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State Plan NM FY26 - Amendment 1 Page of 9 99 PROGRAM CHANGES Summarize changes for the upcoming Federal fiscal year (FY) from the prior FY. Significant changes may include new initiatives, changes in funding or funding sources, policy changes, or significant changes to the number of partners or participants. Significant changes could include those made as a result of management evaluation findings or participation in program improvement initiatives, such as SNAP to Skills. It is not necessary to include changes made as a result of new Federal rulemaking. NMHCA is working with DWS representatives to establish a collaboration to assist in co-enrolling our SNAP E&T participants. After a SNAP E&T participant has completed their component with NMHCA providers and are fully trained and work ready, they will be referred to DWS via website online. The NMHCA case manager will work with DWS/AJC WIOA Operations and Program Manager provides a range of employment and training services to help individuals find good jobs and support employers in meeting their workforce needs our primary focus is to work on WIOA Title III - Wagner Peyser - Labor exchange, Employment Service. Our Eligibility Workers (EW) screen participants during intake to determine interest in the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program. If a participant expresses interest, the EW completes the Employment Services screen in the ASPEN system. Regardless of whether the participant is classified as an ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) or non-ABAWD, they may be referred to the E&T program. Once the referral is completed in ASPEN, it is transmitted to the WorkPath (WP) system, where it is received by EQUUS for follow-up and service coordination. To streamline internal processes, SNAP E&T team has been given a new position (SNAP Work Program Management Analyst). This position will be funded with NMHCA funds not SNAP E&T. The SNAP Work Program Management Analyst position plays an important role in the successful administration of New Mexico’ s SNAP Work Program by ensuring that federal work requirements are being adhered to as mandated by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). This position’s duties entail completing all SNAP E&T and ABAWD eligibility worker duties such as completing reverse referrals, provider determinations, ABAWD reports, running eligibility to mail out work program notices, etc. In the past SNAP E&T was taking care of the tasks mentioned above, however these tasks are not to be completed by any staff paid with SNAP E&T funds. The NMHCA field staff have reported numerous times that with their turnover rate and high workloads they can’t prioritize these tasks. This position will allow us to train one person in work requirements and assist in meetings, training and more as the SME on behalf of the field. Highlight any changes from above that the State agency is making to the E&T program based on the prior year’s performance, for instance changes made as a result of E&T outcome and participation data. NMHCA has officially established Quarterly Tribal Charter meetings. The meetings include other NMHCA programs SNAP, SNAP Outreach, and Disaster SNAP. All Tribal meetings are led by NMHCAs interim Tribal liaison. Our goal is to be transparent, educate and inform Tribal partners of all SNAP related changes or updates that may impact Nations, Pueblos and Tribes. With this effort we would like to improve communication and create a Tribal partnership soon.