calfresh_et_handbook_-_attachment_5_v2.pdf

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December 27, 2022

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ALL COUNTY LETTER NO. 22-99

The purpose of this All County Letter is to provide all entities responsible for the administration of the CalFresh Employment and Training (E&T) program and stakeholders with consolidated policy guidance through the release of the CalFresh E&T Handbook.

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December 27, 2022

ALL COUNTY LETTER NO. 22-99

TO: ALL COUNTY WELFARE DIRECTORS

ALL COUNTY CALFRESH SPECIALISTS

ALL QUALITY CONTROL COORDINATORS

ALL CALFRESH EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

REPRESENTATIVES

ALL CONSORTIA REPRESENTATIVES

SUBJECT: CALFRESH EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING HANDBOOK

REFERENCE: TITLE 2 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR) 200.1; 2 CFR

200.303; 2 CFR 200.306; 2 CFR 200.313; 2 CFR 200.421; 2 CFR

200.423-424; 2 CFR 200.426; 2 CFR 200.429; 2 CFR 200.439; 2 CFR

200.445; 2 CFR 200.469; 2 CFR 200.475; 2 CFR 415.2; 2 CFR

200.330-333; 2 CFR 200.403-405; 2 CFR 200.412-414; 2 CFR

200.430-438; 2 CFR 200.441-442; 2 CFR 200.449-451; 2 CFR

200.453-454; 2 CFR 200.464-467; 2 CFR APPENDIX V to PART 200 ;

7 CFR 273.24; 7 CFR 273.7; 7 CFR 275.5; 7 CFR 275.16; 7 CFR

PART 277 APPENDIX A; 20 CFR 618.110; 20 CFR 680.190; 20 CFR

680.720; 20 CFR 680.730; 34 CFR 463.31; 34 CFR 463.35; 45 CFR

PART 75 SUBPART E; 45 CFR 98.43; ALL COUNTY LETTER (ACL)

NO. 19-93; ACL NO. 20-10; ACL NO. 21-48; ACL NO. 22-38; ACL

NO. 22-67; ACL NO. 22-74; ALL COUNTY INFORMATION NOTICE

(ACIN) I-57-21; ALL COUNTY WELFARE DIRECTORS LETTER

(ACWDL) JULY 14, 2021; COUNTY FISCAL LETTER (CFL) NO.

19/20-05; CFL NO. 20/21-48; CFL NO. 20/21-105; CFL NO. 20/21-

106; CFL NO. 21/22-115; FNS INSTRUCTION 113-1, SECTION IX;

FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2008; INTERIM FINAL RULE:

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING (E&T) PROGRAM MONITORING,

OVERSIGHT, AND REPORTING MEASURES; PUBLIC LAW (P.L.)

SECTION 134(c)(2)(A)(xii)(II); SNAP CLARIFICATION OF E&T

OUTCOME REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Q&A PART II; 29

UNITED STATES CODE (U.S.C.) 3102 SECTION 3;

APPRENTICESHIP.GOV

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.303 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.423 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.303 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.445 https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2017-01-03/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D#p-200.330(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.445 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.430 https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2017-01-03/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D#p-200.330(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.453 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.453 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20V%20to%20Part%20200#p-Appendix-V-to-Part-200(A.)(1.)

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-277/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%20277 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-680/subpart-F/section-680.720 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR5d90ba314caea08 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-680/subpart-F/section-680.720 https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2019/19-93_ES.pdf https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2019/19-93_ES.pdf https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACINs/2021/I-57_21.pdf?ver=2021-06-17-065444-353 https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACINs/2021/I-57_21.pdf?ver=2021-06-17-065444-353 https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/CFLs/2019/19-20-05_ES.pdf?ver=2019-10-04-140941-067 https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/CFLs/2021/20-21_106.pdf?ver=2021-06-30-163638-900 https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/CFLs/2021/20-21_106.pdf?ver=2021-06-30-163638-900 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-032416 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-032416 https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-032416 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-113publ128/pdf/PLAW-113publ128.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-113publ128/pdf/PLAW-113publ128.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/29/3102 https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/snap/Clarification-SNAP-EandT-Outcome-Reporting-PartII.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/29/3102 http://www.apprenticeship.gov/

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All County Letter No. 22-99 Page Two

The purpose of this All County Letter (ACL) is to provide all entities responsible for the administration of the CalFresh Employment and Training (E&T) program and stakeholders with consolidated policy guidance through the release of the CalFresh E&T Handbook.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to providing all CalFresh applicants and recipients with high quality employment and training services, that increase participant employment and earning capacity, by providing the support needed to obtain skills and credentialing.

