11/2015 v3 DRAFT Welcome to Pilot Program (Region Name) Orientation Counties listed here.

EPIC has been designed to give participants a choice of sector training opportunities based on the jobs available locally. U.S.D.A. Food and Nutrition Service, has provided funds to 10 pilot programs national to test new and innovative approaches to help SNAP recipients access the workforce. Participants will have the opportunity to receive basic education and skills training, training and certifications related to skills needed for local jobs, and paid work experience in job of your career choice. What is the EPIC Pilot Program?

Partners include: Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity Illinois Workforce Development Board Illinois Community College Board Partnerships Make It Possible

Program Benefits Get Training Get Experience Earn Credentials Jobs Get training that is relevant to the job/career of your choice. Work experience that is related to your career choice. Preparation for a job that is self- sustaining to allow you to get off of public assistance and live a life of YOUR DESIGN. Career navigator will help you with your career goals and barriers.

Pilot Program: Research For Enhancing Services In Illinois The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service is making some changes to the SNAP Employment and Training program. They are doing a study to find out if these changes can help people get a job or get a better job. A team of researchers will conduct the study. If you choice to participate you will sign a consent form to agree to take part in this important study and complete the registration with your case worker.

A computer will assign you to one of two groups (EPIC Services Group or SNAP E&T Services Group). Each person has an equal chance of getting into one group or the other. Each group will get different kinds of services. Over the next few years, you may be asked to take part in PAID voluntary activities such as: Up to three telephone surveys (about 32 min./survey) An in-person interview or focus group discussion. (about 90 min.) The results from the study (both those in the program and those not in the program) will impact how SNAP and employment services are provided in the future. That means you are paving the way for future SNAP recipients! Pilot Program: You Make A Difference

1.EPIC Services Group –If you are in this group, services could include: Career navigation A personalized career, training, and employment plan Help with job search and job placement Supportive services such as transportation, work uniforms and supplies, and child care Work experience Training Note for Mandatory SNAP Recipients: In order to meet your work requirement obligations, you must continue to engage in EPIC services for the next three years and you cannot choose to receive SNAP E&T services instead of EPIC services. 2.SNAP E&T Service Group - If you are in this group, you will be able to get services through the regular SNAP E&T program. These services could include case management; help with an employability plan; help with job search; supportive services such as transportation; and training. You will not be able to get the services newly-available through the EPIC program for the next three years. Service Group Overview

It is up to you to decide to take part in the study. Whether you take part in the study or not, you are still required to meet your work requirement obligations. If you do not want to take part, you will not have the chance to receive services newly-available through the EPIC program for three years from today. Mandatory SNAP Recipients Who Choose Not to Participate

It is up to you to decide to take part in the study. If you do not want to take part, you will not have the chance to receive services newly-available through the EPIC program for three years from today. Your decision will have no effect on your eligibility for food assistance. SNAP Recipients Who Choose Not to Participate & Are Not Mandatory

Career Training In Our Area Orientation handouts provide information regarding the career training opportunities that are available in our area. This information (and more) is available from our web page too!

How To Find A Good Match For You Your next steps. 1.Review the career information flyers and/or web pages. 2.Watch the career videos. Take notes as needed. 3.Rank your top three choices. Consider these when you make your decision: Your skills and interests (What are you good at? what do you like to do?) Your history Ability to participate Ability to be employed in this occupation

Learn About Your Options

Health Science Careers Median Wage/Year Length Dental Assistants$34,374Ranges from < 1 year to < 2 years Dental Laboratory Technicians $39,2512 years Healthcare Support Workers $29,812< 1 year Home Health Aides$21,973< 1 year Medical Records and Health Information Technicians $34,432Ranges from < 1 year to < 2 years Required Skills & Abilities Communication Reasoning & Problem Solving Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things Work with People and Equipment Perceive and Visualize

Manufacturing Careers Median Wage/Year Length Maintenance Workers, MachineryMaintenance Workers, Machinery $54,332Ranges from < 1 to < 2 years Metal and Plastic Process Workers $35,100Ranges from < 1 to < 2 years Machinists$39,127Ranges from < 1 to < 2 years CNC Operators$37,265Ranges from < 1 to < 2 years Production Helper$23,698< 1 year Welder$32,422Ranges from < 1 to < 2 years Required Skills & Abilities Communication Reasoning & Problem Solving Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things Work with People and Equipment Perceive and Visualize Use Math and Science

Placement In Training Each occupation requires some basic skills and abilities to enter the training program. If selected to participate in the EPIC program services, you will need to select which training program based on the following: Your interest in the career pathway (You can select more that one pathway but you will need to rank your preference.) Your ability based on the entry requirement (A team evaluation will also be completed to determine the right fit for you and the provider. ) Barriers to participation in training and employment

How To Apply For The Program To be considered for participation in the EPIC Pilot Program you will need to: 1)Log into your Illinois workNet account. Instructions are in your orientation materials. 2)Complete the online application. Complete all fields that are empty. If information that has been filled in for you is incorrect, you will have to update the information with your local DHS case worker in the DHS system. 3)Complete the NOCTI 21 st Century Assessment. This assessment is used help identify your training starting point.

A team will review of your application and assessments to identify a training provider that can meet your training needs. This does not guarantee you will be place in the EPIC Pilot Program. You still have to be assigned to a services group. Before you leave today, meet with the DHS case worker to set up an office appointment to complete the EPIC registration process. If there is a suitable training provider available, you will be assigned to a services group. This process may take up to 30 minutes. You will: Sign the consent form to participate in the study program. Complete the Registration Form with your case worker. Be randomly assigned either into the EPIC services group or the SNAP E & T service group. After You Apply

We will take a break to give you time to review all of the information provided today and to ask questions. If you are not interested in participating, please let us know. Complete a short survey, turn it in, and you may leave. If you are a mandatory SNAP work registrant, you ARE REQUIRED to participate in one of the DHS E&T offerings. EPIC is a great opportunity that you should consider. Time For Questions & A Break

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THE PILOT PROGRAM