I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to communicate guidance in the provision
of career services to adults and dislocated workers.
III. Effective
Date
Immediately
III. Background
The American Job Center Network (in Ohio, called the OhioMeansJobs
delivery system) is the foundation of the workforce system. Pursuant to section
134(c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), funds allocated
to the local area for adults and dislocated workers shall be used to establish an
OhioMeansJobs delivery system, to provide career services to adults and dislocated
workers, to provide training services to adults and dislocated workers, to establish
and develop relationships with large and small employers and their intermediaries,
and to develop, convene, or implement industry and sector partnerships.
Career and training services, tailored to the individual needs of
job seekers, form the backbone of the OhioMeansJobs delivery system. While some
job seekers may only need self-service or other basic career services, others will
need services that are more comprehensive and tailored to their individual career
needs. WIOA provides an individual receiving services in the American Job Centers
(in Ohio, called the OhioMeansJobs centers) the opportunity to receive the services
needed to help him or her meet his or her employment and career goals.
The WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs are designed to provide
services, employment, and training opportunities to those who can benefit from,
and who are in need, of such services. A wide range of activities and services must
be available to assist individuals in obtaining the skills and credentials necessary
to secure and advance in employment.
A. Career Services
Career services must be made available through the OhioMeansJobs
delivery system to individuals who are adults or dislocated workers. Career services
are classified into three categories: basic career services, individualized career
services, and follow-up services. This classification is not designed to create
barriers to training, but rather identifies the importance that these three types
of career services can have in helping individuals obtain employment.
Basic career services are universally accessible and must be made
available to all individuals seeking employment and training services. Individualized
career services are to be provided by local workforce development areas (local area)
as appropriate to help individuals obtain or retain employment. Follow-up services
provide the continuing link between the participant and workforce system. There
is no order in which services are provided; service delivery is based on the individual
needs of the participant. Therefore, an individual does not need to attempt a career
service to demonstrate a failure to secure employment prior to receiving training
services.
1. Coordination with Wagner-Peyser Employment Service Program
WIOA provides a significant opportunity for coordination across all
the core programs including planning, reporting, and service delivery. In particular,
labor exchange services, the primary services provided by Wagner-Peyser Employment
Services staff, fall under the basic career services described below, including
specific obligations in serving unemployment insurance claimants. Additionally,
all of the basic career services must be made available by Employment Services staff
in coordination with other OhioMeansJobs center partners. Employment Services staff
may also make available the individualized career services described below. Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter (WIOAPL) No. 16-09, Establishment of the Workforce Delivery System, provides
guidance on the role of the Unemployment Insurance Program in the OhioMeansJobs
centers.
2. Provider of Career Services
Per section 107(d)(10)(D) of WIOA, local WDBs have the responsibility
to identify eligible providers of career services for the WIOA Title I Adult and
Dislocated Worker programs. Local WDBs may assign the OhioMeansJobs center operator
the responsibility for delivery of career services (through contracts with the operator),
may execute agreements with service providers, or may competitively procure service
providers. WIOAPL No. 16-08, Procurement of the
OhioMeansJobs Center Operator and Provider of Career Services, provides further
guidance.
3. Basic Career Services
Basic career services are available to job seekers coming to an OhioMeansJobs
center seeking assistance. Generally, these services involve less staff time and
involvement. These services may be provided by both the WIOA Adult and Dislocated
Worker programs and the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service program.
