This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and
universities.
| Rule |
Rule 5101:4-9-01 | SNAP employment and training program.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
The supplemental nutrition assistance program
(SNAP) employment and training (E&T) program is designed to meet employer
needs and move SNAP recipients into the workforce. This rule describes the
overall SNAP E&T program design and the operating principles for ensuring
that SNAP E&T promotes basic job skills in participants and that
programming aligns with preparing participants to enter in-demand jobs or meet
local employer needs. (A) What are the key features of the SNAP
E&T program? (1) Meeting employer
needs: SNAP E&T is part of the statewide workforce system and relies on
labor market data and employer needs to inform programming. County agencies are
able to design their program to be consistent with paragraph (B) of this rule
and to meet local workforce needs. (2) Promoting sustained
self-sufficiency: SNAP E&T includes case management and encourages a
continuum of services to reduce barriers to employment and move recipients into
the workforce and off of public assistance. Rule 5101:4-9-04 of the
Administrative Code provides the framework for county agencies to provide case
management services and rule 5101:4-9-05 of the Administrative Code describes
how the SNAP E&T program is designed to ensure progress by SNAP E&T
enrolled participants, as defined in paragraph (D) of this rule. (3) Increasing basic job
skills: SNAP E&T focuses on increasing basic job skills and focuses on
finding jobs for unemployed able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). The
education and training components of SNAP E&T are described in rule
5101:4-9-07 of the Administrative Code and its supplemental rules. (4) Improving financial
literacy: Every individual enrolled in SNAP E&T is to receive financial
literacy training, that includes enhancing the individual's knowledge and
skills to manage their financial resources effectively and make responsible
financial decisions that suit their financial situation and support their life
goals. (B) What are the essential elements of
the SNAP E&T program? (1) Each county agency is
to: (a) Submit a SNAP E&T plan to the Ohio department of
job and family services (ODJFS). Plans that do not conform to the template
provided by the department will not be approved. (b) Design and operate its SNAP E&T program in
consultation with their local workforce development board and consistent with
the rules in Chapter 5101:4-9 of the Administrative Code, including providing
SNAP E&T components in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-07 of the
Administrative Code, case management services and monitoring the progress of
SNAP E&T participants . (c) Utilize the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system
to administer the SNAP E&T program, as instructed by ODJFS. (d) Ensure activities are performed by a SNAP E&T case
manager who is familiar with the rules in Chapter 5101:4-9 of the
Administrative Code. A SNAP E&T case manager may be an employee of the
county agency or a third-party under contract by the county
agency. (e) Ensure that when it (or its contracted provider)
becomes aware that an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) who has
enrolled in SNAP E&T has failed to participate in an assigned SNAP E&T
component, that the failure is documented in the Ohio benefits integrated
eligibility system within ten days of the failure. (f) Be fiscally responsible for SNAP E&T activities
funded under the plan and is liable for repayment of unallowable
costs. (g) Ensure that SNAP E&T funds are not used to serve
Ohio works first (OWF) recipients. (2) Each SNAP E&T
enrolled participant is expected to: (a) Fully participate in the SNAP E&T program in order
to obtain skills, training and work experience needed to move into gainful
employment, including complying with work site and provider rules. (b) Commit to developing and fulfilling goals necessary to
overcome barriers to employment. (c) Utilize case management services offered in accordance
with rule 5101:4-9-04 of the Administrative Code. (C) Who is appropriate to refer for
scheduling of a comprehensive assessment to the SNAP E&T
program? Any applicant or recipient of SNAP benefits may
request to participate in SNAP E&T. Prior to referring the individual for
scheduling of a comprehensive assessment conducted in accordance with rule
5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code, the county agency is to ensure
that: (1) The individual has
knowingly requested to participate in SNAP E&T and the date of request is
documented in the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system; (2) The individual is
appropriate for referral: (a) Automatically if they are an unemployed ABAWD. For
purposes of this chapter, "unemployed ABAWD" means an ABAWD with no
earned income. (i) Every unemployed
ABAWD who requests to participate in SNAP E&T is appropriate for
referral. (ii) The county agency
will give priority of service to serving unemployed ABAWDs.Priority of service
includes, but is not limited to, giving the individual precedence in scheduling
of assessments; and if enrolled, priority to assignment of a SNAP E&T
component and providing necessary supportive services. Priority of service does
not guarantee that the unemployed ABAWD will be enrolled in SNAP E&T.
(b) At county option, when they are an unemployed or
underemployed individual who is seeking employment or to improve employment
opportunities and who has a barrier to employment, as defined by the county
agency. When a county agency elects to serve
individuals outside of the unemployed ABAWD population, it is to ensure that
eligibility workers are aware of the criteria for referral and that the
criteria be applied fairly to all individuals who request to
participate; (3) When determined appropriate, the
individual has been approved for SNAP benefits by the time the comprehensive
assessment is conducted. When determined not appropriate, the county
agency is to inform the individual within fifteen days of the individual
requesting to participate in SNAP E&T, that they are not appropriate for
referral, by any reasonable means (letter, phone call, email, etc.) (D) When is an individual considered
enrolled in SNAP E&T? (1) An individual is
considered a "SNAP E&T program participant" when they complete a
comprehensive assessment administered in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-02 of
the Administrative Code. (2) A SNAP E&T
program participant is considered enrolled in SNAP E&T once they are
assigned to one or more SNAP E&T components. Once a program participant is
determined appropriate for SNAP E&T and enrolled, the individual may only
be disenrolled from SNAP E&T consistent with rule 5101:4-9-06 of the
Administrative Code. (E) What are the limitations on
participation in SNAP E&T? (1) The total monthly
hours of participation in the SNAP E&T program for any SNAP E&T
enrolled participant, together with any hours worked for compensation (in cash
or in-kind), are not to exceed one hundred twenty. (2) No SNAP E&T
enrolled participant is to work more than eight hours on any given day without
their consent. (3) An assignment to an
activity is not to interfere with a SNAP E&T enrolled participant's
hours of regular paid employment so long as this employment is countable income
in accordance with rule 5101:4-4-19 of the Administrative Code. (4) SNAP E&T program
participants and enrolled participants are not to be assigned to program
activities that result in the displacement of other persons. Displacement
occurs when a SNAP E&T enrolled participant's assignment results in
removing or discharging employees or otherwise denying such employment to
persons who: (a) Are already employed as regular full-time or part-time
employees; (b) Are or have been employed full time or part time as
participants in a subsidized employment program/on-the-job training or in other
publicly subsidized employment and training programs; (c) Are or have been involved in a dispute between a labor
organization and the employer or sponsor; or (d) Have been laid off and are either: (i) Receiving
unemployment compensation; or (ii) Subject to recall
under the established policies of the employer or sponsor.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:58 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-02 | SNAP E&T comprehensive assessment.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
This rule describes the comprehensive assessment
process used by employment and training (E&T) case managers to determine
the employment and educational goals, needs, barriers and strengths of an
individual who has requested to participate and been determined appropriate for
referral to the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) E&T
program. (A) What is included in the comprehensive
assessment? (1) A county agency is to
conduct a comprehensive assessment of each individual referred to SNAP E&T.
