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The CDSS requires counties and state partners to provide case management services, in conjunction with E&T components as described in 7 CFR 273.7(e)(1). The purpose of case management services is to guide participants toward appropriate CalFresh E&T components and activities based on their needs and interests, to support the participant in the CalFresh E&T program, and to provide activities and resources that help the participant achieve program goals. Case management includes comprehensive intake assessments, employability assessments, individualized service plans, progress monitoring, and coordination with service providers. Counties and state partners have the autonomy and authority to design E&T services that work best for their participants. Counties, state partners, and E&T providers may provide the listed case management services below: Comprehensive Intake Assessment: A comprehensive intake assessment is the initial meeting with the participant during which the case manager gathers information to address the individual’s immediate needs to encourage their engagement in E&T services. This includes collecting and evaluating information to identify a participant’s employment capabilities, 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 jointly developed by the participant and the 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 to ensure appropriate services are provided to eligible participants. Coordination with Service Providers: Coordination amongst service providers helps E&T participants locate, access, and coordinate a network of support 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 support. 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 support. 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. 1/28/26, 11:04 AM State Plan CA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-cafy26stateplan//index.html 50/286