Basic Career Services Not Triggering Participation
in WIOA
Some basic career services are informational services and require
limited to no assistance from OhioMeansJobs center staff. Job seekers engaged in
self-service and informational activities do not require registration and receipt
of the service does not trigger participation into the WIOA adult or dislocated
worker programs or the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service program. These basic career
services include the following:
a. Determination of
whether the individual is eligible to receive WIOA adult, dislocated worker, or
youth services, including co-enrollment among these programs;
b. Outreach, intake
(including identification through the state’s Worker Profiling and Reemployment
Services system of Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants likely to exhaust benefits),
and orientation to the information and other services available through the workforce
development delivery system;
c. Self-directed or
self-service job search assistance;
d. Workforce and labor
market information, which may be found on OhioMeansJobs.com. This service includes
the provision of statistical information relating to local, regional, and national
labor market areas, including:
- Job vacancy listings in such labor market areas;
- Information on job skills necessary to obtain the
vacant jobs; and
- Information relating to state and local in-demand
occupations and the earnings, skill requirements, and opportunities for advancement
in such occupations;
e. Provision of information
on in-demand industry sectors and occupations;
f. Provision of information
on nontraditional employment;
g. Provision of performance
information and program cost information on the eligible providers of training services
by program and type of providers;
h. Referrals to and
coordination of activities with other programs and services, including programs
and services within the OhioMeansJobs delivery system and, in appropriate cases,
other workforce development programs;
i. Provision of information,
in usable and understandable formats and languages, regarding how the local area
is performing on the local performance accountability measures and any additional
performance information with respect to the OhioMeansJobs delivery system in the
local area;
j. Provision of information,
in usable and understandable formats and languages, relating to the availability
of supportive services or assistance, and appropriate referrals to those services
and assistance, including:
- Child care;
- Child support;
- Transportation available in the local area;
- Medical or child health assistance available through
the State's Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
- SNAP;
- Assistance through the earned income tax credit;
- TANF;
- Other supportive services; and
k. Group workshops
(e.g., interviewing, job search, financial management, and resume writing).
Basic Career Services Triggering Participation
in WIOA
Other basic career services require staff assistance from OhioMeansJobs
center staff and receipt of these services triggers an individual to become a participant
and be included in WIOA performance if the individual was provided services as part
of the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker program. Therefore, the eligibility must
be determined for the individual pursuant to WIOAPL No. 15-02, Adult and Dislocated Worker Eligibility. If these services
are provided by Employment Service staff as part of the Wagner-Peyser program, WIOA
eligibility does not have to be conducted and these individuals will be included
in Wagner-Peyser performance.
These basic career services include the following:
a. Initial assessment
of skill levels, including literacy, numeracy, and English language proficiency,
as well as aptitudes and abilities (including skills gaps);
b. Supportive service
needs assessment;
c. Staff-assisted job
search assistance;
d. Placement assistance
(includes job matching, job referrals, and job development);
e. Career counseling,
including staff-assisted career guidance and provision of information on in-demand
industry sectors and occupations, on nontraditional employment, and from career
profiles and interest inventories;
f. Provision of information
and assistance regarding filing claims for unemployment compensation, by which the
OhioMeansJobs center must provide meaningful assistance as described in WIOAPL No.
16-09 to individuals seeking assistance in filing a claim for unemployment compensation;
g. Assistance in establishing
eligibility for programs of financial aid; and
h. Provision of job
club activities.
4. Individualized Career Services
Per section 134(c)(2)(A)(xii) of WIOA, some individualized career
services are available to adults and dislocated workers if determined to be appropriate
in order to obtain or retain employment. Individualized career services include
short-term pre-vocational services and must be provided to participants after staff
determine that such services are required to retain or obtain employment. Generally,
these services involve significant staff time and customization to each individual’s
need. These services generally will be provided by the WIOA Adult and Dislocated
Worker programs, although it may be appropriate for the Wagner-Peyser Employment
Service to provide some of these services.
Receipt of WIOA individualized career services triggers participation,
and the participant is included in WIOA performance if these individuals were provided
services. Therefore, the eligibility must be determined for the individual pursuant
to WIOAPL No. 15-02. If these services are provided by Employment Service staff
as part of the Wagner-Peyser program, WIOA eligibility does not have to be conducted
and these individuals will be included in Wagner-Peyser performance.
Individualized career services include:
a. Comprehensive and
specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs of adults and dislocated
workers, which may include:
- Diagnostic testing and use of other assessment tools;
and
- In-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify
employment barriers and appropriate employment goals.
b. Development of an
individual employment plan (IEP) to identify all of the following:
- Employment goals;
- Appropriate achievement objectives;
- Appropriate combination of services for the participant
to achieve the employment goals, including providing information on eligible training
providers and career pathways to attain career objectives.