The comprehensive assessment includes: (a) A SNAP E&T assessment administered by an E&T
case manager using the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system. The SNAP
E&T assessment includes but is not limited to a review of the referred
individual's occupational skills, prior work experience, employability,
interests, aptitudes, supportive service and developmental needs. The SNAP E&T assessment will assist the
E&T case manager in scoring the individual's status across five areas
of well-being and the scores of SNAP E&T enrolled participants will be
regularly updated to reflect progress made in the SNAP E&T program. The
areas include: (i) Family
stability; (ii) Well-being; (iii) Financial literacy
and management; (iv) Education and
training; and (v) Employment and
career. (b) For individuals who do not have at least an associate
degree awarded by an accredited institution of higher education, a basic skills
assessment selected by the county agency to determine if the referred
individual is unable to compute or solve problems, or read, write or speak
English, at a level necessary to function on the job or in society. The county
agency is to select assessment instruments that are valid and appropriate for
the population and identify them in its SNAP E&T plan. (2) The time spent in a
SNAP E&T assessment and/or basic skills assessment is to be documented as
an assignment in the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system. For
able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), the time spent in an assessment
is not to be used to fulfill their work requirement unless the ABAWD is also
assigned to one or more SNAP E&T components. (3) When a county agency
has a contract or agreement with a third-party to conduct all or part of the
comprehensive assessment, the county agency is to ensure all of the
following: (a) The assessment administered by the third-party will
include at a minimum, the same information that would otherwise be collected
during a comprehensive assessment using the Ohio benefits integrated
eligibility system; (b) The information gathered by the third-party will be
promptly entered into the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system,
including the information needed to generate a well-being score;
and (c) Suitability determinations made as a result of the
comprehensive assessment are consistent with Chapter 5101:4-9 of the
Administrative Code. (B) When is a comprehensive assessment to
be conducted? (1) For unemployed
ABAWDs, a county agency is to conduct a comprehensive assessment utilizing the
Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system within fifteen days of the
individual requesting to participate in SNAP E&T or approval of SNAP
benefits, whichever is later. For all others, the assessment is to be conducted
within thirty days of the date the individual requested to participate in SNAP
E&T or approval of SNAP benefits, whichever is later. A county agency is to
provide necessary supportive services to ensure an individual can participate
in their assessment. The failure of a county agency to timely
schedule an assessment is not good cause for an ABAWD failing to fulfill their
work requirement. (2) The SNAP E&T
assessment is to be updated by a case manager in the Ohio benefits integrated
eligibility system and in consultation with the SNAP E&T enrolled
participant: (a) Each time an activity to an assignment to a SNAP
E&T component has ended; (b) When the SNAP E&T case manager determines the SNAP
E&T enrolled participant's circumstances warrant an update to the
assessment; and (c) At disenrollment, when possible. (C) How does an E&T case manager
determine if an individual is suitable for assignment to a SNAP E&T
component? (1) Prior to assigning an
individual to an E&T component and enrolling them in SNAP E&T, the
E&T case manager is to consider if the individual is suitable for
participation in the component. Rules 5101:4-9-07.01 to 5101:4-9-07.06 of the
Administrative Code include a description of who is best suited for
participation in each SNAP E&T component. The determination of suitability is to be based
on the totality of the individual's circumstances, including the outcome
of the comprehensive assessment and whether or not the individual is likely to
achieve the desired outcome of the assigned SNAP E&T component(s). When
making the determination, the SNAP E&T case manager is to consider if there
is an activity within a component that if assigned, will meet the
individual's needs and that the individual: (a) Is likely or able to obtain or retain employment as a
result of participation in the SNAP E&T component; (b) Is in need of education or training services to obtain
or retain employment; (c) Has the skills and qualifications to successfully
participate in the selected component; and (d) Has selected a component that will lead to employment
in an in-demand job or meet local employer needs. (2) A SNAP E&T case
manager is not to assign an individual to a SNAP E&T component that is not
suitable and the decision is not an adverse action subject to rule 5101:6-2-04
of the Administrative Code. However, the E&T case manager is to inform the
individual that they are not suitable by any reasonable means (letter, phone
call, email, etc.). (3) The considerations
described in this paragraph apply to all individuals referred to SNAP E&T
and an assignment is not to be made if there is not a suitable assignment for
the individual. This includes: (a) Individuals who are to receive priority of service in
accordance with rule 5101:4-9-01 of the Administrative Code; and (b) Individuals who are to meet the ABAWD work requirement
in accordance with rule 5101:4-3-11 of the Administrative Code. (D) How does an E&T case manager
assign an individual to an E&T component? Upon determining that an individual is suitable
for assignment to one or more SNAP E&T components, the E&T case manager
is to use the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system and work with the
individual to develop an employability plan. A copy of the employability plan
is to be provided to the SNAP E&T enrolled participant. The employability
plan includes: (1) An assignment to
activities in one or more SNAP E&T component, including tentative dates,
times and locations for each activity and hours of participation; (2) Goals and milestones
for achievement; (3) Supportive services
to be provided; (4) The case management
services and plan for progress monitoring; and (5) The expectations of
SNAP E&T enrolled participants. (E) What happens when a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant is no longer suitable for an assigned SNAP E&T
component? (1) When a SNAP E&T
provider determines an enrolled participant is no longer suitable for an
assigned SNAP E&T component, the county agency is to take the following
actions. For purposes of this rule, "SNAP E&T provider" means an
entity other than a county agency, that is providing E&T services in one or
more SNAP E&T component(s) to an enrolled participant. (a) A SNAP E&T provider is to notify the county agency
within ten days of determining that an enrolled participant is not suited for
participation in an assigned SNAP E&T component. The SNAP E&T provider
may make the determination at any time between when the individual is referred
to an activity until the activity is completed. (b) Within ten days of receiving notice from the provider,
the E&T case manager is to notify the enrolled participant of the
determination. The notification may be verbal or in writing and is to include
the following: (i) A description of the
provider determination (when available); (ii) The next steps the
county agency will take as a result of the provider determination;
(iii) The E&T case
manager's contact information; (iv) Information that the
individual is not being sanctioned as a result of the provider determination;
and (v) For an ABAWD who is
the subject of the provider determination, information that unless they are
otherwise meeting the ABAWD work requirement described in rule 5101:4-3-13 of
the Administrative Code, has good cause or is otherwise exempt they will accrue
countable months beginning the next full benefit month after they are notified
of the provider determination. (c) Within ten days of notifying the enrolled individual of
the provider determination, but no later than the next recertification date,
the E&T case manager is to: Ensure that the enrolled individual is
suitable for assignment to one or more SNAP E&T component(s) pursuant to
this rule. If suitable for assignment, the E&T case manager is to update
the participant's case file in the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility
system and make the assignment; if not suitable for assignment, the E&T
case manager is to follow the disenrollment process described in rule
5101:4-9-06 of the Administrative Code. (2) When a county agency
is the provider of a SNAP E&T component and determines a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant is no longer suitable for the assigned SNAP E&T
component, the county agency is to take the following actions: (a) Within ten days of making the determination, the
E&T case manager is to notify the enrolled participant of the
determination. The notification may be verbal or in writing and is to conform
with paragraph (E)(1)(b) of this rule. The county agency or E&T case
manager may make the determination at any time between when the individual is
referred to an activity until the activity is completed. (b) Within ten days of notifying the enrolled individual of
the provider determination, but no later than the next recertification date,
the E&T case manager is to take the actions described in paragraph
(E)(1)(c) of this rule. (F) What is the consequence for not
meeting expectations contained in the employability plan? There is no loss of SNAP eligibility or change in
benefit amount due to a failure to meet an expectation contained in an
individual's employability plan. However, meeting SNAP E&T program
expectations are indicators of progress within the SNAP E&T program and
when monitoring progress in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-05 of the
Administrative Code, the county agency is to consider if the individual met
SNAP E&T expectations included in the employability plan.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:34 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-03 | SNAP E&T supportive services.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
Beginning with the costs associated with
participating in the comprehensive assessment and continuing until
disenrollment from the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP)
employment and training (E&T) program, individuals may need assistance in
overcoming barriers, including being reimbursed for expenses directly related
to their participation in the SNAP E&T program. This rule describes the
responsibilities of a case manager to ensure supportive services are provided
as needed. (A) What are supportive
services? Services determined by a SNAP E&T case
manager to be necessary and reasonable to enable an individual to participate
in SNAP E&T, achieve self-sufficiency and/or obtain or retain employment.
