6. a. Each partnering provider shall be required to perform the following programmatic functions and to maintain sufficient capacity to perform these functions effectively:

(1) assist project participants with obtaining and retaining employment;

(2) provide project participants with appropriate NJ SNAP ETP services and participant reimbursements that fulfill the purposes of NJ SNAP ETP and that qualify for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements. These services and participant reimbursements may include, but are not limited to: job search and placement services; job readiness assistance; education or training that improves basic skills and general employability; specific job skills training or vocational education; work experience that improves the employability of project participants; subsidized employment; workfare; self-employment training; services related to the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Pub.L.105-220 (29 U.S.C. § 2801 et seq.); job retention services; or reimbursements for project participant expenses, including dependent care costs, transportation expenses, books or training manuals, fees, uniforms, equipment and tools required for employment, or personal safety items required for program participation;

(3) assess and place project participants into appropriate NJ SNAP ETP services, as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection;

(4) provide project participants with support services, including case management, early intervention, career counseling, and referrals to additional programs and services;

(5) verify whether potential project participants are receiving SNAP benefits and make referrals, as appropriate, to assist potential project participants with applying for SNAP benefits;

(6) collaborate with county welfare agencies to develop processes and materials that: inform eligible participants regarding project activities within each county, in accordance with each partnering provider’s service area; facilitate eligible participants’ communications with partnering providers regarding participation in project activities; and assist eligible participants with rendering decisions regarding their participation in project activities;

(7) assist project participants with continuing to meet administrative requirements, work requirements, employment and training requirements, and other requirements for maintaining SNAP eligibility;

(8) coordinate with the department and county welfare agencies on a monthly basis to verify that project participants are receiving SNAP benefits and are not receiving Work First New Jersey TANF benefits;

(9) coordinate with the county welfare agencies and the department to distinguish eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements from eligible participants who are exempt from the work registration and work requirements associated with receiving SNAP benefits;

(10) provide uninterrupted NJ SNAP ETP services and participant reimbursements to eligible participants through changes in the participants’ SNAP work registration and work requirement status, subject to the provisions for terminating project participation pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C. 44:10-99);

(11) maintain program records and report to the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development the following monthly information for each claimed NJ SNAP ETP participant: program, participant name, participant Social Security number, services and reimbursements received, and weekly hours;

(12) prepare and submit to the department invoice and certification letters each quarter for the total non-federal resources and program expenditures qualifying for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements for the quarter;

(13) monitor project participants and subcontractors and provide detailed reports of participants, activities, and outcomes to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development on a regular basis;

(14) devote sufficient staff time and expertise to fulfill NJ SNAP ETP administrative and reporting requirements;

(15) collaborate with the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to ensure that federal SNAP ETP reimbursements received under the program are expended in accordance with all applicable federal laws and regulations; and

(16) report to the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and county welfare agencies on a monthly basis the identities of any eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements and who are not cooperating with, or participating in, assigned services or work.

b. Each partnering provider shall be required to perform the following financial functions and to maintain sufficient capacity to perform the functions effectively:

(1) maintain cash flow necessary to manage the delay from program outlays to SNAP ETP reimbursements;

(2) manage federal grants, track expenditures, and ensure that non-federal resources and program expenditures qualify for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements;

(3) perform cost allocation using multiple funds;

(4) track staff time devoted to NJ SNAP ETP activities under this project; and

(5) maintain records for State audits.

c. Partnering providers may establish agreements with subcontracting organizations to support their NJ SNAP ETP activities under this project.

d. The department shall consider educational activities serving eligible participants at community colleges as qualifying for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements to the greatest extent allowable under federal laws and regulations. In accordance with Section 273.5 of Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, individuals enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education who are assigned to, or placed in, an NJ SNAP ETP educational activity and who meet all SNAP eligibility requirements shall be determined eligible for SNAP benefits and shall be eligible for participation in the project.

L.2013, c.45, s.6; amended 2019, c.253, s.6; 2022, c.27, s.4.