IEPs are one of the most effective ways to serve individuals with
barriers to employment and to coordinate the various services, including training
services they may need to overcome these barriers. Therefore, all participants who
receive an individualized career service or a training service pursuant to WIOAPL
No. 15-09, Training Services for Adults and Dislocated Workers,
must receive an IEP. IEPs must be reviewed with the participant to ensure the IEP
is effectively addressing the needs of the participant.
c. Group counseling;
d. Individual counseling;
e. Career planning;
f. Short-term prevocational
services to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training, which include:
- Development of learning skills;
- Communication skills;
- Interviewing skills;
- Punctuality;
- Personal maintenance skills;
- Professional conduct.
g. Internships and
work experiences (including transitional jobs) that are linked to careers;
h. Workforce preparation
activities;
i. Financial literacy
services;
j. Out-of-area job
search assistance and relocation assistance; and
k. English language
acquisition and integrated education and training programs.
5. Follow-Up Services
Appropriate follow-up services must be made available to a participant
placed in unsubsidized employment for a minimum of 12 months following the participant's
first date of employment. Follow-up services can be useful for participants in order
to maintain employment. WIOA staff can provide workplace information and tips for
success in the workplace environment and other counseling about the work place.
Additionally, follow-up services provide the continuing link between
the participant and workforce system. These services allow the WIOA staff to assist
with other services the participant may need once he or she obtains employment.
Examples may include assistance with employer benefits, health insurance, and financial
literacy and budgeting assistance.
Follow-up services do not extend the date of exit in performance
reporting.
6. Registration in OhioMeansJobs.com
Per section 6301.18 of the Revised Code, each participant in the
WIOA adult and dislocated worker program must create an account in OhioMeansJobs.com
at the time of participation in the program.
This requirement does not apply in any of the following circumstances,
where the individual:
a. Is legally prohibited
from using a computer.
b. Has a physical or
visual impairment that makes the individual unable to use a computer; or
c. Has a limited ability
to read, write, speak, or understand a language in which OhioMeansJobs.com is available.
B. Supportive Services
Supportive services are designed to provide a participant with the
resources necessary to enable their participation in career services. Supportive
services may include, but are not limited to:
1. Assistance with
transportation;
2. Assistance with
child care and dependent care;
3. Linkages to community
services;
4. Assistance with
housing;
5. Needs-related payments;
6. Assistance with
educational testing;
7. Reasonable accommodations
for individuals with disabilities;
8. Referrals to health
care;
9. Assistance with
uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tools;
10. Assistance with books,
fees, school supplies, and other necessary items for students enrolled in post-secondary
education classes;
11. Payments and fees
for employment and training-related applications, tests, and certifications; and
12. Legal aid services.
Referrals to supportive services are career services that may be
available to adults and dislocated workers through the workforce development system.
Supportive services may only be provided to participants who are
in career or training services, to participants who are unable to obtain supportive
services through other programs providing supportive services, and in a manner necessary
to enable individuals to participate in career and/or training services.
C. Use of Previous Assessments
When determining the services needed for an individual to obtain
or retain employment, the local area or OhioMeansJobs center partner shall not be
required to complete a new interview, evaluation, or assessment of a participant
if the local area or OhioMeansJobs center partner determines it is appropriate to
use a recent (meaning within the preceding 6 months) interview, evaluation, or assessment
of the participant, that was conducted by another education or training program.
This may include evaluations or assessments completed by a secondary school, Vocational
Rehabilitation, ABLE, Veteran program, or other education or training provider.
D. Priority for the Adult Program
WIOA focuses on serving individuals with barriers to employment and
seeks to ensure access to quality services for these populations. Individualized
career services provided with adult funds may be a pathway to self-sufficiency for
low-income adults, public assistance recipients, and individuals who are basic skills
deficient. Section 134(c)(3)(E) of WIOA establishes a priority requirement with
respect to funds allocated to the local area for adult employment and training activities.
Under WIOA, priority must be implemented regardless of the amount of funds available
to provide services in the local area.
Therefore, priority for individualized career services funded by
and provided through the adult program shall be given to recipients of public assistance,
other low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient for
receipt of those career services determined appropriate to obtain or retain employment.
Individuals who are English language learners meet the criteria for basic skills
deficient and must be included in the priority population.