BACKGROUND

Over time, policy guidance has been released regarding the CalFresh E&T program via ACLs, All County Information Notices (ACINs), All County Welfare Director Letters (ACWDLs) and County Fiscal Letters (CFLs). The CDSS has developed the CalFresh E&T Handbook to consolidate policy guidance.

The CalFresh E&T Handbook is intended to provide a comprehensive narrative encompassing federal and state laws, regulations, and other instructional documents in order to guide program development, administration, and expansion. The information presented in this handbook is organized in five sections:

I. Program Model: This section provides guidance on the basics of CalFresh E&T program design and structure.

II. Partnerships: This section provides guidance on strategies for partnerships.

III. Fiscal: This section provides guidance on fiscal policy and regulations related to the CalFresh E&T grant.

IV. Data and Reporting: This section provides guidance regarding the reporting requirements for both the state and federal reports.

V. Management Evaluations: This section describes the process and requirements for monitoring the fiscal and programmatic compliance of the CalFresh E&T program.

The CalFresh E&T Handbook can also be found on the CalFresh E&T webpage. If you have any questions or need additional guidance regarding the information in this letter, contact the CalFresh E&T Section at CalFreshEandT@dss.ca.gov.

Sincerely, Original Document Signed By

JENNIFER TROIA

Chief Deputy Director California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh/employment-and-training mailto:CalFreshEandT@dss.ca.gov

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CALFRESH

EMPLOYMENT AND

TRAINING HANDBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART I: PROGRAM MODEL

ANNUAL PLAN

CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS

ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT

CERTIFICATION AND SCREENING

PARTICIPANT REFERRAL

CASE MANAGEMENT

COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES

PART II: PARTNERSHIPS

INTERMEDIARY

TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS

STATE PARTNERS

PARTNER CONSIDERATIONS

PROVIDER DETERMINATION

STRATEGIC CO-ENROLLMENT

PART III: FISCAL POLICY

FUNDING CONTINGENCIES

REALLOCATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS

FUNDING BASICS

ALLOWABLE COSTS

UNALLOWABLE COSTS

SUPPLANTATION

TIME RECORDS

PASS-THROUGH ENTITIES

SUBRECIPIENTS

CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT

COST PRINCIPLES

COST ALLOCATION PLAN

PART IV: DATA AND REPORTING

DEFINITIONS

PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES REPORT

CALFRESH WORK REGISTRANTS, ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS, QUARTERLY STATISTICAL

REPORT

PROGRESS REPORT

PART V: MANAGEMENT EVALUATION

BACKGROUND

MANAGEMENT EVALUATION REVIEW

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

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INTRODUCTION

In accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, each state must offer a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program. In California, the program is called CalFresh E&T.

The purpose of the CalFresh E&T program is to increase the employment and earning capacity of CalFresh recipients by providing participants with the support needed to obtain skills and credentialing. CalFresh E&T provides participants with case management services and access to basic education, work experience, training, and job search assistance, as well as supportive services to assist with expenses related to finding and retaining work.

CalFresh E&T has five strategic goals:

1. Increase job placement, retention, and wages;

2. Increase CalFresh E&T participation across a dynamic mix of people, communities and cultures;

3. Increase employability by removing barriers to employment;

4. Increase skills attainment and credentialing; and

5. Lead an efficient and effective customer focused CalFresh E&T program.

PART I: PROGRAM MODEL

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the entity responsible for federal oversight of SNAP and E&T services. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is the entity responsible for state oversight of CalFresh and E&T services, which are administered locally through County Welfare Departments (CWDs). The CWDs are not mandated to offer a CalFresh E&T program but may choose to do so voluntarily. Tribal organizations may also choose to offer a CalFresh E&T program.

The CWDs and tribal organizations have the autonomy to design programs around CalFresh E&T components and activities, population characteristics, in-demand occupations, service providers, and available funding sources. Services may be provided directly by the CWD or tribal organization, or through partner entities in which they have an agreement.

