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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SNAP EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

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8. Employment and Training for Refugees

Employment and training services for refugees are offered in partnership with the Office of Newcomer Services through local Refugee Resettlement Agencies. Employment and training participants under the Refugee Social Services Program or Match Grant Program meet participation requirements for SNAP E&T by way of their enrollment in the Refugee Program(s). Participants enrolled in both the Refugee Resettlement Program and SNAP E&T must meet the following procedures:

a. The refugee resettlement staff will accompany the participant to the initial SNAP E&T assessment to help with language barriers, if any, and to talk about the

Comprehensive Resettlement Plan (CRP) that will substitute for a SNAP E&T Plan of Participation.

b. SNAP E&T agencies must stay in contact with the resettlement agency but, the resettlement agency is not required to send a break-down of component activities and hours to the SNAP E&T agency.

c. SNAP E&T will be notified if a refugee refuses to comply with refugee resettlement requirements to determine whether the SNAP E&T case should be closed; when someone leaves the program; and when there is a job placement.

9. Job Retention

Job retention services is an allowable Employment & Training component. SNAP E&T agencies may offer this component for at least 30 days and no more than 90 days. The job retention component is intended to provide support services for at least 30 days and up to 90 days to individuals who have secured employment. Individuals are eligible to receive job retention services if they received SNAP benefits in the month of or the month before they start job retention and may receive job retention services after leaving SNAP unless the individual is leaving SNAP due to a failure to comply with the general work requirement or an intentional program violation. The participant must have secured employment after or while receiving other Employment & Training services. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may receive job retention services, if the individual has re-engaged with Employment & Training prior to obtaining new employment.

E. SOCIAL/SUPPORTIVE SERVICE

Social/supportive services may be provided to participants in SNAP E&T for expenses that are reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in SNAP E&T. Agencies are encouraged to explore alternatives to removing barriers if supportive service funds are limited.

The need for any supportive services must be linked to needs identified on the Participant’s Plan of Participation. Supportive services related to starting or retaining employment are allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days.

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