This includes providing reimbursement for expenses or costs associated with
attending an E&T assessment. There are two categories of supportive
services: (1) Allowable expenses
directly related to participation include, but are not limited to the cost of
transportation, other work, training or education related expenses and child
care. (2) Connections to other
programs: When an E&T case manager identifies that a SNAP E&T enrolled
individual has a barrier to employment not directly related to participation in
SNAP E&T, the E&T case manager is to work with the individual to
explore ways to overcome the barrier(s), including but not limited
to: (a) Linkages to community services; (b) Assistance with housing; (c) Payments related to emergent needs; (d) Connections to publicly funded child care;
(e) Legal services; and (f) Referrals to health care. (B) What are the county agency's
responsibilities for providing supportive services? A county agency and the assigned E&T case
manager are to: (1) Arrange and provide
payment for reimbursement or expenses that directly relate to participation in
the SNAP E&T program (including the comprehensive assessment); (2) Make reasonable and
diligent efforts to connect a SNAP E&T enrolled participant to programs or
services needed to overcome barriers to employment; (3) Explore needed
supportive services with the SNAP E&T enrolled participant during the
comprehensive assessment, through case management and as a way to address
barriers to progress in the SNAP E&T program; (4) Document supportive
services in the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system, including, if
known, the cost of providing the service to the participant, even when the
service was provided through another program (for example, the value of a rent
payment made through a county agency's prevention, retention or
contingency program); and (5) Be solely responsible
for determining the appropriateness and the availability of funds for payment
or reimbursement, including determining if the expense or reimbursement is
allowable. (6) Provide reimbursement
for child care expenses for a child under the age of twelve, that directly
relate to participation in SNAP E&T only when: (a) The individual has applied for publicly funded child
care and been determined not to be eligible; or (b) The individual is eligible for publicly funded child
care and has copay expenses.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:34 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-04 | SNAP E&T case management.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
Every individual enrolled in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training program (E&T)
is able to receive case management services from an E&T case manager. This
rule describes elements of case management, including the role it plays in
monitoring progress in the SNAP E&T program. (A) What is case management? (1) A county agency is to
design its SNAP E&T case management services to support a partnership
between a SNAP E&T enrolled participant and an E&T case manager to help
the participant develop the resources, skills, and sustained behavior changes
necessary to attain and preserve their economic independence and progress
through the SNAP E&T program. (2) The timing and
frequency of case management services is to be individualized, but is to
include contact between the E&T case manager and SNAP E&T enrolled
participant no less than every thirty days. (B) What are the responsibilities of SNAP
E&T case managers? (1) At least once a
month, every SNAP E&T enrolled participant is to be provided with case
management services by an E&T case manager. Case management may be provided
in person, via email or over the phone, but is to include the option for direct
discussion between the SNAP E&T enrolled participant and the E&T case
manager. When a SNAP E&T enrolled participant does
not utilize case management services for two consecutive months, the SNAP
E&T case manager may stop attempting to provide case management services.
However, an enrolled SNAP E&T participant who is otherwise making
satisfactory progress in SNAP E&T is not to be disenrolled from SNAP
E&T based only on not participating in case management. (2) E&T case managers
are to ensure that case management supports the progress of a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant without allowing case management to become an impediment
to participation. (3) When an E&T case
manager becomes aware of a circumstance that may qualify a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant for an exemption from a work requirement or good cause for
noncompliance with a work requirement, the E&T case manager is to provide
that information to the appropriate staff in the county agency who can then
make the determination. (4) When a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant has been assigned to case management, the E&T case
manager is to record the number of hours a SNAP E&T enrolled participant
will spend in case management (if any) in the Ohio benefits integrated
eligibility system. (a) An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) is only
to be assigned hours in case management if they are also assigned to one or
more SNAP E&T components and the number of hours in case management is not
to exceed more than half of all SNAP E&T assigned hours. (b) When recording the number of hours spent in case
management, only allowable SNAP E&T activities should be recorded. For
example, the hours a SNAP E&T enrolled participant spends with an E&T
case manager identifying a temporary housing solution are to be recorded, but
the hours spent actually moving into temporary housing are not part of an
allowable SNAP E&T component or activity and therefore are not to be
recorded.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:35 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-05 | SNAP E&T progress monitoring.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
The supplemental nutrition assistance program
(SNAP) employment and training (E&T) program has limited funding and
therefore, it is critical that SNAP E&T enrolled participants have clear
and achievable goals designed to ensure they are advancing through the SNAP
E&T program and into sustained self-sufficiency. This rule describes the
ongoing process E&T case managers are to use when determining if a SNAP
E&T enrolled participant is making satisfactory progress in the SNAP
E&T program and the actions to be taken when satisfactory progress has not
been made. (A) What is ongoing progress
monitoring? Progress monitoring is the responsibility of the
E&T case manager and includes an ongoing evaluation of: (1) The SNAP E&T
enrolled participant's employment goals, needs, barriers and strengths;
(2) Whether the
individual is achieving the goals and milestones contained in the SNAP E&T
employability plan; (3) Information gained
(if any) from conversations with the SNAP E&T enrolled participant through
case management services offered in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-04 of the
Administrative Code; and (4) Reports from SNAP
E&T providers to accurately gauge a participant's level of engagement
and progress in the SNAP E&T program. (B) What is satisfactory
progress? Satisfactory progress in the SNAP E&T program
means a SNAP E&T enrolled participant is: (1) Actively achieving
goals and milestones detailed in their employability plan; (2) Engaged in the SNAP
E&T program; and (3) In good standing and
making expected progress as determined by the provider of the SNAP E&T
services. For purposes of this rule, "provider" includes a county
agency who is providing a SNAP E&T component. (C) What are a SNAP E&T case
manager's responsibilities for assisting a SNAP E&T enrolled
participant in making satisfactory progress in the SNAP E&T
program? The E&T case manager is to: (1) Conduct ongoing
progress monitoring; and (2) Make adjustments as
necessary to the SNAP E&T enrolled participant's employability plan
regarding: (a) Employment goals, needs, barriers and strengths;
(b) Supportive services; and (c) Goals and milestones. (D) What are the consequences of not
making satisfactory progress in the SNAP E&T program? Only after an E&T case manager has exercised
due diligence in carrying out the responsibilities described in paragraph (C)
of this rule: (1) Within ten days of an
E&T case manager determining that a SNAP E&T enrolled participant is
not making satisfactory progress in the SNAP E&T program, the E&T case
manager is to follow the disenrollment process described in rule 5101:4-9-06 of
the Administrative Code. (2) There is no loss of
SNAP eligibility or change in benefit amount as a consequence of failing to
make satisfactory progress and the determination is not an adverse action
subject to rule 5101:6-2-04 of the Administrative Code. However, the E&T
case manager is to inform the SNAP E&T enrolled participant that they are
not making satisfactory progress by any reasonable means (letter, phone call,
email, etc.).
