Page 37

State Plan AR FY26 - Original Submission Page of 37 112 participant-centered: Individualized and Strengths-Based Planning: Case managers work one-on-one with participants to develop personalized employment plans that align with their skills, goals, and circumstances. This reduces unnecessary or burdensome activities by focusing only on relevant, achievable objectives. Flexible Communication and Meeting Options: Case management meetings may happen in person, by phone, or virtual formats, according to participant preference and accessibility. The frequency of meetings balances monitoring needs with respect for participants’ time and responsibilities. Streamlined Assessments: Initial and ongoing assessments are designed to be short, targeted, and easy to complete, avoiding exhaustive or duplicative testing that could discourage participation. Collaborative Service Coordination: Case managers coordinate with other providers and social services to help participants address barriers such as transportation, childcare, health, or housing, minimizing disruptions to E&T participation. Good Cause Consideration and Responsive Supports: When participants report challenges impacting their participation, case managers refer them promptly for good cause reviews or modify plans to accommodate barriers. Minimized Administrative Burden: Paperwork and documentation requirements are kept as simple as possible, with the case management process supported bymanagement information systems that reduce manual work for participants and staff. Ongoing Support and Motivation: Case managers use motivational interviewing and employment coaching techniques to engage and encourage participants, helping build trust and sustain participation. Through these approaches, Arkansas’s case management model strives to remove rather than create barriers, helping participants remain engaged and succeed in SNAP E&T activities—thus meeting federal expectations and improving employment outcomes.