9 . 1 T H E S N A P 2 W O R K P R O G R A M
The Agency provides an opportunity for all applicants/recipients of the SNAP to participate in the SNAP 2 WORK Program, South Carolina’s Employment and Training Program (E&T). The purpose of the SNAP 2 WORK program is to assist SNAP recipients by improving their ability to obtain regular employment and reduce their dependency on public assistance. Those recipients determined as Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDS) in designated counties will be
mandatory and must be referred to the SNAP 2 WORK Program. Non ABAWDS and those
residing in non-designated counties may volunteer for the E &T program. ABAWDS are SNAP household members who are who are:
Able-bodied, and
At least 18 years of age but under age 50, and
Have no dependents
Persons who meet an exemption from the work requirements as specified in Section 8.2, Exemptions from Work Requirements will not be referred to the SNAP 2 WORK program. The certification worker will provide SNAP 2 WORK resource information and referral services to all households, both mandatory as well as those exempt, at application, annual recertification, and when an individual meeting the definition of an ABAWD is added to a SNAP household. The certification worker will discuss and record the work registration status(Section 8.3 The
Agency’s Responsibilities for Work Registration)of each household member and will advise the household of work registration requirements and penalties. The certification worker will use E&T brochures to provide an explanation of the opportunities available to the household through the state’s E&T Program.
SNAP Work Registrants who are ABAWDS residing in the counties listed in SNAP Tool Kit Attachment 7: SNAP 2 WORK Referral Guide must be referred to the SNAP 2Work program.
9 . 2 E & T P R O G R A M E X E M P T I O N S
ABAWDS not meeting work registration exemption requirements may be determined exempt from SNAP 2 WORK if one of the following E & T specific exemptions apply:
Ill or Incapacitated: Persons who are ill or incapacitated when the illness or injury is serious enough to prevent the person from engaging in employment for at least 60 days. If a claim of permanent or temporary illness or incapacity is questionable, the participant is responsible for providing verification.
Vocational Rehabilitation Participant (VR): Persons who are active VR clients. Pregnant (Second Trimester)
Sheltered Workshop Employees: Persons working less than 30 hours per week in a sheltered workshop, or working to their maximum capacity as verified by a physician, licensed
psychologist, vocational rehabilitation specialist, or mental health clinician.
Substantial Barriers: Persons who lack job readiness to successfully complete a job search, or who lack the ability to successfully complete an E&T Program component. Job readiness is defined as the ability to engage in a job search and, if successful, reliably carry out work tasks assigned by the employer. Persons whose physical or mental condition would prohibit successful job search have “substantial barriers” to employment.
ABAWD Meeting Work Requirement: Employed at least 30 hours per week, participating in employment and training activities other than those funded under SNAP E&T (i.e., self- initiated WIA or TAA) at the time of the initial SNAP certification or recertification, or a student 18 years old or older enrolled in high school.
9 . 3 R E F E R R A L S T O T H E S N A P 2 W O R K P R O G R A M 1. Mandatory Participants (ABAWDS)
Certification workers will identify SNAP recipients for SNAP 2 WORK at initial application, annual review, and when a new individual has been added to the SNAP household (including a previously sanctioned individual) using the following criteria:
(1) The SNAP recipient is a mandatory work registrant who does not meet a work registration exemption listed in Section 8.2 Exemption From Work Requirements
(2) The SNAP recipient meets the definition of ABAWD (see Section 9.1 The SNAP 2 WORK Program)
(3) The SNAP recipient does not meet an E & T specific exemption (see Section 9.2 E&T Program Exemptions)
These individuals must participate in the SNAP 2 WORK program and must be referred to SNAP 2 WORK by the certification worker. The determination of their status is based on information provided and verified during the intake/recertification process, and when an individual meeting the definition of an ABAWD is added to a SNAP household.
ABAWD work registrants must be provided an explanation of their rights and responsibilities as a work registrant and the requirement to participate in E & T. This must be explained during the application/ recertification interview. Notification of the mandatory ABAWD’s requirement to participate must also be included in the application/recertification approval notice. Certification workers must select the appropriate notice and enter the name of the SNAP 2 WORK referral contact, and phone number, which corresponds to the county in which the ABAWD resides (See SNAP Tool Kit Attachment 7: SNAP 2 WORK Referral Guide). The ABAWD is instructed in this notice to call the named contact within 10 days of receipt of the notice to schedule the initial appointment which will begin the ABAWD’s participation.
The certification worker will electronically transmit the referral to the SNAP 2 WORK Program Coordinators and other providers using the SNAP ET Database. This database can be accessed by selecting the “Sign In” located at the bottom right hand corner of the DSS Homepage and signing in. All required data must be entered to complete the referral.
