SNAP E&T: Employment and Training Resources for Program Participants

1. Employment and Training Resources

2. SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) What is SNAP E&T? What employment and training resources may be available for my program participants? Can my agency become a SNAP E&T provider?

3. The Basics of SNAP E&T

4. SNAP E&T in MN • Vision: Minnesota envisions a SNAP Employment and Training Program where Minnesotans with low incomes have clear pathways in developing marketable and in-demand skills, leading to career advancement and self-sufficiency. • Mission: Through strong partnerships, our mission is to help recipients fully utilize their SNAP benefits, gain the essential skills needed for gainful employment and successfully transition off public assistance.

5. SNAP E&T in MN contd. • State-supervised, county-administered system • 87 counties • Tribes • Seven Anishinaabe reservation (Chippewa, Ojibwe) • Four Dakota (Sioux) Communities • All-voluntary program • E&T services provided through contracted providers and counties

6. Program History • Historically, SNAP E&T was designed to serve time-limited ABAWDs despite this population being only a fraction of recipients who can access E&T services • Counties- 100 Percent funds can only go so far and funding cannot grow the program • Few recipients are being served • Majority served participated in job search and job club • Skills development rarely utilized

7. Program Expansion • From four to 16 DHS contracted providers • Statewide coverage • Variety of providers and services • “local experts” • Statewide program marketing

8. Mandatory to Voluntary As of December 1, 2018, SNAP recipients subject to the time limit and work provisions can decide if they want to participate in SNAP E&T to help meet those requirements. • An end to sanctioning • 3/36 month limit remains • Reverse referral are the norm

9. Employment and Training Resources

10. Who Can Participate in SNAP E&T?

11. Provider Map https://mn.gov/dhs/snap-e-and-t/

12. DEED Resources

13. Becoming a SNAP E&T Provider

14. Becoming a Provider

15. Local Options

16. Strategic Partners

17. Activities • Job Search • Job Search Training • Workfare • Work Experience • Work Based Learning • Educational Programs • Self-Employment Training • Job Retention • Other Activities: Orientation, Assessment and Social Services

18. MAXIS and Workforce One MAXIS: SNAP Eligibility System Workforce One: Employment and Training Data Management System

19. Allowable Costs Administrative Costs—Supports overall operations of SNAP E&T Program Costs—Directly related to providing SNAP E&T Services Support Services—Participant reimbursements directly supporting an approved SNAP E&T component • Must be allowable, necessary and reasonable • Must not be available through another government program or at no cost • Must be for employment related to an E&T component

20. Allowable Support Services • Clothing for job interviews • Course registration fees and books • Dependent care costs • Gasoline • Housing—Participant rent up to two months per program year • Transportation expenses • Uniforms • Driver’s License

21. The Provider Perspective

22. SNAP E&T Provider: Tri-County Action Program The Mission of Tri-CAP is to enhance and expand opportunities for the economic and social well-being of our residents and our communities.  The Vision of Tri-CAP is to provide services and engage residents of our communities to achieve goals of personal economic self-sufficiency.

23. Program Creation Initial conversations with other CAP agencies- We reached out to look at feasibility with other CAP agencies already doing this work. Complementary services- • SNAP outreach • State housing programs/OEO Transitional and Long Term Homeless (LTH) & • displaced homemaker program/Rebuilding Lives Utilize existing best practices- • Did not need to reinvent the wheel • Utilized standard forms (goal, financials, needs assessments) • Includes strength-based, holistic focus model which aims at self-sufficiency Monthly conference calls with program oversight- • Responsiveness • Open/honest • Support system

24. Program Overview SNAP E & T participants gain skills, training, or work experience to increase their ability to obtain regular employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency. Services include: case management, life skills and career development classes, referrals to other services, clothing, equipment and tools needed for the job, testing fees, and license fees. We also work closely with other partner agencies in our communities to provide appropriate community referrals such as job training programs related to customer service/call center, administrative assistant, and nursing assistant programs.

25. Case Management Philosophy Strength-based-finding strengths in each family’s situation Holistic-all inclusive Reduce barriers-identify barriers that make success more difficult Trauma-informed-recognizing the distinct trauma that has been experienced by the household to further support Harm reduction-non-judgmental, supportive, understanding Referrals-providing community based program referrals Support-building rapport and relationships Advocacy-Encouragement and support for the household with landlords, service providers, employers, etc. Outcome=self-sufficiency

26. Financial Assistance Rental assistance Auto repair Gas card Career clothing Bus pass Child care deposits or fees Short term education certificates or programs

27. Tools for Success DHS provided program set-up DHS provided program guide DHS provided financial guide WF1 and MAXIS support Conference calls Monitoring guide

28. Success Stories We have enrolled 14 clients in the program. Several of our clients have gained increase in wages/benefits or employment leading to their self-sufficiency thus moving them off SNAP benefits. We were there to help create a smooth transition. Several others are working toward certificates and degree programs. Many have stabilized their living situations and managed to cover their basic needs on their own. Currently exploring ways to partner with businesses, non-profits, and social service agencies to provide pathways to employment.

29. Resources SNAP E&T Website: https://mn.gov/dhs/snap-e-and-t/ Provider Map: https://public.tableau.com/profile/magda.olson#!/vizhome/SNAPET_ProviderMap/SNAPETProviders CareerForce: https://careerforcemn.com/

30. Ashley Snyder, DHS SNAP E&T Expansion Specialist ashley.snyder@state.mn.us Lynn Dahn, DEED SNAP E&T Program Coordinator lynn.dahn@state.mn.us Stacy Pederson, M.A., Tri-Cap Director of Client Services Stacy.Pederson@tricap.org Theresa Flinck, M.S., Tri-Cap Family Resources Manager Theresa.flinck@tricap.org Questions or Comments?

31. Thank You!