The CDSS also enters into agreements with partner entities, known as state partners, to provide targeted CalFresh E&T services throughout the state with coordination and approval of the CWDs and tribal organizations.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fna-2008-amended-through-pl-116-94

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ANNUAL PLAN

The CDSS is required to submit the CalFresh E&T Annual Plan to the FNS by August 15 of each calendar year. The CDSS receives the authority and funding to administer the CalFresh E&T program upon approval of the CDSS CalFresh E&T Annual Plan by the FNS, as outlined in Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 273.7(c)(8). The CDSS CalFresh E&T Annual Plan is considered a legal agreement between the CDSS and the FNS.

The CalFresh E&T Annual Plan is comprised of all locally administered and state partner plans. All plans must include the program components to be offered, detailed estimations of participant counts, and associated administrative and supportive service costs. All entities responsible for the administration of the CalFresh E&T program must submit an Annual Plan to the CDSS in order to secure funds for the following Federal Fiscal Year (FFY).

After approval of the CDSS CalFresh E&T Annual Plan, all program changes must be submitted via an amendment to alter program components, add/remove partnerships, amend budgets, or request additional funds. All entities responsible for the administration of CalFresh E&T must submit plan amendments to the CDSS 60 days prior to implementation, and before May 31 of each calendar year to be considered.

CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

BOARDS

CWDs are required to design their CalFresh E&T programs in consultation with Local Workforce Development Boards (LWBDs), as described in All County Letter (ACL) No.

21-48. CWDs have the flexibility to consult with private employers or employer organizations in lieu of LWDBs, if they can demonstrate it is more effective or efficient, per 7 CFR 273.7(c)(5). Tribal organizations and state partners should also design their CalFresh E&T programs in consultation with the LWDBs.

CWDs are encouraged to partner with the LWDBs, community-based organizations (CBOs), adult education centers, employers, and other existing workforce providers to leverage resources, braid funding, and respond to community needs with access to quality training and supportive services. The CalFresh E&T program aligns with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to increase coordination between CalFresh E&T and other workforce development programs within the state. CWDs must include in their Annual Plan submission the extent to which CalFresh E&T activities will be carried out in coordination with the activities under WIOA.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(8) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(8) https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2021/21-48.pdf?ver=2021-04-27-141253-977 https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2021/21-48.pdf?ver=2021-04-27-141253-977 https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(5)

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ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT

Enrollment and participation in the CalFresh E&T program are voluntary for eligible CalFresh recipients. CalFresh recipients are not required to enroll in the CalFresh E&T program to keep their CalFresh benefits, and participants cannot have their CalFresh benefits sanctioned for failure to participate. All entities providing CalFresh E&T services are responsible for confirmation of a participant’s eligibility each month.

CalFresh E&T participants must be:

• At least 16 years of age (Note: A person aged 16 or 17 who is not the head of household, or who is attending school, or enrolled in an employment and training program on at least a half-time basis cannot participate);

• In receipt of federally funded CalFresh food assistance benefits; and

• Not subject to any work requirement under Title IV of the Social Security Act, such as through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known in California as the California Work Opportunity Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program.

Target Populations

The CalFresh E&T program serves diverse populations whose characteristics may differ between counties. All entities responsible for the administration of services are encouraged to design their programs to meet the needs of their local populations and economies. Some examples of target populations are:

• Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs);

• English language learners (ELL)/those who speak English as a second language

(ESL);

• Formerly incarcerated;

• General Assistance/General Relief (GA/GR) participants/recipients;

• Homeless individuals and families;

• Students; and

• Timed-out CalWORKs participants.

CERTIFICATION AND SCREENING

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c), the CWDs are responsible for the following during the certification of CalFresh benefits:

• Registering each non-exempt household member for work;

• Screening for ABAWD exemptions;

• Providing written and oral notification, of the CalFresh work rules, to all CalFresh recipients as described in ACL No. 22-74;

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c) https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2022/22-74.pdf?ver=2022-09-02-104321-310

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• Notifying individuals of available employment services;

• Referring CalFresh recipients to appropriate workforce partnerships; and

• Referring appropriate individuals to CalFresh E&T, if available.

