February 16, 2024

Hello Donna,

In honor of Black History Month, our Chief EDIB officer, Natalie Williams, has written a new post on our blog, The Catalyst. Titled "Black History: Past, Present, and Future," the post provides an overview of modern African American history and its positive impact on the country as well as the rest of the world. Be sure to read today and share!

Together with member input, APHSA has finalized its Artificial Intelligence (AI) posture, which lays out foundational tenets for the adoption of AI in human services.

We're growing! APHSA is looking for a Process Innovation Associate to support the management of a variety of projects within our Process Innovation portfolio. These include grants and contracts related to exploring and improving the delivery of human services and connected supports. You can apply now or share with interested parties in your network.

This Week in Washington will take a hiatus next week, in line with the congressional calendar. Look for us in your inbox on March 1. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important updates through our social media (linked above).

FNS Shares Two New Webinars on Summer EBT

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted two new webinars for state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) on implementing the new Summer EBT program. The first is on the Interim Final Rule (IFR), and the second is on the Plan for Operations and Management (POM) template and guidance. POMs were due yesterday, February 15.

Secretary Vilsack Sends Letters to Governors on SNAP Performance

Last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack sent letters to 44 states, DC, Guam, and the Virgin Islands about concerns with key Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) performance indicators, including payment error rates and application processing timeliness. FNS also shared opportunities for them to support states in improving these metrics.

ACF Publishes TANF 13th Report to Congress

An Administration for Children and Families (ACF) report provides data for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2021 and presents information regarding TANF expenditures and caseloads, work participation and earnings, the characteristics and financial circumstances of TANF recipients, TANF performance measures, interactions between TANF and child support, as well as specific provisions of state TANF programs and more. Read the entire report by following the link below.

Call for Proposals: Data Labs

The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation and the National Governors Association are accepting proposals to join the 2024 cohort of the Data Labs program. This program is for teams of state data and policy leaders who want to launch a data-sharing project aimed at improving government services and the lives of residents. States receive hands-on assistance, access to experts, and best practices in human-centered design to craft a thoughtful project implementation plan. To learn more, and to submit a proposal by the deadline of March 22, 2024, follow the link below.

WEBINAR: AI-Enhanced Curriculum - Using Generative Technologies to Assist with Training Development and Evaluation

This upcoming National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Showcase Series will explore the transformative potential of Generative AI on training. The session will unpack the nuances of generative AI technology and highlight its practical uses in content creation, knowledge assessment, and e-learning. Learn the basics of crafting effective AI prompts, explore ethical considerations, address AI limitations, ensure data privacy while customizing AI to fit organizational needs, and more!

February 28, 3:00 to 4:00 PM EST

WEBINAR: How Modernizing the Grants Process Can Reshape Community Impact

Grant funds can be used to improve existing services or develop new initiatives that directly address the specific needs of the communities we serve. However, to get those funds out the door and track them to success sometimes takes tremendous effort and time. To solve that issue, Hillsborough County partnered with EY to create compliance and improve confidence in grant distribution. In this webinar brought to you by EY, an APHSA Strategic Industry Partner, you'll learn how Hillsborough County implemented tactics for effective grants change, and how your agency can do the same in support of your constituents.

February 29, 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST

2024 Thriving Communities and Economic Mobility Regional Summit

APHSA will be supporting the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) at its annual event in Atlanta, Georgia. It will focus on aligning workforce, education, and employment through SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T), and we strongly encourage the attendance of organizations and community colleges interested in learning about the opportunity to become a SNAP E&T third-party provider. Current third-party providers looking to expand their programs are also welcomed.

April 24 to 25, in Atlanta, Georgia

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APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today

APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the Human Services sector. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates searching for careers and job seekers will find a number of opportunities throughout the country.