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NON-EDUCATION, NON-WORK COMPONENT: SUPERVISED JOB SEARCH Provide a summary of the State guidelines implementing supervised job search. Vocational Development Specialists (VDSs) are DHS professionals who specialize in helping SNAP E&T participants identify and pursue their career goals. They oversee the Supervised Job Search Training (SJST) component and provide targeted support across a range of employment readiness activities. The SNAP E&T Program currently employs seven dedicated VDSs who guide participants through: • Career counseling and individualized career planning • Staff-administered employability assessments • Training in job search techniques, including interviewing, resume development, and application strategies • Direct connections to employers and employment opportunities VDSs monitor participant progress by entering monthly participation hours and detailed case notes into the program’s tracking system. Each SJST participant meets with a VDS at least once per month to review progress and adjust goals as needed. To ensure broad access and engagement, VDSs are co-located at multiple sites across the District, including: • DHS service centers and SNAP E&T provider locations • American Job Centers • Adams Place Day Shelter and 801 Men’s Shelter • Living Life Alternatives, the District’s LGBTQ+ adult shelter Through these placements, VDSs deliver onsite outreach and supervised job search services, expanding the reach of SNAP E&T and strengthening participant outcomes. Describe the direct path to employment. All SNAP E&T participants are screened for program suitability and assessed to determine job readiness and alignment with supervised job search activities. Participants engaged in this component work with both a designated Vocational Development Specialist (VDS) and a SNAP E&T Workforce Development Specialist to co-develop an individualized career development plan. This plan outlines each participant’s career goals and objectives and helps identify employment opportunities that best match their skills, interests, and needs. 1/28/26, 11:03 AM State Plan DC FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-dcfy26stateplan//index.html 61/179