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:35 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-06 | SNAP E&T disenrollment.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
Once an individual has been enrolled in the
supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training
(E&T) program, they may only be disenrolled in accordance with the
provisions of this rule. This rule describes when a SNAP E&T enrolled
participant may be disenrolled from the SNAP E&T program and the process a
SNAP E&T case manager is to follow when disenrolling a SNAP E&T
enrolled participant from the SNAP E&T program. (A) Under what circumstances may an
E&T case manager disenroll a SNAP E&T enrolled participant from SNAP
E&T? A case manager may disenroll an individual
when: (1) The SNAP E&T
enrolled participant informs the E&T case manager that SNAP E&T
services are no longer needed. This includes when the enrolled participant
has: (a) Obtained unsubsidized employment; (b) Achieved all employment, educational and/or training
goals; (c) Become ineligible for SNAP due to an increase in earned
income and not receiving job retention services in accordance with rule
5101:4-9-07.5 of the Administrative Code; (d) Exhausted job retention services provided in accordance
with rule 5101:4-9-07.5 of the Administrative Code; or (e) Enrolled in a program under Title 1 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. No. 113-128, (07/2014); a program under
section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. 2296, (06/2015); or a program
of employment and training for veterans operated by the department of labor or
the department of veterans affairs. (2) The E&T enrolled
participant can no longer be served with E&T services. This includes when
the enrolled participant cannot be assigned due to: (a) The lack of a provider of a suitable E&T component
or activity (this includes reaching provider capacity); (b) Funding limitations by the county agency; (c) Institutionalization or incarceration of the E&T
enrolled participant; (d) The enrolled participant is not suitable for assignment
to a SNAP E&T component; (e) The E&T enrolled participant is
deceased; (f) The E&T enrolled participant has moved out of the
county; (g) Military enlistment or deployment of the E&T
enrolled participant; or (h) Loss of SNAP eligibility due to an increase in unearned
income or for any reason other than fraud or non-compliance and not receiving
job retention services in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-07.5 of the
Administrative Code. (3) The E&T enrolled
participant is not making progress in the SNAP E&T program. This includes
when the enrolled participant has: (a) Voluntarily withdrawn from SNAP E&T; (b) Not engaged in SNAP E&T for at least two
consecutive months; (c) Been determined to not be making satisfactory progress
in the E&T program in accordance with rule 5101:4-9-05 of the
Administrative Code; or (d) Loss of SNAP eligibility due to fraud or
non-compliance. (B) What are the SNAP E&T case
manager's responsibilities when disenrolling a SNAP E&T enrolled
participant? (1) The SNAP E&T case
manager is to document the disenrollment in the Ohio benefits integrated
eligibility system, including ensuring that all supportive services and
assignments have been end-dated. (2) There is no loss of
SNAP eligibility or change in benefit amount due to disenrollment from SNAP
E&T and the decision is not an adverse action subject to rule 5101:6-2-04
of the Administrative Code. However, within ten days of determining that the
SNAP E&T enrolled participant is to be disenrolled, the SNAP E&T case
manager is to inform the SNAP E&T enrolled participant of the reason for
the disenrollment and the date it takes effect by any reasonable means (letter,
phone call, email, etc.).
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:36 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07 | SNAP E&T components.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
Every individual enrolled in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training (E&T) program
is to be assigned to one or more SNAP E&T components. This rule describes
the components and conditions for operating them. (A) What are the SNAP E&T components?
A SNAP E&T component is a broad category of
employment or training activities. Each component has one or more activities
that SNAP E&T enrolled participants may participate in and each component
is intended to lead to a specific educational or employment outcome. (1) Every county agency
is to offer the following SNAP E&T components: (a) Supervised job search consistent with rule
5101:4-9-07.1 of the Administrative Code; (b) Job search training consistent with rule 5101:4-9-07.2
of the Administrative Code; (c) Workfare consistent with rule 5101:4-9-07.3 of the
Administrative Code; (d) Education consistent with rule 5101:4-9-07.4 of the
Administrative Code; and (e) Job retention consistent with rule 5101:4-9-07.5 of the
Administrative Code. (2) Any county agency may
offer the SNAP E&T component of work experience consistent with rule
5101:4-9-07.6 of the Administrative Code. (B) What are the responsibilities of a
county agency for operating SNAP E&T components? The county agency is to ensure that case
managers: (1) Assign every SNAP
E&T enrolled participant to complete a financial literacy course as an
educational component activity. The financial literacy course is to be provided
through one of the following entities: (a) The OhioMeansJobs website (OhioMeansJobs.com) and/or
the closest OhioMeansJobs center; (b) An extension office of the Ohio state university;
or (c) Another accredited financial literacy
course. (2) Offer job retention
services consistent with the provisions of rule 5101:4-9-07.5 of the
Administrative Code, to any SNAP E&T enrolled participant who begins
unsubsidized, paid employment while enrolled in SNAP E&T. (3) Coordinate with SNAP
eligibility workers to ensure enrolled participants are eligible to receive
SNAP E&T services, including providing information about changes in
participation by able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). (4) Make reasonable
modifications for individuals with a disability and otherwise comply with rule
5101:9-2-02 of the Administrative Code. (5) Ensure every SNAP
E&T component involves a level of effort on behalf of the SNAP E&T
enrolled participant comparable to spending approximately twelve hours a month
for two months making job contacts (less in workfare or work experience
components if the participant's benefit divided by the minimum wage is
less than this amount). (C) What are the limitations on SNAP
E&T components? (1) Enrolled participants
in the SNAP E&T program are not to be assigned to program activities that
result in the displacement of other persons. Displacement occurs when a
participant's assignment results in removing or discharging employees or
otherwise denying such employment to persons who: (a) Are already employed as regular full-time or part-time
employees. (b) Are or have been employed full time or part time as
participants in a subsidized employment program/on-the-job training or in other
publicly subsidized employment and training programs. (c) Are or have been involved in a dispute between a labor
organization and the employer or sponsor. (d) Have been laid off and are either: (i) Receiving
unemployment compensation; or (ii) Subject to recall
under the established policies of the employer or sponsor. (2) Enrolled participants
are to be assigned to a sufficient number of hours to effectively and
efficiently provide the participant with the necessary training to move into
employment. When an ABAWD is not able to fulfill their work requirement based
only on hours assigned to SNAP E&T activities, it is the responsibility of
the ABAWD to find additional allowable hours to fulfill their
requirement.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:36 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.1 | SNAP E&T supervised job search.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is supervised job
search? Supervised job search is a component designed to
provide job-ready individuals with access to structured activities that have a
direct link to increasing opportunities to find suitable employment. County
agencies are to design their supervised job search programs to at least
accomplish the following objectives: (1) Enrolled participants
are trained in the strategies and skills to be used in obtaining employment of
the highest quality within the shortest period of time; (2) Enrolled participants
are provided with an experience in which the techniques learned could be used
at any time; and (3) Employers in the
community are provided with qualified individuals to fill vacant
positions. (B) What activities are included in
supervised job search? Supervised job search activities are to have a
direct link to employment and include, but are not limited to: (1) Actively applying for
work; (2) Instruction in
job-seeking skills; (3) Building connections
with prospective employers; and (4) Attending hiring
events and other networking opportunities. (C) How are supervised job search
activities to be implemented? (1) Supervised job search
is to occur at county-approved locations where an enrolled participant's
activities and time participating are able to be directly supervised and
tracked. County approved locations include any location deemed suitable by the
county agency and where the participant has access to tools, and materials
needed to perform supervised job search. (2) Supervised job search
locations are not limited to a physical building and may include virtual tools.
