USDA FNS requires that states track referrals to SNAP Employment & Training programs and have a process for a referral to be accepted by a BFET provider, or in some cases reject referrals for clients that are not a good fit for BFET activities.
eJAS includes the following referral functions:
•Referral is BI Component
o BFET Providers will receive a Referral and have seven (7) days to either accept or reject the referral.
o Providers will receive an eJAS e-message in their contractor message center letting them know they have received a referral.
o BFET provider must contact the client within seven (7) days to determine if they are a good fit for the BFET program.
From the Contractor Caseload Report, the BFET provider has the option to accept or reject the referral within seven (7) days of the referral date.
•If client is a good fit, the provider will accept the referral and enroll the client in BFET by opening a BFET component per procedure. The BI component will automatically close.
•If the client is not a good fit, the provider will reject the referral and must select a reason that both client and provider agree upon, from the following options:
o Provider could not get in contact with the client.
o Provider cannot meet the client’s needs. Document in the text box describing what the client needs.
o Provider does not have capacity.
o Client withdrew the referral.
o Client is not able to participate timely. Document in the text box describing why the client is not able to participate timely. Timely is defined by the provider agency.
o Client is not willing to accept at least part-time employment.
o Please allow a referral to auto-close if you aren’t able to accept or reject the referral within the 7-day time limit due to internal procedures.
•If rejecting referral for any reason, except client withdrawal, the provider must explain to the client that they will be contacted by DSHS for a possible future referral or they may contact DSHS as soon as possible.
Pausing BFET Referrals
BFET Providers may request a 30 day pause in receiving BFET referrals.
The request should be sent via email to SWBFETPolicy@dshs.wa.gov. The BFET Policy Team will review the request to pause referrals in relation to their Performance Goals and expenditures status. A confirmation of the pause will be sent to the provider within 72 hours.
BFET Providers will have the ability to request another 30-day pause, as needed.