Individuals who are underemployed as defined in this policy and meet
the definition of a low-income individual may receive individualized career services
under the Adult program on a priority basis. This priority does not necessarily
mean that these services may only be provided to recipients of public assistance,
other low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient. Individuals
who are not members of the priority group may still receive individualized career
services as determined appropriate.
The emphasis in WIOA is to prioritize services to those individuals
who have the most barriers to employment and to provide those individuals with the
opportunity to benefit from employment and training services. As such, the State
will monitor this priority by reviewing the characteristics of adults and dislocated
worker participants.
E. Priority for Veterans and Eligible Spouses
Additionally, the Jobs for Veterans Act, Public Law 107-288 establishes
priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses. Veterans and eligible spouses
must first meet any and all of the statutory eligibility criteria in order to be
considered for: a) enrollment in the program; b) receipt of priority for enrollment
in the program; and c) priority of receipt of services. Priority means that veterans
and eligible spouses take precedence, with all other qualifying eligibility requirements
being equal, over non-veteran and eligible spouses in obtaining services and program
enrollment.
Priority must be given in the following order:
1. To veterans and
eligible spouses who are also included in the groups given statutory priority for
WIOA Adult formula funding. This means that veterans and eligible spouses who are
also recipients of public assistance, other low-income individuals, and individuals
who are basic skills deficient would receive first priority for services with WIOA
Adult formula funds for individualized career services.
2. To individuals who
are not veterans or eligible spouses who are included in the groups given priority
for WIOA Adult formula funds.
3. To veteran and eligible
spouses who are not included in WIOA’s priority groups.
4. Priority populations
established by the State or local board.
5. To individuals who
are outside the groups given priority under WIOA.
IV. Definitions
Affiliate OhioMeansJobs center: An
access point in addition to the comprehensive OhioMeansJobs center in each local
area, which makes available to job seeker and employer customers one or more of
the OhioMeansJobs center partners’ programs, services, and activities.
Appropriateness: The possession of
qualities that are right, needed, or suitable for career services.
Basic skills deficient: An individual
who is unable to compute or solve problems, or read, write, or speak English, at
a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual's family, or in society.
Career counseling: Facilitated exploration
of occupational and industry information that will lead to a first, new, or better
job for the job seeker.
Career pathway: a combination of rigorous
and high-quality education, training, and other services that:
1. Aligns with the
skill needs of industries in the economy of the State or regional economy involved;
2. Prepares an individual
to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education
options, including registered apprenticeships;
3. Includes counseling
to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;
4. Includes, as appropriate,
education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation
activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;
5. Organizes education,
training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a
manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual
to the extent practicable.
6. Enables an individual
to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least
1 recognized postsecondary credential; and
7. Helps an individual
enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster.
Career planning: Per 3(8) of WIOA,
the provision of a client-centered approach in the delivery of services designed
to:
1. Prepare and coordinate
comprehensive employment plans, such as service strategies, for participants to
ensure access to necessary workforce investment activities and supportive services,
using, where feasible, computer-based technologies; and
2. Provide job, education,
and career counseling, as appropriate during program participation and after job
placement.
Comprehensive OhioMeansJobs center:
A physical location where job seeker and employer customers can access the programs,
services, and activities of all required partners. A comprehensive OhioMeansJobs
center must provide career services, training services, access to any employment
and training activities carried out by WIOA or any of the OhioMeansJobs center partners,
and workforce and labor market information.
Eligible spouse: Per United States
Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No.10-09, the
spouse of any of the following:
1. Any veteran who
died of a service-connected disability;
2. Any member of the
Armed Forces serving on active duty who, at the time of application for the priority,
is listed in one or more of the following categories and has been so listed for
a total of more than 90 days:
- Missing in action;
- Captured in the line of duty by a hostile force;
or
- Forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty
by a foreign government or power;
3. Any veteran who
has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability, as evaluated
by the Department of Veteran Affairs; or
4. Any veteran who
died while a disability was in existence. A spouse whose eligibility is derived
from a living veteran or service member (i.e., categories 2 and 3 above) would lose
his or her eligibility if the veteran or service member were to lose the status
that is the basis for the eligibility (e.g., if a veteran with a total service-connected
disability were to receive a revised disability at a lower level). Similarly, for
a spouse whose eligibility is derived from a living veteran or service member, that
eligibility would be lost upon divorce from the veteran or service member.