Note: South Carolina has a waiver for the entire state that exempts ABAWDS from the 3 month
out of 36- month time limit. However, ABAWDs who reside in the counties listed in SNAP Tool Kit Attachment 7: SNAP 2 WORK Referral Guideare still subject to SNAP 2 WORK
requirements and must participate in the program. The certification worker should refer to the SNAP Tool Kit Attachment 7: SNAP 2 WORK Referral Guideto determine the appropriate SNAP 2 WORK contact for referral purposes.
2. Volunteers
Non-ABAWDS as well as clients not residing in a mandatory SNAP 2 WORK county are exempt from participation in the SNAP 2 WORK Program even though they may be mandatory work registrants. Though exempt, these individuals, including those who are exempt from work registration, may volunteer for participation in the E&T program.
9 . 4 F A I L U R E T O C O M P L Y W I T H S N A P 2 W O R K P R O G R A M R E Q U I R E M E N T S
A mandatory SNAP 2 WORK who fails to appear for a scheduled appointment and fails to contact the designated case manager with a “good cause” explanation is non-compliant. A mandatory
SNAP 2 WORK participant (ABAWD) who fails to complete an assigned work activity per the SNAP 2 WORK Employment Plan is also non-compliant, unless good cause is shown.
Participants are required to contact the designated case manager or provider on the day of an absence to provide “good cause” for failing to appear for a scheduled appointment or activity.
1) Non-compliance Notification
Mandatory participants who fail to comply with SNAP 2 WORK requirements will be provided written notification of non-compliance and given an opportunity to establish good cause. The assigned case manager or provider will issue the Non-Compliance notice to the client by the close of business on the day the non-compliant activity occurs. If good cause is not established within 10 days of the date the notice of non-compliance was mailed, the assigned case manager or provider will notify designated eligibility staff in the State Office of the non-compliance and the need to impose a sanction. This notification will be provided to the designated eligibility staff on the close of business on the 10th day following the act of noncompliance.
2) Notice of Adverse Action
It is the responsibility of the designated SNAP eligibility staff in the State Office to initiate the 10 day Notice of Adverse Action upon receiving a sanction referral from the assigned case manager or provider for non-compliant recipients. The disqualification/sanction will become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of the 10 day notice of adverse action period. Change reporting requirements inSection 15.4 Interim Changes for Simplified Reporting Householdsdo not apply when imposing a sanction for failure to comply with SNAP 2 WORK. The sanction must be imposed effective the month following the expiration of the 10 day adverse action period regardless of whether it causes a decrease in the SNAP allotment.
3) Disqualification Periods
Disqualification periods for failure to comply with SNAP E&T requirements are as follows: (A) For the first occurrence of noncompliance, the individual will be disqualified until:
One Month; and
The date the individual agrees to comply, (B) For the second occurrence, until:
Three Months; and
The date the individual agrees to comply, (C)For the third or subsequent occurrence, until:
Six Months; and
For an individual to comply, the household must do one of the following: 1. Request to be added back to the budget, or
2. File an application if the case is closed, or 3. Submit a recertification, if due.
The individual must also agree to comply with the SNAP 2 WORK requirements.
At the end of the applicable disqualification time period for noncompliance with the SNAP 2 WORK program, the disqualification may be lifted, and the individual may resume SNAP
participation (added back to the SNAP budget), provided that the disqualified individual agrees to comply with the SNAP 2 WORK program requirements. The disqualification will also be lifted if the disqualified individual becomes exempt by no longer meeting the definition of an ABAWD. Note: The eligibility worker is responsible for making the determination as to whether the sanctioned individual may resume participation in SNAP. Once the sanctioned individual has been approved, or added back into a household, the individual should be referred back to the SNAP 2 WORK program.
Clients contacting county eligibility staff regarding their sanctions should be referred to the designated eligibility staff in the State Office.
9 . 5 J O B D U T I E S O F T H E S N A P E M P L O Y M E N T A N D T R A I N I N G ( E & T ) C O O R D I N A T O R
The job duties of the E&T Coordinator include the following:
(A)Develop and implement an employment and placement strategy for E&T participants for their assigned county(ies);
(B)Coordinate with Work Force Development staff and employers to develop part-time and full-time employment for their clients;
(C)Coordinate with Work Force Development staff and employers and local training providers to develop needed training opportunities for in-demand jobs;
(D)Establish and maintain partnerships with the community, business, education, faith
organizations and other leaders to facilitate communication, coordination and collaborative efforts; and
(E)Track, collect, compile, analyze, interpret and incorporate findings of local economic and labor market information in efforts to identify jobs in demand, occupational requirements, hiring trends and employment opportunities for their clients.
9 . 6 S N A P 2 W O R K P R O G R A M C O M P O N E N T S
The following outlines information for the specific components offered in the SNAP 2 WORK Program:
(1) Job Search
Job Search will typically be the first assignment for most mandatory SNAP 2 WORK participants. Job Search requires an SNAP 2 WORK participant to make a specified number of job contacts with different prospective employers. The job search begins on a date agreed upon by the SNAP 2 WORK participant and the assigned case manager or provider. The Job Search period will typically begin after the completion of orientation and assessment activities.