Examples of physical locations may include the OhioMeansJobs centers operated
by the local workforce development board or resource rooms at the job and
family services office; whereas virtual tools may include the OhioMeansJobs.com
website, other websites, portals or web applications. Offering a variety of
locations and formats to best meet participant needs is encouraged and to the
extent possible, county agencies are to allow participants to choose their
preferred location and format. (3) Supervision, either
remotely or in-person, is to be provided by skilled staff who provide
meaningful guidance and support with at least monthly check-ins. Supervision
and job search activities may occur at different times, and is to be provided
in such a way to best support the participant and may include activities such
as job search coaching, review of job search activities, and guidance on how to
best target participant job search activities. (4) Time spent in
supervised job search activities is to be tracked within the Ohio benefits
integrated eligibility system. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in supervised job search? In addition to the suitability criteria described
in rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code, a case manager is to consider
the following prior to making an assignment: (1) The participant
should have prior work history and the skills necessary to participate in the
component, including but not limited to the necessary technological skills and
access to websites and other resources to successfully complete
activities. (2) The participant will
be likely to find a job through participation in the activity and there are
suitable jobs available for that participant. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in supervised job search? (1) A SNAP E&T case
manager may assign supervised job search activities to find suitable employment
based on the participant's assessment and local labor market needs.
However, the supervised job search period is not to exceed six continuous
months. (2) For an enrolled
participant who is an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), hours spent
in an assignment to the supervised job search component do not fulfill the
ABAWD work requirement. However, job search activities may be included as an
integral part of another component (e.g., workfare or education) and the time
spent in job search would count towards the ABAWD work requirement, as long as
the hours spent in job search are less than half of the total number hours
assigned.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:36 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.2 | SNAP E&T job search training.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is job search
training? Job search training is a component that enhances
the job search skills of participants by providing instruction and mentoring in
understanding employer needs, job seeking techniques, increasing motivation and
self-confidence for work. Job search training differs from the supervised job
search component because of the need to conduct training activities. County
agencies are to design their job search training programs to at least
accomplish both of the following objectives: (1) Enrolled participants
will participate in activities that improve their skills to search for and
acquire a job. (2) Enrolled participants
will learn behaviors associated with success in job seeking. This includes, but
is not limited to identification of skills/interests, obtaining interviews,
updating resumes, interview skills, developing good work habits,
etc. (B) What activities are included in job
search training? Job search training activities are to have a
direct link to job-readiness and include, but are not limited to: (1) Classroom instruction
on the strategies and skills in job seeking; (2) Job lead
development; (3) Completing resumes,
work histories, and application forms; (4) Using resources such
as the telephone, telephone directories, newspapers, internet, and friends
and/or relatives; (5) Contacting the
individual who does the hiring; (6) Maintaining good
records of job search activities; (7) Employability
assessments; (8) Training in
techniques to increase employability; (9) Job placement
services; (10) Job application
assistance; (11) Resume
writing; (12) Interviewing skills
(including mock interviewing); (13) Work place etiquette
(dress, social skills, etc.); and (14) Using job search
technology. (C) How are job search training
activities to be implemented? The supplemental nutrition assistance program
(SNAP) employment and training (E&T) case manager is to ensure that there
is a direct link between job search training activities and the job-readiness
of the participant. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in job search training? In addition to the suitability criteria described
in rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code, a SNAP E&T case manager is
to consider the following prior to making an assignment: (1) The participant
should need soft skills necessary for searching for a job (e.g., setting goals,
solving problems, choosing careers, using the internet, creating resumes,
completing applications and improving interviewing skills). (2) Participation in the
assignment is likely to result in the participant becoming
job-ready. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in job search training? (1) A SNAP E&T case
manager may assign job search training activities for a reasonable amount of
time based on the participant's assessment. However, the assignment to job
search training is not to exceed three continuous months. (2) For an enrolled
participant who is an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), hours spent
in an assignment to the job search training component do not fulfill the ABAWD
work requirement. However, job search activities may be included as an integral
part of another component (e.g., workfare or education) and the time spent in
job search would count towards the ABAWD work requirement, as long as the hours
spent in job search are less than half of the total number hours
assigned.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:36 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.3 | SNAP E&T workfare.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is workfare? Formerly known as the "work experience
program" (WEP), workfare is a component in which an enrolled participant
develops basic work habits, practices skills, and demonstrates the ability to
learn new skills while working for a private or public nonprofit agency; and in
lieu of wages, receives compensation in the form of their household's
monthly supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefit. County
agencies are to design their workfare programs to at least accomplish the
following objectives: (1) SNAP employment and
training (E&T) enrolled participants not otherwise able to obtain
employment are given the opportunity to work in jobs that serve a useful public
purpose and improve their employability through training and actual work
experience; and (2) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants will learn new skills or improve existing skills necessary to
transition into regular unsubsidized employment. (B) What activities are included in
workfare? Workfare activities may only be located in public
or private nonprofit agencies and at a minimum, are to provide the enrolled
participant with opportunities to develop basic work habits. (C) How are workfare activities to be
implemented? (1) Prior to making an
assignment, the SNAP E&T case manager is to calculate the maximum number of
hours that may be assigned each month by dividing the amount of the enrolled
participant's SNAP allotment divided by the federal or state minimum wage,
whichever is higher. This is referred to as the "FLSA maximum."
