Code of Maine Rules › 10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › 144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL › Chapter 609 - SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING (SNAP E AND T) RULES › Section 144-609-3 - SNAP E AND T REFERRAL PROCESS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
I.
REFERRAL
				PROCESS
SNAP recipients may be recruited by the SNAP E&T Provider
				  or be referred to the SNAP E&T Provider by the Department or other
				  community agencies. SNAP E&T Providers must determine that the recipient is
				  currently receiving or enrolled for SNAP benefits and eligible to participate
				  prior to enrolling a participant.
SNAP recipients may also be referred to Provider agencies by
				  the Department.
Enrollment in SNAP E&T is determined by the Department
				  upon review of eligibility and assessment information gathered by Providers.
				  The Department makes final determination of eligibility.
II.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Eligible SNAP recipients may voluntarily participate in SNAP
				  E&T services where available. All SNAP E&T services are voluntary. A
				  decision to not participate or to disenroll has no impact on continued receipt
				  of SNAP benefits.
III.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING
Participants are expected to keep all appointments scheduled
				  by SNAP E&T Providers unless there is Good Cause for absence. Participants
				  may be discharged from SNAP E&T by the SNAP E&T Provider if they fail
				  to keep appointments or participate in SNAP E&T activities identified in
				  their IEP.
IV.
ORIENTATION, ASSESSMENT and INDIVIDUALIZED EMPLOYMENT PLAN (IEP)
A.
ORIENTATION
SNAP E&T participants must be informed by the SNAP
				  E&T Provider what services and participant reimbursements they may be
				  eligible for and must sign a Participation Agreement that outlines SNAP E&T
				  services and program rules and their rights and responsibilities. Participants
				  must also sign an Authorization to Release Information Form allowing the
				  Department and SNAP E&T Providers to share ongoing information necessary
				  for SNAP E&T participation.
B.
ASSESSMENT
SNAP E&T participants and Providers must review the
				  participant's education and employment history, employment and training
				  interests, barriers to employment, and participant reimbursement needs (e.g.,
				  dependent care and transportation) as part of the assessment process.
C.
INDIVIDUALIZED EMPLOYMENT
				PLAN (IEP)
SNAP E&T Providers complete an Individualized Employment
				  Plan (IEP) with the participant based upon information obtained during the
				  assessment to determine what services and participant reimbursements will be
				  provided. The IEP is developed for the time period necessary to accomplish
				  steps to attain the goals of the IEP. The IEP must be amended when there is a
				  change in circumstances affecting progress, or there is a change in goals or
				  services. The IEP lists the training and employment related activities in which
				  the participant will engage, as well as performance expectations. The IEP,
				  also, identifies participant reimbursements necessary to assist in completing
				  training goals. The IEP is updated and amended as necessary, and at a minimum,
				  updated every six months.