** Archive **
WIAPL 14-02 (Dislocated Worker Funding for Special Projects and Initiatives)
Workforce Investment Act Policy Letter No. 14-02
August 12, 2014
TO: Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), Fiscal Agents, Administrative Entities, and OhioMeansJobs Center Operators
FROM: Cynthia C. Dungey, Director
SUBJECT: Dislocated Worker Funding for Special Projects and Initiatives

I.Purpose

Ohio is committed to the implementation of programs and the delivery of services that support the reemployment of Ohio's dislocated workers. The purpose of this policy is to outline program requirements when funding is being used to engage in special projects and initiatives for dislocated workers.

II.Effective Date

July 1, 2014

III.Background

WIA regulations emphasize the importance of recapturing talent, keeping a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry, and retraining a proven workforce to meet a region's changing economic needs. The local WIBs have the unique opportunity to implement proactive programs, thereby saving jobs and helping their communities grow and prosper. When used to its fullest potential, these special projects and initiatives provide significant value to the business community, allowing the workforce investment system to play a pivotal role in the regional economy and fulfilling the promise of a robust and proactive workforce system.

IV.Special Projects and Initiatives

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) sets aside dislocated worker program funding every program year for the purpose of allowing local areas the opportunity to implement special projects or initiatives. These funds may be used to provide direct services to dislocated workers and employers as well as to support innovative approaches to generate improvements in local area service delivery.

Special projects and initiatives should achieve one or more of the following within the workforce system:

1.Reemploy Ohio's dislocated workers;

2.Increase efficiency in the delivery of quality services targeting long-term unemployed dislocated workers, including veterans;

3.Reduce the number of weeks dislocated workers receive Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits; or

4.Coordinate with local employers to deliver training opportunities for dislocated workers to meet specific job driven outcomes.

V.Reporting Requirements

Depending upon the project or initiative, the local area may be required to enter participant information into Ohio Workforce Case Management System (OWCMS) under Special Grants. By reporting information into OWCMS, the local area may report the outcomes that result from implementation of the project or initiative.

VI.Funding for Special Projects and Initiatives

If local areas determine that funding is needed to implement special projects and initiatives, the local area WIBs must apply using the Application for Dislocated Worker Assistance Funds - Special Projects and Initiatives. Funding for special projects and initiatives is intended to enhance the local Dislocated Worker formula-funded program.

To be considered for special projects and initiatives funding, the local area must meet the following criteria:

  • Local area is in compliance with Workforce Investment Act Policy Letter (WIAPL) Number 13-04, Mandate Use of OhioMeansJobs.com for Job Placement and Referral Activities in Ohio;
  • Dislocated Worker funding expenditure rate as of most recent calendar quarter meets or exceeds spending levels required in Workforce Investment Act Transmittal Letter (WIATL) Number 26, WIA Funds Rescission Policy;
  • Local area does not fail the same Common Measure performance outcome outlined in WIAPL No. 10-01.2 for two years in a row; and
  • The proposed project or initiative and related expenditures are allowable under WIA and all applicable federal and state laws, including 20 CFR Part 663.

The Office of Workforce Development Grants Unit will review the application and, if approved, the Office of Fiscal Monitoring Services, Bureau of County Finance will issue an allocation letter through its online accounting portal.

Upon receipt of funds for the approved application, local WIBs must ensure that impacted workers are not turned away from services based upon residency.

VII.Monitoring

Local area monitoring must include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the area's implementation of the special project or initiative. This includes oversight to ensure the local area has provided identified services in accordance with the approved application in a timely and efficient manner.

Through the state's monitoring system, program and fiscal monitors will review the area's implementation of activities during the annual onsite monitoring review for compliance with local procedures, the funding application, and federal laws and regulations. Any issues will be handled through the state's resolution process.

VIII.Technical Assistance

The Office of Workforce Development Grants Unit will provide support, guidance, training, and technical assistance to local areas in the provision of special projects and initiatives and will provide financial resources to the local areas.

For additional information, questions may be sent to the ODJFS Office of Workforce Development: WIAQNA@jfs.ohio.gov.

IX.References

Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-220

Workforce Investment Act Final Rules, 20 CFR 652, et al

WIAPL No. 10-01.2

WIAPL No. 13-04

WIATL No. 26

Workforce Development Glossary Matrix