DEW, DSS partner on employment and training program
February 3, 2016
Gov. Nikki Haley announced a partnership between the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) that will transfer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training program from DSS to DEW.
The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program provides SNAP recipients with the help needed to find a new career path. It is designed to assist SNAP recipients in gaining skills, finding work, or getting experience needed to become qualified for available jobs within their community or region, increasing their self-sufficiency.
“Putting people to work and giving them the skills they need to succeed has been a focus of our administration from day one. We are always looking for more efficient and effective ways to serve South Carolinians, and this partnership is going to give our people an even better opportunity to move away from SNAP and into a job so they can provide for themselves and for their families,” Gov. Haley said. “To stay competitive, we must continue to provide a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our current and future employers.”
The SNAP E&T program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program’s services include job-search training skills, such as resume writing and interview skills; job searching; education, such as reading and writing skills; and vocational training.
“I am excited about this partnership because it strengthens the service given to participants by combining DEW’s passion of providing employment opportunities and skills training with DSS’s expertise in providing assistance to state residents in need,” said Cheryl Stanton, executive director at the Department of Employment and Workforce. “Centralizing employment services will provide more opportunities for people to change their lives for the better.”
“DSS’ SNAP E&T Program in South Carolina has been regarded as a model for the Southeast Region. It has assisted thousands of individuals in obtaining skills, training, certifications and employment so they can create a better life for themselves and their families. The transfer of the program from DSS to DEW is an alignment that will maximize employment and training resources to SNAP recipients,” said V. Susan Alford, DSS state director.
DSS has submitted a request to the USDA to formally transfer the program. Pending approval, the transfer will take effect on or around March 14, 2016.
About SCDEW
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency invests in building a pipeline of quality workers, matches workers with jobs, and is a bridge for individuals who find themselves out of work for no fault of their own. This promotes financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals and communities. SCDEW is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services that meet the needs of the state’s businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.