(2) Job Search Training
Job search training will provide meaningful assistance to SNAP recipients helping to improve their ability to get a job. Job search training activities will be conducted locally based on the available resources and will be designed to meet the needs of job seekers and employers. Contractors or TPRP Partners may deliver training in group sessions and workshops or on an individual basis. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
Employability skills;
Interpersonal skills;
Basic job search skills (submitting paper applications, internet based applications,
Job retention skills;
Interviewing skills;
Appropriate dress;
Resume development; and
Career assessments
Guidance and motivation for development of positive work behaviors necessary for the labor market
(3) Vocational Training
This component provides vocational training, or equivalent knowledge and skills required in a specific occupational area. The State Agency has entered into agreements with Technical Colleges serving the state to provide a variety of services including assessment, case management, and employment-focused vocational training opportunities to SNAP 2 WORK participants. The Vocational training component focus will be on the Quick Jobs with a Future Program and other certificate and non-certificate programs which allow these adults to quickly obtain skills matching the needs of local business and industry. Quick Jobs and other certificate programs have been developed for fields where job growth is expected and in consultation with local employers. The
Quick Jobs program offers training and certifications that are skills specific and job preparatory with most courses lasting three months or less and all less than a year.
(4) Education
The Education component is designed to increase employability by providing remedial education as well as post-secondary education leading to a degree or certification. The South Carolina Office of Adult Education has entered into an agreement with DSS to assist SNAP E&T adults in the completion of a secondary school education; to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; and to help adults with limited English proficiency. Local Adult Education offices will provide the following services:
Basic Education. Adult basic education includes instruction for adults with the lowest skills through eighth-grade. Instruction includes reading, writing, mathematics, and life skills.
English as a Second Language (ESL). Instruction includes reading, writing, and speaking English. ESL classes may include life-skills training and language courses to enhance an individual’s employability and his or her prospects for job retention or advancement.
Family Literacy. Literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
Workplace Skill Enhancement. Contextual basic skills instruction as it applies to job- specific training, pre-employment training, or skills upgrading designed to meet the needs of the employer and addresses the competencies necessary for success in the workplace.
General Educational Development (GED). Instruction designed to prepare students to successfully complete the GED examination, including language arts, writing,
mathematics, science, and social studies.
High School Diploma. High school diplomas can be earned through adult education programs that are operated by school districts in South Carolina.
(5) Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Activities
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in South Carolina supports training programs that help job seekers prepare for employment and businesses access skilled workers. WIA services are
delivered through the state’s comprehensive SC Works system. SC Works Centers in most
counties offer job seekers and businesses access to employment and training opportunities, as well as other services provided by SC Works system partner agencies that support employment and training.
WIA establishes three (3) levels of employment and training services for adults and dislocated workers: core, intensive, and training. A WIA eligibility determination is required when a job seeker needs staff-assisted services to obtain or retain employment. As a job seeker moves through the service levels, additional requirements must be met to show that the job seeker is
appropriate for the next level of service, and requires that level of service to obtain or retain employment.
All job seekers are eligible to receive core services. Intensive services are available to
unemployed job seekers who have been unable to obtain jobs through core services and to those who are employed but need additional intensive services to reach self-sufficiency. Training services are available for those job seekers who have been unable to find employment through intensive services.
SNAP recipients that are not mandatory for participation in SNAP 2 WORK program but volunteer to participate in the program will be referred to their nearest SC Work Center for job search assistance. SNAP 2 WORK Coordinators will provide appropriate assistance to job seekers in order to ensure that clients fullymaximize the services available to them. E&T
providers serving mandatory participants may also utilize the services available through the Work Centers as they deem appropriate.
9 . 7 R E I M B U R S E M E N T F U N D S F O R E M P L O Y M E N T A N D T R A I N I N G ( E & T ) P R O G R A M P A R T I C I P A N T S The E&T Coordinator may authorize reimbursement funds to E&T participants who are mandatory for participation in the target counties as well as those who volunteer statewide.
(A) The Agency will provide reimbursement funds for participants needing reimbursement for transportation up to $50 monthly during component participation. Transportation reimbursement will be paid directly to the provider or directly to the participant for expenses incurred for transportation.
(B) South Carolina will provide reimbursement funds for one-time component related expenses up to $50 for participants needing such provided the client participated in an FSE&T component for that month.
One time component related expenses will be paid directly to the provider.
Note: Due to limited state funding available, it is recommended that the reimbursement for the
Job Search component participation be limited to $25 monthly. If a participant can provide documented transportation costs in excess of $25 monthly, the additional cost up to the cap of $50 may be reimbursed.
9 . 8 R E C O R D K E E P I N G F O R T H E S N A P 2 W O R K P R O G R A M
Participation in an SNAP 2 WORK component will be tracked and recorded each month by assigned case managers and providers in the SCDSS E&T Tracking System for mandatory