Employment Opportunities, Personalized Services, Individualized Training, and Career Planning (EPIC) provided enhanced case management support, expanded occupational skills training, and offered a broad array of support services targeted to two groups of SNAP participants-unemployed or underemployed SNAP work registrants with low skills or limited work experience and those who were working but needed additional skills to increase earnings. All EPIC participants received enhanced case management support compared to light case management services available in standard SNAP E&T services. Career navigators engaged participants in setting and monitoring goal progress and active job search assistance after completion of training programs.
Most service providers required participants to complete a job readiness training course before they could complete other activities. Participants were referred either to a basic education provider or to occupational skills training depending on whether they met basic education requirements at entry. Some participants were referred to work experience, on-the-job-training, or subsidized work before, during, or after occupational skills training.
Occupational skills programs ranged from 6 to 20 weeks depending on the field selected and service provider. Participants who found jobs could receive up to 90 days of job retention services and continued case management. EPIC provided financial support up to $1,000 per participant, often focused on job-specific needs such as transportation assistance, affording work-related supplies (e.g., uniforms, tools), and clothing for job interviews.
The study was conducted in Illinois.
The comparison group was eligible for existing SNAP E&T and any other employment and training services available in the community. Illinois's existing SNAP E&T program offered light case management, access to adult basic education and General Education Development (GED) services, work experience, occupational skills training where available, and limited support services.
EPIC enrolled participants between March 2016 and September 2017 with a follow-up period of at least three years after enrollment.
EPIC provided four main types of services:
- Enhanced case management. EPIC career navigators at local community-based organizations provided career-focused case management services. Navigators conducted assessments, helped with goal setting and monitoring progress, and assisted with job searches after participants completed training programs.
- Job readiness training, job search assistance, and job development services. Most providers required participants to complete a job readiness training program prior to starting other services. Services varied by provider but could include computer or financial literacy, life skills training, and job readiness or search skills training. Participants who found employment could receive up to 90 days of job retention services and case management.
- Basic education. Participants who did not meet basic skills requirements for occupational training were referred to providers who offered adult basic education, high school equivalency services, or language classes.
- Occupational skills training and work-based learning. Participants who met basic skills requirements were connected to occupational skills training programs either offered directly by providers or through relationships with local community colleges and providers—including medical certifications, culinary arts, carpentry, commercial driver’s license, welding, machining, and administrative assistant skills programs. Some providers additionally connected participants to work experience, on-the-job training, or subsidized work experiences, which could occur before, in conjunction with, or after an occupational skills training program.
The study did not discuss any tools to measure fidelity to the program model.
The program was funded by federal SNAP E&T Pilot demonstration funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
EPIC was implemented in 33 counties across Illinois by local community-based organizations. The Illinois Department of Human Services’ headquarters is located in Chicago, IL. Southern Illinois University Center for Workforce Development is located in Chatham, IL. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is located in Springfield, IL.
Illinois Department of Human Services partnered with the Southern Illinois University Center for Workforce Development and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which, in turn, contracted with 24 Community-Based Organizations to offer EPIC services.
The Illinois Department of Human Services enrolled participants and had two key partners, along with local community-based organizations:
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Oversaw the delivery of EPIC services, contracting with 24 local community-based organizations to deliver services across 33 counties.
- Southern Illinois University Center for Workforce Development. Operated the management information system platform and trained staff on its use.
EPIC was targeted to un- or underemployed work registrants receiving SNAP who had low skills or limited work experience, including able-bodied adults without dependents and individuals working 30 or more hours per week who needed additional skills.
The intensity of services varied by provider and individual needs and basic skills level at entry. Occupational skills programs lasted between 6 to 20 weeks depending on the program and provider. Job retention services were provided to participants who obtained employment for up to 90 days.
Local CBOs provided EPIC career navigator staff for case management. The study did not provide specific information about the staff at the local CBOs who delivered EPIC services.