IMPACT provides employment resources and support to residents of Indiana who receive SNAP or TANF. We are much more than job training services. Our team provides services based on your unique needs and skills to help you find a job, advance your career, and be competitive in your job search.
IMPACT services are a component of Indiana's Welfare-to-Work program, a critical element of Indiana's welfare reform initiatives, which places an increasing emphasis on "work first." "Work First" means that individuals are expected to accept a job when it can be secured with their existing education and skills.
IMPACT offers much more than a job training services because it seeks to address a broad range of barriers that may inhibit individuals from seeking and maintaining employment.
From the time they apply for assistance, employment services are available and individuals are asked to begin their job search. For those not able to find a job right away, additional activities are provided after assessing the person’s strengths and needs. A case manager works with the individual to develop an individualized Self-Sufficiency Plan for employment. The plan outlines the steps required for the client to become self-sufficient.
In addition to job search, the activities could include job readiness activities or an unpaid community work experience with a community or social service agency. In addition to a work activity, appropriate basic education classes might be included on the Self-Sufficiency Plan. The plan could also include limited supportive services, such as transportation reimbursement.
The local office of the Division of Family Resources in each of Indiana's 92 counties has the responsibility for determining eligibility for IMPACT services for TANF and SNAP recipients.
IMPACT placements
IMPACT contracts with service providers across Indiana to implement job search, job development and placement activities. Job placements have been successful in Indiana.
IMPACT activities
Job search: includes telephoning employers, completing job applications, providing resumes, going to interviews, following up on job contacts, job placement services and job-seeking skills training, such as interviewing skills.
Job readiness: includes activities that prepare a participant for work such as job coping skills and understanding general workplace expectations. Services may also include family life skills.
Unsubsidized employment: work for which wages, salaries, commissions or profits not subsidized by state or federal programs.
Community work experience: unpaid work experience, preferably in a non-profit agency, to gain practical work experience.
Educational (academic): high school, General Education Development preparation, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. (Priority is given to academic training if the client is under 20 and has not completed high school or its equivalent.)
To get started, simply call 800-403-0864, press 3 and say you want to sign up for IMPACT.