English language acquisition program:
A program of instruction that:
1. Is designed to help
eligible individuals who are English language learners achieve competence in reading,
writing, speaking, and comprehension of the English language; and
2. Leads to:
- Attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent and transition to postsecondary education and training; or
- Employment.
Financial literacy services: Activities
provided to gain an understanding of basic financial information which is necessary
to become self-sufficient, and includes the following:
1. Supporting the ability
of participants to create household budgets, initiate savings plans, and make informed
financial decisions about education, retirement, home ownership, wealth building,
or other savings goals;
2. Supporting the ability
to manage spending, credit, and debt, including credit card debt, effectively;
3. Increasing awareness
of the availability and significance of credit reports and credit scores in obtaining
credit, including determining their accuracy (and how to correct current inaccuracies
in the reports and scores) and their effect on credit terms;
4. Supporting the ability
to understand, evaluate, and compare financial products, services, and opportunities;
and
5. Supporting activities
that address the particular financial literacy needs of non-English speakers, including
providing support through the development and distribution of multilingual financial
literacy and education materials.
Follow-up services: Activities to monitor
adults or dislocated workers' success during their transition to employment and
further education and to provide assistance as needed for a successful transition.
Group counseling: Activity which involves
two or more participants addressing certain issues, problems, or situations that
may be shared by group members.
In-demand occupation: An occupation
that currently has or is projected to have a number of positions (including positions
that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement) in an
industry sector so as to have a significant impact on the State, regional, or local
economy as listed on the State In-Demand Occupations list or as defined by the local
area per the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter (WIOAPL) No.
15-11, Use of Individual Training Accounts (ITA).
In-demand industry sector: An industry
sector that has a substantial current or potential impact (including through jobs
that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement) on the
State, regional, and local economy, as appropriate, and that contributes to the
growth or stability of other supporting businesses, or the growth of other industry
sectors as listed on the State In-Demand Occupations list or as defined by the local
area per the WIOAPL No. 15-11.
Individual counseling: One-on-one session
that may go into greater detail for a participant regarding certain issues, problems,
or situations.
Individual with a barrier to employment:
Per section 3(24) of WIOA, an individual who is a:
1. Displaced homemaker;
2. Low-income individual;
3. Indian, Alaskan
native, and Native Hawaiian;
4. Individual with
disabilities;
5. Older individual
(age 55 and older);
6. Ex-offender;
7. Homeless individual
or homeless child and youth;
8. Youth who is in
or has aged out of the foster care system;
9. English language
learner, has low levels of literacy, and is facing substantial cultural barriers;
10. Eligible migrant
and seasonal farmworker;
11. Individual within
two years of exhausting lifetime temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) eligibility;
12. Single parent (including
single pregnant woman);
13. Long-term unemployed
individual (unemployed for 27 or more consecutive weeks); and
14. Other groups of individuals
as the State determines to have barriers to employment.
Individual employment plan (IEP): An
individualized career service in which a plan is jointly developed and reviewed
by the participant and staff that includes an ongoing strategy to identify employment
goals, achievement objectives, and an appropriate combination of services for the
participant to obtain these goals and objectives.
Integrated education and training:
A service approach that provides adult education and literacy activities concurrently
and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for
a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and
career advancement.
Internship: A system of gaining on-the-job
experience by placement in a work environment for a period of time with the goal
to build technical and job awareness skills. Internships may be paid or unpaid.
Job club: A structured job search program
designed to prepare individuals for a successful job search by obtaining basic job-seeking
skills and individualized assistance. The program includes, at a minimum, instruction
on resume writing, application preparation, interviewing skills, job lead development,
development of a job search plan, and mock interviews.
Long term unemployed individual: A
person who has been unemployed for 27 or more consecutive weeks.
Lower living standard income level (LLSIL):
As defined in section 3 (36)(B) of WIOA, the income level (adjusted for regional,
metropolitan, urban, and rural differences and family size) determined annually
by the Department of Labor based on the most recent lower living family budget issued
by the Secretary.
