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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SNAP EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

10/25 VOLUME V, PART XXV, PAGE 10

conditions that are provided at the job site to employees performing comparable work for comparable hours. Work Experience is now divided into two categories:

a. Work Activity

1. This is defined as a Work Activity performed in exchange for SNAP Benefits to improve employability. Work Activity provides an individual with an opportunity to acquire general skills, knowledge and work habits necessary to obtain employment. The purpose of work activity is to improve the employability of those who cannot find unsubsidized full-time employment

b. Work Based Learning

1. Work Based Learning activities are defined as sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real world settings to the extent possible. For example, Work Based Learning activities can take place at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field that are aligned to curriculum and instruction. Work-based learning emphasizes employer engagement and includes specific training objectives that leads to regular employment.

2. Work-based learning can include internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, customized training, transitional jobs, incumbent worker training, and on-the-job training as defined under WIOA. Work-based learning can include both subsidized and unsubsidized employment models.

The work experience placement may be followed by two weeks of supervised job search.

The primary focus of work experience is the development of good work habits, additional job skills, positive work attitudes, an understanding of the employee-employer relationship, and to obtain a recent job reference.

The Work Experience component qualifies as a work program for the purpose of maintaining SNAP eligibility for individuals who are subject to the work requirement.

c. Time Frames

1. The number of weeks a registrant may participate depends on the job site.

2. The amount of time used in traveling to and from the job site is not included when determining the number of hours the participant can work.

3. The participant cannot be required to be on a work site more than 120 hours per calendar month.

TRANSMITTAL #36