SNAP state agencies must operate an employment and training (E&T) program for SNAP participants. States have considerable flexibility in designing their programs, including the selection of E&T program components offered to SNAP participants. While there are many E&T components, states most commonly offer the supervised job search and job search training components. Despite their widespread use, little is known about how states implement these components and their effects on participant outcomes.
This report presents findings from case studies conducted in three states to understand processes and outcomes of the following components: supervised job search (Oregon), job search training (Oregon and Tennessee), and integrated job search within a vocational training component (Connecticut).
Key findings include:
- Within the job search training and integrated job search components of SNAP E&T programs, the most common activities included resume or cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and individualized job search plan development.
- Most participants interviewed across the three states had short-term goals and felt satisfied with the job search services they received.
- Most participants in Oregon and Tennessee found employment after engaging in supervised job search or job search training.
- Jobs obtained after participating in supervised job search or job search training alone were unlikely to enable long-term self-sufficiency.
- The study identified practices that may foster success, such as placing SNAP E&T staff in local SNAP offices to facilitate the initiation of E&T services.