Low-income individual: As defined in
section 3(36)(A) of WIOA, an individual who:
1. Receives, or in
the past 6 months has received, or is a member of a family that is receiving or
in the past 6 months has received, assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF, or the Supplemental Security income (SSI) program,
or local income-based public assistance;
2. Is in a family with
total family income that does not exceed the higher of:
a. The poverty line;
or
b. 70% of the lower
living standard income level.
3. Is a homeless individual;
4. Receives or is eligible
to receive a free or reduced price lunch;
5. Is a foster child
on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made; or
6. Is an individual
with a disability whose own income meets the income requirement of clause (2), but
who is a member of a family whose income does not meet this requirement.
Meaningful assistance: Providing assistance
on-site using staff who are well-trained in unemployment compensation claims filing
and the rights and responsibilities of claimants or providing assistance by phone
or other technology, as long as the assistance is provided by trained and available
staff and within a reasonable time. WIOAPL No. 16-09 provides further guidance to
the role of the Unemployment Insurance Program in the OhioMeansJobs centers and
provision of meaningful assistance.
Participant: A reportable individual
who received services other than self-service, after satisfying all applicable programmatic
requirements for the provision of services, such as having an eligibility determination
completed by local WIOA staff.
Participation: The point at which the
individual has been determined eligible for program services and has received or
is receiving a career or training service, other than basic career services and
is the point at which an individual is to be included in calculations for performance
measures.
Public assistance: As defined in section
(3)(50) of WIOA, federal, state, or local government cash payments for which eligibility
is determined by a needs or income test. This includes TANF, SNAP, or SSI.
Registration: The process of collecting
information to support a determination of eligibility for the WIOA adult and dislocated
worker programs. This information may be collected through methods that include
electronic data transfer, personal interview, or an individual's application.
Reportable individual: An individual
who has taken action that demonstrates an intent to use the program services and
who meets specific reporting criteria of the program, including:
1. Individuals who
have provided identifying information;
2. Individuals who
only use the self-service system; or
3. Individuals who
only receive information-only services or activities.
Self-service: When individuals independently
(with little to no staff assistance) access any workforce development system program’s
information and activities in either a physical location, such as an OhioMeansJobs
center resource room or partner agency, or remotely via the use of electronic technologies
(e.g., OhioMeansJobs.com). Self-service does not uniformly apply to all virtually
accessed services (e.g., virtually accessed services that provide a level of support
beyond independent job or information seeking on the part of an individual would
not qualify as self-service).
Supportive services: Services that
are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under
WIOA.
Transitional job: A time-limited work
experience that is wage-paid and subsidized, and is in the public, private or non-profit
sectors for those individuals with barriers to employment who are chronically unemployed
or have inconsistent work history, as determined by the local board. These jobs
are designed to enable an individual to establish a work history, demonstrate work
success in an employee-employer relationship, and develop the skills that lead to
unsubsidized employment.
Underemployed individual: An individual
who is one of the following:
- Employed less than full-time who is seeking full-time
employment;
- Employed in a position that is inadequate with respect
to their skills and training;
- Employed and meets the definition of a low-income
individual; or
- Employed, but whose current wages are not sufficient
compared to wages from previous employment per local policy.
Veteran: An individual who served in
the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from
such service under conditions other than dishonorable, which may include National
Guard or Reserve personnel.
Work experience: A planned, structured
learning activity that takes place in a workplace setting for a limited period of
time (refer to WIOAPL No. 15-12, Work Experience for
Adults and Dislocated Workers).
Workforce preparation activities: Activities,
programs, or services designed to help an individual acquire a combination of basic
academic skills, critical thinking skills, digital literacy skills, and self-management
skills, including competencies in:
- Utilizing resources;
- Using information;
- Working with others;
- Understanding systems;
- Skills necessary for successful transition into and
completion of postsecondary education or training, or employment; and
- Other employability skills that increase an individual’s
preparation for the workforce.
V. Local
Area Requirements
A. Provision of Career Services
Career services for adults and dislocated workers must be made available
in at least one comprehensive OhioMeansJobs center in the local area. Services may
also be available in the affiliate OhioMeansJobs centers. Local WDBs determine the
most appropriate mix of these services, but both career and training services must
be available for eligible adults and dislocated workers.