Work Registration

The CWDs assume responsibility for the work registration process. As part of the initial application and recertification interview, the CWDs must determine which individuals in the household are work registrants. This information must be noted in the case record.

In accordance with ACL No. 20-10 and 7 CFR 273.7(b)(1), all CalFresh recipients are subject to work registration unless they qualify for an exemption. Individuals are exempt from work registration if they are:

• Under 16 or over 59 years of age (A person aged 16 or 17 who is not the head of household, or who is attending school, or enrolled in an employment and training program on at least a half-time basis is also exempt);

• Physically or mentally unfit for employment;

• Subject to and complying with any work requirement under Title IV of the Social

Security Act, including CalWORKs;

• A parent of, or responsible for the care of, a dependent child under age six (The child does not have to be a CalFresh recipient or living in the home);

• Responsible for the care of an incapacitated person (The incapacitated person does not have to be a CalFresh recipient or living in the home);

• Receiving, or have applied for, unemployment insurance benefits;

• A regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program;

• Employed or self-employed at least 30-hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30-hours; or

• Enrolled in a school, training program or institution of higher education on at least a half time basis.

Regulations at 7 CFR 273.7(a) establish the following requirements for work registrants.

All work registrants must:

• Register for work or be registered by the CWD at the time of application and every 12-months thereafter;

• Participate in mandatory E&T, if assigned by the CWD (CalFresh E&T is a voluntary program in all participating CWDs);

• Provide enough information to determine employment status or availability for work;

• Report to an employer when referred by the CWD or its designee;

• Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment; and

• Not voluntarily quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work hours to https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2020/20-10.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(b)(1) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(a)

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CDSS/CalFresh Employment & Training Page 10 of fewer than 30-hours a week in accordance with regulations as defined in 7 CFR 273.7(j).

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

An ABAWD, as defined in 7 CFR 273.24, is a CalFresh recipient, age 18 through 49, who is able-bodied without dependent children and does not meet the criteria for an exemption from the ABAWD time limit. ABAWD eligibility for CalFresh is time-limited to any three full months of benefits in a 36-month period unless the individual:

• Satisfies the ABAWD work requirement (CalFresh E&T components may satisfy the ABAWD hourly requirement, but enrollment of ABAWDs into CalFresh E&T remains voluntary);

• Is exempt from the ABAWD time limit;

• Qualifies for an additional three consecutive month period of eligibility; or

• Lives in a county or area with an ABAWD time limit waiver.

More detailed information about ABAWD policy is in the ABAWD Handbook 2.0 as published in ACL No. 19-93.

PARTICIPANT REFERRAL

Individuals who have been certified for CalFresh benefits and screened for work registration and ABAWD exemptions may participate in the CalFresh E&T program upon referral by the CWD. In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(2), the CWD is responsible for determining whether it is appropriate, based on the CWD’s criteria, to refer the individual to CalFresh E&T.

Criteria for Referral

The CDSS criteria for referral to the CalFresh E&T program is inclusive of all CalFresh applicants and recipients whom are interested in services. The CDSS referral criteria includes, but is not limited to, work registrants and non-work registrants, recent work history, individuals proficient in English, English-language learners, individual interest in programs offered, access to technology if program related, and participant reimbursement needs.

The CWD has the flexibility and responsibility to develop CWD criteria to determine who will be referred to the CalFresh E&T program. The CDSS encourages CWDs to consider the following when developing their criteria for referral:

• Availability of participant reimbursements;

• Criteria for participation in the activities offered;

• Accessibility of services where participants live; and

• Participant needs and preferences.

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(j) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(j) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-G/section-273.24#p-273.24(a) https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2019/19-93_ES.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(2)

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Direct Referral

The CWD eligibility worker is responsible for the referral of CalFresh applicants and/or recipients to the CalFresh E&T program after screening for work registration and appropriateness for participation. The referral takes place during the certification process, at either application or recertification. As part of the referral process, the eligibility worker must provide information about the next steps for accessing the CalFresh E&T program. The CWD eligibility worker must be familiar with services offered by the CalFresh E&T program to ensure appropriateness of the referral.

