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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 17

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 15 Chapter 17 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)

17.3.7 JOB RETENTION Job Retention is a component that is available to any SNAP E&T client who completes a component and is enrolled in employment while enrolled in SNAP E&T. A participant can be enrolled in part-time or full-time unsubsidized employment. Eligible participants must receive SNAP in the month of or the month following receiving an employment offer. Job Retention can be provided no fewer than 30 days and no more than 90 days after receipt of employment. At minimum, the case manager will complete weekly check-ins and monthly face to face/virtual performance updates. During these meetings, case managers will continue to work through barriers to employment and provide resources to assist the participant. The goal of Job Retention is to assist the participant in retaining employment during the crucial time period when a participant may feel the cliff effect of loss of benefits. Transportation reimbursement may be paid upfront for Job Retention. The only verification necessary is proof of employment. 17.3.8 MEASURABLE SKILLS Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) and Credential Attainment are federal reporting measures used to track participant progress and outcomes in SNAP E&T. MSG reflects interim progress within a Federal Fiscal Year (FFY), such as improving an educational level, completing coursework, or reaching milestones in training. Credential attainment captures the completion of a recognized diploma, degree, certificate, or industry credential. This may be particularly critical for education or training services that are designed as part of a pathway to a longer-term program or credential.

Both measures align with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) standards, and documentation must be maintained to validate reporting. Acceptable evidence includes transcripts, test results, provider progress reports, employer evaluations, or copies of credentials, depending on the component.

NOTE: If a participant receives employment that makes the participant over the income limit for SNAP, the participant may still continue enrollment in SNAP E&T for the duration of the Job Retention component.