(2) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants are not to perform political, partisan, or electoral
activities. (3) The worksite is to
meet all applicable federal, state and local health and safety standards, equal
employment opportunity (EEO) policies, fair labor standards, displacement
policies, and provide reasonable work conditions. (4) The placement has not
been developed in response to, or in any way associated with, the existence of
a strike, lockout, or bona fide labor dispute, and does not violate any
existing labor agreement. (5) A SNAP E&T
enrolled participant's religious freedom is not to be violated nor may the
participant be compelled to do work that promotes a religious doctrine or
belief. (6) A SNAP E&T
enrolled participant is not to be considered an employee of either the sponsor,
the county agency, or the Ohio department of job and family services (ODJFS)
and, therefore, is not entitled to the benefits and privileges of an employee.
The operation of workfare is not to be considered the operation of an
employment agency by the state or county agency. (7) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants assigned to and participating in workfare are to be covered for
participation-related injuries or disabilities under work relief compensation
administered by the bureau of workers' compensation (BWC). Unless the
county agency pays the premiums for the sponsor, a private nonprofit, or
government sponsor with whom a SNAP E&T enrolled participant is placed, is
to pay the premiums to the BWC on behalf of the SNAP E&T enrolled
participant. SNAP E&T enrolled participants assigned to other SNAP E&T
activities are not to be included in premium payments made by the county agency
to the BWC. (8) The county agency is
to have an agreement (e.g., contract or memorandum of understanding) with each
workfare site that includes but is not limited to designation of responsibility
for provision of benefits, if any are necessary, to the workfare
participant. (9) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants are not to be used to fill existing vacant positions and no
participant is to perform work that has the effect of reducing the work or
promotional opportunities of employees. They may, however, perform the same
type of work as the employee. Reducing the work of employees means reducing the
number of hours, wages or employment benefits of regular or part-time
employees, or reducing the number of positions that the employer certifies
would otherwise be filled by regular employees. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in workfare? In addition to the suitability criteria described
in rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code, a SNAP E&T case manager is
to consider the following prior to making an assignment: (1) The SNAP E&T
enrolled participant should need to gain or improve skills or work behaviors,
or secure a job reference, in order to find paid employment; and (2) The participant
should have little to no work history or no recent work history. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in workfare? (1) The number of hours a
SNAP E&T enrolled participant is assigned to participate in workfare is not
to exceed the FLSA maximum. (a) A SNAP E&T enrolled participant may choose (but is
not obligated) to participate for additional hours in one or more additional
SNAP E&T components. (b) A SNAP E&T enrolled participant who is an
able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), fulfills their work requirement
if they are assigned to and participate in workfare for the FLSA maximum each
month. (2) A SNAP E&T case
manager may assign workfare for a reasonable amount of time so the enrolled
participant can gain work experience and develop job skills; however, the
assignment is not to exceed six continuous months. (3) Immediately following
certification of SNAP benefits, but prior to making an assignment to workfare,
an E&T case manager may establish a job search period of up to thirty days.
This job search period is to be made as a workfare assignment and enrolled
participants are considered to be participating in and complying with the
conditions of workfare, including an enrolled E&T participant who is
subject to the able-bodied adult without dependents work requirement described
in rule 5101:4-3-13 of the Administrative Code. This job search period may only be established
at initial certification, not at recertification.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:38 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.4 | SNAP E&T education.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is education? Education is a component that provides a wide
range of activities that improve the basic skills and employability of enrolled
participants. County agencies are to design their education programs to at
least accomplish the following objectives: (1) Supplemental
nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training (E&T) enrolled
participants will participate in activities that directly enhance their
employability; and (2) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants with basic skills deficiencies will participate in activities
designed to measurably improve basic skills and literacy. (B) What activities are included in
education? (1) Basic education,
which includes: (a) High school or equivalent education; (b) Remedial education; (c) Adult basic education; (d) Basic literacy education; and (e) Instructional programs in English as a second language
(ESL). (2) Vocational education,
which includes: (a) Occupational training in technical job skills and
equivalent knowledge and abilities in a specific occupational
area; (b) Post-secondary education; and (c) Training offered by other entities such as public
secondary schools and public and private entities. (3) Job readiness
training activities which include, but are not limited to: (a) Identifying and overcoming personal barriers to
employment; (b) Building self-confidence and
self-promotion; (c) Good grooming and dress techniques; (d) Managing time, money, and household
budgets; (e) Obtaining proper dependent care and supervision of
dependents while working; (f) Conducting self-assessments to determine employment
options and training needs; (g) Learning and using good interviewing
techniques; (h) Understanding employer expectations; (i) Understanding benefits, taxes, deductions, and
hospitalization policies; (j) Being prompt and punctual for work; (k) Accepting supervision positively; (l) Relating to other employees; or (m) Retaining the job as a step toward security and
independence. (4) Educational programs
include, but are not limited to, courses or programs of study that are a part
of a program of career and technical education. "Career and technical
education" means: (a) A specialized public secondary school used exclusively
or principally for the provision of career and technical education to
individuals who are available for study in preparation for entering the labor
market; (b) The department of a public secondary school exclusively
or principally used for providing career and technical education in not fewer
than three different fields that are available to all students, especially in
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
occupations; (c) A public or nonprofit technical institution or career
and technical education school used exclusively or principally for the
provision of career and technical education to individuals who have completed
or left secondary school and who are available for study in preparation for
entering the labor market, if the institution or school admits, as regular
students, individuals who have completed secondary school and individuals who
have left secondary school; or (d) The department or division of an institution of higher
education, that operates under the policies of the eligible agency and that
provides career and technical education in not fewer than three different
occupational fields leading to immediate employment but not necessarily leading
to a baccalaureate degree, if the department or division admits, as regular
students, both individuals who have completed secondary school and individuals
who have left secondary school. (5) Other programs or
activities that expand the employability of SNAP E&T enrolled
participants. (C) How are education activities to be
implemented? (1) Each educational
activity is to have a direct-link to job readiness. (2) SNAP E&T funds
that are used for educational activities are not to supplant non-federal funds
for existing educational services and activities and SNAP E&T is not to be
charged more than what the general public would pay for the same
service. (3) Basic education:
Participation in this educational activity is to be based on the goal of
obtaining employment. (4) Vocational education:
Participation in this educational activity should assist enrolled participants
in obtaining useful employment in a recognized occupation. Vocational education
may include: occupational training in technical job skills and equivalent
knowledge and abilities in a specific occupational area; post-secondary
education; and training offered by other entities such as public secondary
schools and public and private entities. Ohio has aligned the allowable
programs to those administered by providers found on the workforce inventory of
education and training (WIET) list. (5) Job readiness
training: Participation in this educational activity should expand the
employability of enrolled participants by ensuring they become familiar with
general workplace expectations and exhibit work behavior and attitudes
necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. Various types of
structured programs qualify, such as rehabilitation, counseling, employability
assessments, training in techniques for employability, and job placement
services. (6) Educational programs:
Participation in this educational activity should assist the enrolled
participant in obtaining useful employment in a recognized occupation. These
educational programs may be offered concurrently or contextually with basic
education or vocational education. An educational program, course or program of
study does not have to receive funding from the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302) to be considered meeting the
definition of a career and technical education program. (7) Other programs or
activities: Other educational and training activities are allowable when the
case manager has determined participation will expand the employability of the
enrolled participant and there is a direct link between the activity and job
readiness. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in education? In addition to the suitability criteria described
in rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code, a SNAP E&T case manager is
to consider the following prior to making an assignment: (1) The SNAP E&T
enrolled participant should have already attained the necessary credentials (if
any) to enter the program. (2) For basic education
activities, the SNAP E&T enrolled participant does not possess basic
literacy skills (whether or not they have obtained a high school diploma or
equivalent education). (3) For job readiness
training, the SNAP E&T enrolled participant should be ready to work, but
could benefit from enhanced techniques related to seeking employment or may
benefit from additional "soft skills" training. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in education? (1) Educational
activities may vary in length, depending on the course work. As part of ongoing
progress monitoring, the SNAP E&T case manager is to ensure that SNAP
E&T enrolled participants are making satisfactory progress and that they
are likely to complete the course(s) as scheduled. (2) Assignments to
educational activities are not to be perpetual and the SNAP E&T case
manager is to ensure the SNAP E&T enrolled participant explored employment
opportunities at the conclusion of each assignment.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:38 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.5 | SNAP E&T job retention.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is job retention? The job retention component provides services to
individuals who have secured employment after having been enrolled in the
supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training
(E&T) program. County agencies are to design their job retention programs
to at least accomplish the following objective: Enrolled participants will receive services that
increase the likelihood of: (1) Continued
employment; (2) Satisfactory job
performance; and (3) Increased earnings
over time. (B) What activities are included in job
retention? Job retention services include, but are not
limited to: (1) Employer mediation; (2) Job coaching; (3) Workplace literacy; (4) Training/skills enhancement;
and (5) Supportive services provided in
accordance with rule 5101:4-9-03 of the Administrative Code. (C) How are job retention activities to
be implemented? The SNAP E&T case manager is to make a good
faith effort to provide job retention services for at least thirty days. SNAP
E&T case managers can demonstrate a good faith effort, in a number of ways
including, but not limited to: (1) Making a reasonable
number of attempts to contact the SNAP E&T enrolled
participant; (2) Discussing the thirty
day minimum period with the SNAP E&T enrolled participant; or (3) Outlining specific
steps the provider or the SNAP E&T enrolled participant will take over the
next thirty days to maintain a job. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in job retention? In addition to reviewing the suitability criteria
described in rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code and prior to making an
assignment, a SNAP E&T case manager is to verify the current or formerly
SNAP E&T enrolled participant: (1) Began employment
after or while participating in one or more other SNAP E&T components; and
(2) Is receiving SNAP in
the month of or month prior to beginning job retention services. Job retention
services can be provided when the SNAP E&T enrolled participant is no
longer in receipt of SNAP and is not: (a) Sanctioned for failing to meet a general work
requirement; or (b) Disqualified due to an intentional program violation in
accordance with division 5101:6 of the Administrative Code. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in job retention? (1) Job retention
services are to be offered for no more than ninety days. (2) A SNAP E&T
enrolled participant can receive job retention services for more than one job
at the same time. The job retention time limits apply to each job separately
and may overlap. (3) There is no limit to
the number of times a SNAP E&T enrolled participant can receive job
retention services so long as prior to obtaining new employment, the SNAP
E&T enrolled participant re-engages with the SNAP E&T
program. (4) For an able-bodied
adult without dependents (ABAWD), hours spent in job retention activities may
be used to fulfill the ABAWD work requirement. However, supportive services are
not to be used to fulfill the ABAWD work requirement and a SNAP E&T case
manager is to ensure that an assignment to job retention does not include hours
dedicated to providing or receiving supportive services.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:38 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-07.6 | SNAP E&T work experience.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
(A) What is work experience? Work experience is a component designed to
provide a planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a
workplace for a limited period of time and improves the employability of
supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training
(E&T) enrolled participants through actual work experience or training, or
both. County agencies are to design their work experience programs to at least
accomplish the following objectives: (1) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants will move promptly into regular public or private employment as a
result of the experience; and (2) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants will acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits
necessary to obtain employment. (B) What activities are included in work
experience? Work experiences include either: (1) A work activity
performed in exchange for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP)
benefits that provides an enrolled participant with an opportunity to acquire
the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment.
A work activity can be arranged within the private for-profit sector, the
non-profit sector, or the public sector (as opposed to the workfare component
which is to take place at a public or private non-profit institution). Work
activity is a training program and should include: (a) Clearly articulated outcome goals; (b) Intentional day-to-day activities that are designed to
improve someone's skills and employability; and (c) A planned start date and end date. (2) A work-based learning
program that emphasizes employer engagement and enables enrolled participants
to move into regular public or private employment. A work-based learning
program in SNAP E&T is a sustained interaction with industry or community
professionals in real world settings (or simulated environments at an
educational institution) that includes an element of training that fosters
in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks in a given field that are aligned
to curriculum and instruction. A county agency determines which work-based
learning activities to offer, if any. Except for on-the-job training, a county
agency also determines if the activities will be paid or unpaid, and whether or
not to subsidize the wages with E&T funds. Program activities can include,
but are not limited to: (a) Internships: A planned, structured learning experience
that takes place in a workplace for a limited period of time with the goal to
build technical and job awareness skills. Internships may be paid or unpaid and
consistent with other laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (9/2019). An
internship may be arranged within the private for profit sector , the
non-profit sector, or the public sector. (b) Pre-apprenticeships/apprenticeships: A program or set
of strategies designed to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship
program. Pre-Apprenticeships may be used to provide work experiences that can
help obtain the skills needed to be placed into a registered apprenticeship.
Pre-Apprenticeship services and programs are designed to prepare individuals to
enter and succeed in registered apprenticeship programs. (c) Customized training: Training that is designed to meet
the unique needs of an employer (including a group of employers); that is
conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ an individual upon
successful completion of the training; for which the employer pays for a
significant cost of the training. (d) Transitional jobs: A transitional job provides a work
experience for a limited period of time, that is wage-paid and subsidized, and
is in the public, private, or non-profit sectors for those individuals with
barriers to employment who are chronically unemployed or have inconsistent work
history. These jobs are designed to enable a person to establish a work
history, demonstrate work success in an employee-employer relationship, and
develop the skills that lead to unsubsidized employment. (e) Incumbent worker training: A program designed to meet
the unique needs of an employer (including a group of employers) to retain a
skilled workforce or avert the need to lay off employees by assisting the
workers in obtaining the skills necessary to retain employment; and conducted
with a commitment by the employer to retain or avert the layoffs of the
incumbent worker(s) trained. (f) On-the-job workers training (OJT): A work placement
made through a contract with an employer or registered apprenticeship program
sponsor in the public, private non-profit, or private sector. Through the
on-the-job training (OJT) contract, occupational training is provided for the
participant in exchange for the reimbursement, typically up to fifty per cent
of the wage rate of the participant, for the extraordinary costs of providing
the training and supervision related to the training. An OJT contract is to be
limited to the period of time necessary for a participant to become proficient
in the occupation for which the training is being provided. In determining the
appropriate length of the contract, consideration should be given to the skills
that are necessary to the occupation, the academic and occupational skill level
of the participant, prior work experience, and the participant's
individual employment plan. Wages are reimbursed at a set percentage by the
organization to the employer for the length of the contract. OJT also carries
the expectation that the participant will be hired by the employer in a
permanent position when the contract ends. (C) How are work experience activities to
be implemented? (1) Prior to making an
assignment, the SNAP E&T case manager is to calculate the maximum number of
hours that may be assigned each month by dividing the amount of the enrolled
participant's SNAP allotment divided by the federal or state minimum wage,
whichever is higher. This is referred to as the "FLSA maximum."
