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USDA United States Department of Agriculture USDOL United States Department of Labor WF Workfare WIOA Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act WBL Work-based Learning WDP Workforce Development Program

Summary of Employment First

Federal regulations governing the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) require that all states provide employment and training services to SNAP recipients.

Employment First (EF), Colorado’s SNAP Employment and Training Program, helps SNAP applicants and recipients in Colorado connect to meaningful employment and succeed in the pursuit of economic well-being.

EF is a State-supervised, county-administered program. Federal regulations, State statutes, and State rules provide the administrative code of operation for all human service programs in the State, including EF. The Colorado statute outlines the county administration of human services programs and the parameters of State-supervision and county administration (Title 26, C.R.S.).

The State Board of Human Services promulgates the regulations for the EF program; additional guidance is provided through policy, training, and technical assistance.

The EF program is voluntary; there are no mandatory participation requirements. However, federal regulations require some Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) SNAP recipients to register for work and participate in approved activities to maintain their SNAP eligibility. ABAWD SNAP recipients can meet the participation requirement through EF’s approved employment and training activities.

Colorado county DHS and TPPs are required to submit a plan for program operation to CDHS for review and approval on an annual basis, as outlined in 10 CCR 2506-1 Rule Manual Volume 4.312.1. Plans must adhere to all applicable rules and regulations (such as providing case management and at least one E&T component) and, within those parameters, may be locally tailored based on resources, community needs, and available community partnerships. County DHS and TPP plans are consolidated into a unified EF State plan. County DHS and TPPs are referenced as EF POs when policy and sections within this handbook apply to both County DHS and TPP operators. EF POs receive face-to-face training that provides detailed instructions and examples of common and rare case actions.

Last updated: July 9, 2026

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