101036.12-Study of Jobs for In

Study Name

Study of Jobs for Independence

Study Sharepoint ID

101036.12

Evaluation name

Evaluation of Pilot Projects to Promote Work and Increase State Accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Expanding Opportunities & Reducing Barriers to Work: Vermont

This study received a high study quality rating because it is a low-attrition randomized controlled trial with no known issues that suggest the findings cannot be attributed to the intervention.

Design

Randomized controlled trial

Services

Performance- or behavior-based financial incentives

Case management

Employment coaching

Mental health services

Housing supports and subsidies

Transportation assistance

Work supports

Basic skills/bridge programs

On-the-job training

Subsidized employment/transitional jobs

Job search assistance

Soft skills training

Job readiness

Populations targeted

Adults (age 25+)

Public benefits recipients

At least a high school diploma or equivalent

Unemployed

Settings in which the intervention was studied

Tested in multiple settings

Demographics

Subgroups

Subgroup data - Female

Subgroup data - Male

Subgroup data - White

Subgroup data - Black

Percent Young Adults

12.90

Percent female

43.90

Percent Male

55.80

Percent No high school diploma or GED

18.70

Percent With a high school diploma or GED

81.30

Percent Employed

14.20

Percent Unemployed

85.80

Percent welfare population

100.00

Percent Asian

0.50

Percent Black or African American

4.60

Percent Hispanic or Latino of any race

2.90

Percent White not Hispanic

85.90

Percent More than one race

5.00

Percent another race

1.20

Percent Adults

87.10

Percent Old Adults

22.30

Percent English Learner

1.10

Percent Postsecondary credential

15.40

Mean age

38.80

Study Characteristics

Group formation formatted

The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) enrolled 3,031 SNAP participants in the pilot and randomized roughly half to the JFI group and the other half to the control group.

Study timing formatted

Three years

Study funding formatted

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Nutrition Service, Contract Number AG-3198-B-15-0002/12319818F0080

Sample Characteristics

JFI targeted new work registrants with self-identified barriers, including substance use disorders, mental health disorders, housing instability, and/or criminal histories.

Implementing organization formatted

Vermont Agency of Human Services, Economic Services Division, Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Vermont Department of Labor, Community College of Vermont, Vermont Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation, Community action agencies of Vermont

Program history

JFI was one of 10 pilot programs across the country authorized and funded by the Agricultural Act of 2014 to offer enhanced SNAP E&T services to help connect SNAP participants to employment opportunities.

Treatment condition formatted

The Jobs for Independence (JFI) group was offered clinical assessments and counseling services, support services, and referral to employment services appropriate for an individual’s readiness for work with either a vocational rehabilitation counselor, an employment counselor, or a case manager. Individuals in the JFI group also could access community college services to obtain a Governor’s Career Readiness Certificate (similar to the National Career Readiness Certificate). JFI group members could also receive incentive payments for attending meetings or meeting milestones.

Comparison condition formatted

The control group was eligible for any employment and training services available in the community. Vermont offered limited services through its voluntary SNAP E&T program; the control group received Vermont Department of Labor services, which included basic case management, job search assistance, workfare for able-bodied adults without dependents, and job placement assistance.

Mandatory services formatted

None

Timing of study formatted

Average length of participation was 11 months.

Program funding formatted

Federal SNAP Pilot Funding

Setting details formatted

Vermont - Statewide

Delivered by public or private entity?

Public-private partnership

Secondary domains examined

The study reports impacts on food security, health, well-being, and housing status.