Reverse Referral

If an individual has not been screened and referred to the CalFresh E&T program by the CWD during the certification process, but subsequently learns about a CalFresh E&T provider program on their own, the provider may ask the CWD to screen and refer the individual to that specific program. The CWD remains responsible for determination of CalFresh benefit eligibility, work registration status, ABAWD exemptions, and appropriateness for referral to the CalFresh E&T program as required by 7 CFR 273.7(c)(2).

CalFresh Confirm Tool

The CalFresh Confirm tool allows CalFresh E&T providers to confirm CalFresh E&T eligibility for the current and previous 12 months. To streamline administrative responsibilities, the CalFresh Confirm tool provides an alternative method to screen for initial and ongoing eligibility in accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(2). CalFresh E&T eligibility must be confirmed for each month of participation for reporting and invoicing purposes. More information regarding the CalFresh Confirm tool is located in the All County Welfare Directors Letter (ACWDL) July 14, 2021.

CASE MANAGEMENT

In addition to providing at least one component, all CalFresh E&T programs must provide case management services, as described in 7 CFR 273.7(e)(1). The purpose of case management services is to guide a participant toward appropriate components and activities based on the participant’s needs and interests, support the participant in the program, and provide activities and resources that help the participant achieve program goals. Case management may include comprehensive intake assessments, employability assessments, individualized service plans, progress monitoring, and coordination with service providers.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(c)(2) https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACWDL/2021/ACWDL_(7-14-21).pdf?ver=2021-07-14-131324-590 https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACWDL/2021/ACWDL_(7-14-21).pdf?ver=2021-07-14-131324-590 https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(1)

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Comprehensive Intake Assessment

A comprehensive intake assessment is the initial meeting with the participant during which the case manager gathers information to address the participant’s immediate needs to encourage engagement in CalFresh E&T services. This includes collecting and evaluating information to identify a participant’s employment capabilities, interests, barriers, and supportive service needs.

Employability Assessment

An employability assessment examines an individual's readiness for employment;

assesses skills such as applied academic skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills; identifies barriers to work; and highlights past work experience. Job skills assessments, which determine whether an individual has the skills appropriate for a specific job, may be included in the employability assessment.

Individualized Service Plan

An individualized service plan is developed jointly by the participant and CalFresh E&T provider as an ongoing strategy to identify employment goals, achievement objectives, and an appropriate combination of services for the participant to achieve their education and/or employment goals.

Progress Monitoring

Progress monitoring includes tracking participant progress in the form of, at minimum, monthly case notes. CalFresh E&T providers must track participant activities and supportive service delivery in order to ensure appropriate services are provided to eligible participants.

Coordination with Service Providers

Coordination amongst service providers is intended to help participants locate, access, and coordinate a network of supports and services that will help them to succeed.

Service coordination includes assistance to participants in planning, developing, choosing, gaining access to, coordinating, and monitoring the provision of needed services and supports. Service coordination responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing, implementing and monitoring the participant; establishing and maintaining a case record; and providing general oversight of services and supports.

Entities administering the CalFresh E&T program that refer or co-enroll participants with multiple service providers should ensure providers do not provide duplicate services.

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COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES

A CalFresh E&T component is defined as a service, activity, or program designed to help CalFresh recipients gain skills, training, or work experience. Multiple activities may exist under each component. One or more components may be offered based on regional need, capacity, and funding availability. A participant may enroll in multiple components simultaneously or in sequence, when available. In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(11)(iii), an individual is considered a CalFresh E&T participant upon attending at least one part of the program, including an orientation, assessment, case management, or a component.

Orientation and assessment are CalFresh E&T activities that inform participants about available services. Individuals who attend orientation and/or assessment must be tracked to meet federal and state reporting requirements. Orientation and/or assessment are typically the first activities participants engage in prior to starting a component. Of note, orientation and assessment are initial participation activities, not components.

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2), all components must require a certain level of effort by participants. The level of effort should be comparable to spending approximately 12 hours per month for two months making job contacts (less in workfare or work experience components if the household's benefit divided by the minimum wage is less than this amount).

CalFresh E&T components include:

• Education;

• Job Retention;

• Self-Employment Training (SET);

• Supervised Job Search;

• Work Experience; and

• Workfare.