B. Coordinate with Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
The local WDB and the OhioMeansJobs center operator should review
career services to determine if any of these services are being provided or may
be provided by a required partner, including the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service
program in the OhioMeansJobs center. The local WDB, OhioMeansJobs center operator,
and the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service should discuss strategies to reduce duplication
and to appropriately utilize resources when providing services to universal customers,
specifically when basic career services are being provided.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) should address how WIOA self-service
or informational career services will be coordinated with partner programs.
C. Development of Local Policies
1. Follow-Up Services
Local WDBs must establish a policy that defines what are considered
to be appropriate follow-up services, as well as policy for identifying when to
provide follow-up services to adult and dislocated worker participants.
2. Supportive Services
The local WDB must develop a policy on supportive services that ensures
resources and service coordination in the local area. Local WDBs may establish limits
on the provision of supportive services, including a maximum amount of funding and
maximum length of time for supportive services to be available to participants.
Supportive services are WIOA-funded only when these services are not available through
other programs and agencies and the services are necessary for the individual to
participate in Adult and Dislocated Worker program activities. Therefore, the policy
must also address procedures for referral to such services, including how such service
will be funded when they are not otherwise available from other sources. Procedures
granting exceptions to the limits may also be established.
VI. Reporting
Requirements
Registration is the process for collecting information to support
a determination of eligibility. Program participation begins after the registration
process of collecting information to support an eligibility determination and begins
when the individual receives a basic career service triggering participation, individualized
career service, or training service which is funded by the WIOA Adult or Dislocated
Worker program. Pursuant to rule 5101:9-30-04 of the Administrative Code, the local
WDB shall ensure the timely and accurate reporting of WIOA participants, activities,
and performance information by using the Ohio Workforce Case Management System (OWCMS).
VII. Monitoring
At the local level, the local area must conduct oversight of the
implementation of the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs to ensure that priority
populations are being served, participants are enrolled in the programs and have
been provided identified services.
Through the state’s monitoring system, program monitors will review
the local area’s implementation of the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs,
including a participant file review, during the annual onsite monitoring review
for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Any issues will be handled
through the state’s monitoring resolution process.
VIII. Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, you may send your request to the Office
of Workforce Development: WIOAQNA@jfs.ohio.gov.
IX. References
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, § 134, Public Law 113-128.
20 C.F.R. §§ 677.150, 678.305 – 310, 678.430, 680.100 – 190, and
680.600.
USDOL, Training and Employment Guidance Letter WIOA No. 19-16, Operating
Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Guidance on Services
provided through the Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs Under the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES), as
amended by Title III of WIOA, and for Implementation of the WIOA Final Rules, (March
1, 2017)
USDOL, Training and Employment Guidance Letter One-Stop Operating
Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act No. 16-16, One-Stop Operations
Guidance for the American Job Center Network, (January 18, 2017).
USDOL, Training and Employment Guidance Letter WIOA No. 10-16, Operating
Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Performance Accountability
Guidance for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I, Title II,
Title III, and Title IV Core Programs (December 19, 2016).
USDOL, Training and Employment Guidance Letter WIOA No. 3-15, Operating
Guidance for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Guidance on Services
Provided through the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program under the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA or Opportunity Act) and Wagner-Peyser, as Amended by WIOA,
and Guidance for the Transition to WIOA Services, (July 1, 2015).
USDOL, Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 10-09, Implementing
Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses in all Qualified Job Training
Programs Funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), (November
10, 2009).
O.R.C. 6301.18.
O.A.C. 5101:9-30-04, Mandated Use of Ohio Workforce Case Management
System (OWCMS).
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No.
16-09, Establishment of the Workforce Delivery System, (May 30, 2017).
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No.
16-08, Procurement of the OhioMeansJobs Center Operator and Provider of Career Services,
(February 24, 2017).
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No.
15-12, Work Experience for Adults and Dislocated Workers, (July 15, 2015).
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No.
15-11, Use of Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), (July 15, 2015).
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No.
15-02, Adult and Dislocated Worker Eligibility, (July 15, 2015).
Rescission
ODJFS, Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act Policy Letter No. 15-08, Career Services for Adults
and Dislocated Workers, (July 15, 2015).