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State Plan NM FY26 - Original Submission Page of 35 77 determined and completed through the E&T assessment. During the completion of the employment plan, the participant will establish short- and long-term goals. It is the case managers’ responsibility to ensure that while they are having these interactions, they are providing resources and supporting activities that are achievable and approved of the state plan. It is essential that case managers create a trusting relationship with participants and show a sincere interest in assisting them achieve their goals. NMHCA reviews case notes to determine whether providers are meeting this expectation. How does the SNAP State agency ensure the case management services offered do not act as an impediment to successful participation in E&T? NMHCA ensures that case management services offered are not an impediment to the successful participation in E&T by meeting with providers and taking their experience into consideration when creating case management expectations for case managers. We also review CFR with providers and determine if federal clarification is required to move forward with implementing new procedures or changes. NMHCA believes in putting the participant first and avoiding any additional barriers. This is why we meet with participants when they can at a minimum once a month and conduct follow ups to ensure barriers are being addressed to determine program and participant success.