supplanting: Activities in this component are not covered by any state or local government funds and are offered to the participant at zero cost. The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines.
Cost parity: The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines. The provider will verify the costs for E&T participants vs. non-E&T participants.
Details: Work Readiness Training (EPWRT)
Description of the component: Occupational Skills/Work Readiness are activities designed to help the participant gain general occupational skills, which may include refresher courses, employment counseling, work keys, and self-guided computer-assisted learning programs. Participants in this component should have access to a computer or adequate mobile device or be willing and able to participate in person. Participants are expected to complete 10 hours per week.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate.
Criteria for participation: Participants assigned to this activity may lack a high school diploma, GED or show a lack of a strong work history.
Geographic area: This component is available in all 75 counties in the State.
Projected annual participation: 146
Estimated annual component costs: $522,321.71
Not supplanting: Activities within this education component are not covered by any other federal, state or local funds. Costs associated with some of these activities are at the expense of the participant. The State Agency’s E&T Unit will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline.
Cost parity: The State Agency will conduct reviews of all E&T providers each fiscal year to ensure compliance with this federal guideline. The state’s E&T Unit will monitor this component as part of the normal monitoring process and guidelines.
The provider will verify the costs for E&T participants vs. non-E&T participants.
Work Experience
Details: Work Activity (WA)
Description of the component: Work activity is a program designed to help SNAP recipients gain skills, training, or work experience that will improve their likelihood of obtaining regular employment. Some of the services include internships, volunteering to complete administrative duties, etc. This component is planned and structured and is meant for participants to gain experience for a specific amount of time. The hours of participation are calculated by dividing the household’s authorized monthly SNAP benefit amount by the current state or federal minimum wage.
Target population: SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate.
Criteria for participation: Participants assigned to Work Activity do not have a strong work history, as determined by the assessment. The State Agency will monitor all providers that provide this activity to ensure compliance with all federal and state guidelines.
Geographic area: Statewide
Projected annual participation: 25
Estimated annual component costs: $111,514.52