(2) Regardless of the
activity, a work experience: (a) Is not to provide any work that has the effect of
replacing the employment of an individual not participating in the employment
or training experience program; and (b) Is to provide the same benefits and working conditions
that are provided at the job site to employees performing comparable work for
comparable hours. (3) SNAP E&T enrolled
participants are not to be used to fill existing vacant positions and no
participant is to perform work that has the effect of reducing the work or
promotional opportunities of employees. They may, however, perform the same
type of work as the employee. Reducing the work of employees means reducing the
number of hours, wages or employment benefits of regular or part-time
employees, or reducing the number of positions that the employer certifies
would otherwise be filled by regular employees. (D) Who is best suited for participation
in work experience? Individuals who are work-ready and who, in the
judgment of the SNAP E&T case manager, can move promptly into regular
public or private employment as a result of their participation. (E) What are the limitations on
participating in work experience? (1) The number of hours
an enrolled participant is assigned to participate in a work experience is not
to exceed the FLSA maximum. (a) An enrolled participant may choose (but is not
obligated) to participate for additional hours in one or more additional SNAP
E&T components. (b) An enrolled participant who is an able-bodied adult
without dependents (ABAWD), does not fulfill their work requirement merely by
participating in a work experience for the FLSA maximum each month. If the
ABAWD did not complete enough hours through E&T to fulfill their work
requirement, they are to identify other opportunities to fulfill their work
requirement. (c) Subsidized work-based learning activities are limited
to once every twelve months for each participant. (d) A county agency is not to subsidize the wages of more
than three per cent of the workforce at any one time for any employer or SNAP
E&T provider in the private for-profit sector. (2) A SNAP E&T case
manager may assign an enrolled participant to a work experience for a
reasonable amount of time; however, the assignment is not to exceed six
continuous months. However, if an individual is participating in a registered
apprenticeship program and the program is to last longer than six months, the
individual may complete the full apprenticeship program.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:38 AM
|
Rule 5101:4-9-08 | SNAP E&T federal reporting.
Effective:
October 1, 2024
The Ohio department of job and family services
(ODJFS) provides regular reports to the food and nutrition service (FNS) within
the U.S. department of agriculture, regarding the administration of the
supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) employment and training
(E&T) program. This rule describes the information that is reported to FNS
and a county agency's responsibility for ensuring the data is reliable and
accurate. What information is reported to FNS? (A) The SNAP E&T program activity
report (referred to as the FNS-583 report). (1) The FNS-583 report is
how FNS monitors participation in SNAP E&T and is the basis for how the
state receives federal funding for the operation of SNAP E&T. The report
includes: (a) Line 1: the number of individuals in receipt of SNAP on
the first of October who are subject to the general work requirements described
in rule 5101:4-3-12 of the Administrative Code. This number is reported on the
first quarterly report submitted to FNS; (b) Line 2: the number of individuals determined to be
subject to the general work requirements described in rule 5101:4-3-12 of the
Administrative Code for each month. This number is reported quarterly to FNS
and does not include individuals reported on line 1. (c) Line 3: the number of individuals subject to the
able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) work requirement described in
rule 5101:4-3-13 of the Administrative Code who are participating in qualifying
activities in order to meet the requirement. This number is reported quarterly
to FNS; (d) Line 4: the number of all other recipients (including
ABAWDs involved in activities that do not meet their work requirement)
participating in SNAP E&T components. This number is reported quarterly to
FNS; (e) Line 5: the number of ABAWD case months used if any
discretionary exemptions were allowed. This number is reported quarterly to
FNS; (f) Line 6: the number of SNAP E&T enrolled
participants provided with case management services in accordance with rule
5101:4-9-04 of the Administrative Code. This number is reported on the fourth
quarterly report submitted to FNS; (g) Line 7: the number of SNAP E&T enrolled
participants who participated in each SNAP E&T component during the fiscal
year. This number is reported on the fourth quarterly report submitted to FNS;
and (h) Line 8: the number of SNAP E&T program participants
during the fiscal year. This number is reported on the fourth quarterly report
submitted to FNS. This number is reported on the fourth quarterly report
submitted to FNS. (2) In order to ensure
that the data submitted to FNS is accurate and reliable, county agencies are to
utilize the Ohio benefits integrated eligibility system as instructed,
to: (a) Determine exemptions from work requirements in
accordance with rule 5101:4-3-11 of the Administrative Code; (b) Document comprehensive assessment results in accordance
with rule 5101:4-9-02 of the Administrative Code; and (c) Document SNAP E&T assignments and supportive
services, including assignments to case management, in accordance with Chapter
5101:4-9 of the Administrative Code. (B) Federal outcome
measures. ODJFS submits an annual E&T report by January
first each year that contains the following information for the preceding
federal fiscal year: (1) The number and
percentage of SNAP E&T enrolled participants and formerly SNAP E&T
enrolled participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second
quarter after disenrollment from SNAP E&T; (2) The number and
percentage of SNAP E&T enrolled participants and formerly SNAP E&T
enrolled participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth
quarter after disenrollment from SNAP E&T; (3) The median average
quarterly earnings of SNAP E&T enrolled participants and formerly SNAP
E&T enrolled participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the
second quarter after disenrollment from SNAP E&T; (4) The total number and
percentage of SNAP E&T enrolled participants that completed an educational,
training work experience or an on-the-job training component; and (5) A disaggregation of
SNAP E&T enrolled participants by the number and percentage of certain
demographics and participant characteristics. (C) State outcome measures. (1) The median average
quarterly earnings of SNAP E&T enrolled participants and formerly SNAP
E&T enrolled participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the
first quarter after disenrollment from SNAP E&T; (2) The median average
quarterly earnings of SNAP E&T enrolled participants and formerly SNAP
E&T enrolled participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the
third quarter after disenrollment from SNAP E&T; (3) The number and
percentage of former SNAP E&T enrolled participants who became ineligible
for SNAP within thirty days of disenrolling from SNAP E&T due to a reason
other than non-compliance, and began receiving SNAP benefits again within one
quarter; (4) The number and
percentage of former SNAP E&T enrolled participants who became ineligible
for SNAP within thirty days of disenrolling from SNAP E&T due to a reason
other than non-compliance, and began receiving SNAP benefits again within two
quarters; and (5) The number and
percentage of formerly SNAP E&T enrolled participants who are employed with
the same employer in the first and second quarters after disenrollment from
SNAP E&T.
Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:38 AM
|