Education

The education component includes a wide range of activities that improve basic skills, literacy, and employability. All education activities must have a direct link to employment and help participants move promptly into employment, as specified in 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)(vi). Allowable education program components include, but are not limited to:

• Adult Basic Education (ABE) and/or Foundational Skills Instruction;

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) and/or Vocational Training;

https://cdss.sharepoint.com/sites/FEEDCalFreshEmploymentTrainingSection-EmploymentandTrainingSection/Shared%20Documents/Employment%20and%20Training%20Section/CalFresh%20E%26T%20Handbook%20DRAFT/CalFresh%20E%26T%20Handbook%2C%20Compiled/7%20CFR%20273.7(c)(11)(iii) https://cdss.sharepoint.com/sites/FEEDCalFreshEmploymentTrainingSection-EmploymentandTrainingSection/Shared%20Documents/Employment%20and%20Training%20Section/CalFresh%20E%26T%20Handbook%20DRAFT/CalFresh%20E%26T%20Handbook%2C%20Compiled/7%20CFR%20273.7(c)(11)(iii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2)(vi) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2)(vi)

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• English Language Acquisition (ELA);

• Integrated Education and Training (IET) or Bridge Programs; and

• Work Readiness Training (WRT).

Adult Basic Education and/or Foundational Skills Instruction

ABE programs serve adults working toward a High School Diploma (HSD), a General Education Diploma (GED), and/or improving basic literacy skills. Foundational skills instruction improves basic literacy, numeracy, and transferrable skills.

Career and Technical Education and/or Vocational Training

Allowable educational programs or activities under a CTE and/or Vocational Training program may include, but are not limited to, courses or programs of study that are part of a program of career and technical education as defined in Section 3 of the Carl D.

Perkins Act of 2006.

English Language Acquisition

In accordance with 34 CFR 463.31, the ELA component must be :

• Designed to help eligible individuals who are English language learners achieve competence in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension of the English language; and

• Leads to attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent;

and transition to postsecondary education and training; or employment.

Examples of ELA include, but are not limited to ESL, ELL and vocational English as a second language.

Integrated Education and Training or Bridge Programs

The IET component combines occupational skills training and basic academic skills instruction to increase and expedite the educational and career advancement of participants. As described in 34 CFR 463.35, IET is a service approach that provides adult education and literacy activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement.

Bridge programs prepare adults to enroll in postsecondary education and training and provide a combination of academic and occupational instruction, career guidance, and support services. These programs combine basic skill instruction in reading, math, writing, English language, and GED test preparation with occupational content, employment skills, and college success strategies.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/senate-bill/250/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/senate-bill/250/text https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-463/subpart-D/section-463.31 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-463/subpart-D/section-463.35

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Work Readiness Training

The WRT component includes educational programs or activities designed to improve basic skills, build work readiness, or otherwise improve employability and includes educational programs determined to expand the job search abilities or employability of participants. WRT can include instruction of topics such as general skills building, developing good work habits, and building a work history. Work readiness skills are often referred to as soft skills.

Job Retention

The job retention component provides case management and supportive services to participants for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days after employment is secured. As described in 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)(viii), the start date for job retention services may be determined utilizing the date hired provided that the individual received CalFresh benefits in the month of or the month prior to beginning job retention services.

Only individuals who received employment and training services under another qualifying CalFresh E&T component prior to obtaining new or improved employment are eligible for job retention services. Supportive services may include assistance with transportation, childcare, or ancillary items such as uniforms and tools.

Self-Employment Training

The SET component improves participant employability by providing training in opening and operating a small business or other self-employment venture. SET is an option for workers in many career fields and industries. It can help participants start, advance, or enhance their career. Self-employment options include but are not limited to:

• Gig employment, defined as a single project or task for which a worker is hired, often through a digital marketplace, to work on demand;

• Freelance work, which is often used to apply to more skilled and long-term projects. Freelancers apply their skills or talent on a pay-for-service basis, outside of a regular employer-employee relationship. Examples of freelance work may include web design, writing, repair services, landscaping, accounting, photography, or personal fitness coaching; and

• Starting a business with a physical location and/or employing others to make or sell goods or provide services.

Supervised Job Search

As defined in 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)(i), supervised job search must occur at approved locations where the activities of participants are directly supervised and tracked.

