Jobs for Independence (JFI) provided comprehensive clinical assessment and counseling services, referrals to employment or training activities, and an offer of the Governor’s Career Readiness Certificate (GCRC), targeting new work registrant SNAP participants with barriers to employment—including substance use or mental health disorders, housing instability, or criminal justice histories. The four-module GCRC course included job readiness skills, computer skills, applied math, a WorkKey skills assessment, and job seeking skills. JFI offered referrals to basic and postsecondary education services and work-based learning opportunities. Participants deemed work-ready could receive job search assistance. Participants received ongoing team-based counseling services from multiple agencies.
Each GCRC module lasted one to two weeks and required in-person attendance at multiple half-day sessions per week. The work-based learning placements ranged in duration from several weeks to several months. Counseling assistance was available throughout program participation, initially starting with weekly meetings before transitioning to monthly meetings.
The program was implemented statewide in Vermont.
Jobs for Independence (JFI) provided comprehensive clinical assessment and counseling services, referrals to employment or training activities, and an offer of the Governor’s Career Readiness Certificate (GCRC), targeting new work registrant SNAP participants with barriers to employment—including substance use or mental health disorders, housing instability, or criminal justice histories.