Approved locations include any location deemed suitable by the entity responsible for https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273#p-273.7(e)(2)(viii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2)(i)

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CDSS/CalFresh Employment & Training Page 16 of the administration of the CalFresh E&T program where the participant has access to the tools and materials needed to perform supervised job search. Tools used in the supervised job search program may include virtual tools, such as websites, portals, or web applications. Entities responsible for administering the CalFresh E&T program are encouraged to offer a variety of locations and formats to best meet participant needs and, to the extent practicable, allow participants to choose their preferred location.

Supervision can occur separately with respect to the participant's job search activities, but must be provided by skilled staff, either remotely or in-person, who provide meaningful guidance and support with at least monthly check-ins. Supervision must be provided in a manner that best supports the participant.

Supervised job search activities must demonstrate a direct link to increasing the employment opportunities of individuals engaged in the activity. Job search that does not meet the definition of supervised job search is allowed as a subsidiary activity of another component, if the job search activity comprises less than half of the total time spent in the component.

All entities responsible for administration of the CalFresh E&T program may establish a supervised job search period that will provide participants a reasonable opportunity to find suitable employment. However, they should not establish a continuous, year-round supervised job search component. If a reasonable period of supervised job search does not result in employment, placing the individual in a training or education component to improve job skills will likely be more productive. Individuals may participate in supervised job search from the time a CalFresh application is filed.

In accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and 7 CFR 273.24, a supervised job search program is not a qualifying activity relating to the participation requirements necessary to maintain CalFresh eligibility for ABAWDs. However, a job search program, supervised or otherwise, when operated under Title I of the WIOA, under section 236 of the Trade Act, or a program of employment and training for veterans operated by the Department of Labor (DOL) or the Department of Veterans Affairs, is considered a qualifying activity relating to the participation requirements necessary to maintain CalFresh eligibility for ABAWDs. Services and activities under this component may include, but are not limited to:

• Job search training;

• Master application;

• Mock interviews; and

• Resume development.

Workfare

Participants may work off the value of their household’s monthly CalFresh benefit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fna-2008-amended-through-pl-116-94 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-273.24

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CDSS/CalFresh Employment & Training Page 17 of allotment through a workfare assignment at a public or private non-profit organization.

Participants cannot complete workfare at for-profit organizations or employers.

Participants in this component gain valuable work experience and increase employability by participating in a variety of workfare activities. In lieu of wages, workfare participants receive compensation in the form of their household’s monthly CalFresh benefit allotment.

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(m)(5)(ii), the maximum number of hours of work each month must be determined using the following formula:

𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅′𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪

𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳, 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯, 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘, 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

= 𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(e)(5)(iii), voluntary participants are not subject to hourly restrictions, as long as they are paid a wage for all hours spent in workfare at a rate at least equal to the local, state, or federal minimum wage, whichever is highest.

Work Experience

The work experience component is designed to improve the employability of participants through actual work experience or training, or both, and to enable individuals employed or trained under such programs to move promptly into regular public or private employment. Work experience is defined as a planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a workplace for a limited period.

Work experience may be paid or unpaid, as appropriate and consistent with other laws.

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(m)(5)(ii), a participant’s unpaid work experience hours must not exceed the household’s CalFresh monthly allotment divided by the local, state or federal minimum wage, whichever is highest. In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(e)(5)(iii), voluntary participants are not subject hourly restrictions, as long as they are paid a wage for all hours spent in a CalFresh E&T work program at a rate at least equal to the local, state or federal minimum wage, whichever is highest. The work experience component may include a work activity or a work-based learning program, as described below.

Work Activity

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)(iv)(A)(1), work activities may be performed in exchange for CalFresh benefits that provide the participant with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment.

The purpose of work activity is to improve the employability of those who cannot find https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(m)(5)(ii) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(m)(5)(ii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(5)(iii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(5)(iii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(5)(iii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2)(iv)(A)(1)

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CDSS/CalFresh Employment & Training Page 18 of unsubsidized full-time employment.

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(m)(5)(ii), the maximum total number of hours of work each month must be must be determined using the following formula:

𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅′𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪

𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳, 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯, 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘, 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

Work-Based Learning

= 𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵𝑵 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

Work-based learning activities are sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real world settings to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that fosters in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction. Work-based learning emphasizes employer engagement, includes specific training objectives, and leads to regular employment. Allowable activities under this component include apprenticeships/pre-apprenticeships, customized training, internships, on-the-job training (OJT), and transitional jobs. Work-based learning activities may be subsidized or unsubsidized.

Work-based learning activities must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act and all other applicable labor laws in accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)(iv). Labor standards apply in any work experience setting where an employee/employer relationship exists.

Labor standards include but are not limited to:

• Participants must receive the same benefits and working conditions as non- CalFresh E&T participants doing comparable work for comparable hours including holidays, sick pay, vacation, and medical insurance;

• The employer or CalFresh E&T provider must provide worker’s compensation coverage;

• Participants must be paid the same amount as other comparable workers;

• Participants must be paid a wage at least equal to the local, state or federal minimum wage, whichever is highest;

• Participants must not displace or replace existing employment of individuals not participating in CalFresh E&T;

• An employer is not permitted to lay off workers or fill openings that were previously held by unsubsidized workers and replace them with subsidized work-based learning (SWBL) participants; and

• SWBL participants must not be used to cross strike lines as this would have the effect of replacing existing workers.

Further guidance regarding work-based learning activities, including wage subsidies, time limits, and allowable expenses, is in ACL No. 22-38.

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(m)(5)(ii) https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(m)(5)(ii) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-C/section-273.7#p-273.7(e)(2)(iv) https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2022/22-38.pdf?ver=2022-05-16-133519-273

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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships, as defined by the United States DOL, are industry-driven, high quality career pathways where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. More information about apprenticeships can be found on the DOL’s dedicated apprenticeship, website.

Customized Training

Customized training may be performed at any private or public employer with which the CalFresh E&T provider has entered an acceptable agreement. Employers must provide actual training and a plan to move participants into unsubsidized employment as a result of the experience. Customized training is one type of work-based learning that can be used to target specific job seeker and employer needs. It is an effective strategy that provides additional opportunities for participants and employers in both finding quality work and developing a quality workforce.

As defined in the 20 CFR 618.110, customized training is designed to meet the specific requirements of an employer (including a group of employers); is conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training; and requires that the employer pay a significant portion (but no less than 50 percent) of the cost of such training.

Internships

An internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to an individual’s field of study or career interest. An internship gives the participant the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills.

On-The-Job Training

OJT is a strategic employment service that supports the business community in the hiring process by adding staff capacity, productivity and training at reduced costs to the employer. OJT is a way for participants to build skills and re-establish employment status. OJT benefits employers by reducing the cost of training new employees. The employer designs the on-site training, which is aligned with the skills required for the job and is a long-term investment in the company. OJT benefits participants by providing an opportunity to “earn as they learn” in a hands-on environment, acquire job and career advancement skills, and by providing opportunities for long-term employment.

The purpose of OJT is to encourage public, private non-profit, or private employers to hire an individual or upgrade an eligible employed worker who would not otherwise https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-618/subpart-A/section-618.110#p-618.110(Customized%20training)

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CDSS/CalFresh Employment & Training Page 20 of qualify for the job, and to teach the skills requisite to perform the job. CalFresh E&T funds can used to reimburse the employer for the training period in exchange for the commitment by the employer to retain the participant, upon successful completion.

As described in 20 CFR 680.720, the OJT employer may receive reimbursement for allowable training costs up to 50 percent of the OJT participant’s wage rate. In rare circumstances, in accordance with 20 CFR 680.730, the employer can be reimbursed, for up to 75 percent of the OJT participant’s wage rate due to the employer’s extraordinary costs of providing training and additional supervision. In accordance with 20 CFR 680.730(b), CalFresh E&T providers must document the factors used when deciding to increase the wage reimbursement levels above 50 percent.

Pre-Apprenticeships

A pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in an Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP). An IRAP is a proven model of apprenticeship that has been validated by the DOL or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Pre-apprenticeship programs should have a documented partnership with at least one IRAP.

Transitional Jobs

Transitional jobs, in accordance with 20 CFR 680.190, provide a time-limited work experience in the public, private, or non-profit sectors that is paid and subsidized for individuals with barriers to employment who are chronically unemployed or have inconsistent work history. Transitional jobs are designed to enable an individual to establish a work history, demonstrate work success, and develop skills that lead to unsubsidized employment.

Transitional jobs provide individuals with paid work experience and an…