Narrative: e. 3.

As previously stated, the One-Stop system has long utilized customer-based approach to services, offering the full range of available services to all customers and accommodating career goals as much as possible with the resources available. The services are described previously in this Louisiana Combined State Plan. All individuals who come within the One-Stop system are offered the same services at the same level, tailored to meet the customer’s career goals. During intake and assessment, staff will ascertain whether the client is an MSFW. MSFWs will then be identified on their registration. The MWFW will be informed of the full range of one-stop services and a plan for services will be developed. MSFWs will also be informed of partners who provide MSFW services for which they may qualify. If the MSFW is put into intensive services, a service plan will be developed, incorporating partner organization services that may be used to enhance the individual’s service plan.

Almost 100% of agricultural job orders placed in the One-Stop HIRE system are for H-2A employment. LWC is in the developing plans to make changes within HIRE for job orders marked as H-2A. The changes are intended to improve program record keeping, tracking, and reporting, and increase the number of domestic worker referrals to the job orders. By the end of PY2016, most of the changes should be in place. The plan involves moving parts of the H-2A housing inspection record keeping into HIRE. Currently, H-2A job orders are input into HIRE 75 to 60 days before the date of need, as specified in U.S. Department of Labor rules. This condition creates a disincentive for job seekers to accept the positions when offered, preferring immediate employment instead. Typically, job seekers peruse recent job orders rather than older “stale” job orders for employment. By the time the date of need approaches, job seekers bypass H-2A job orders for “fresher” job orders. LWC is studying ways H-2A job orders can be “revived”, i.e., brought to the front of the list, for active recruitment as the date of need approaches. The intent is to provide greater exposure of the job order with the hopes of increased referrals.

Regional Business Teams, as part of their regional service strategies, and the SMA/H-2 program operator will reach out to agricultural employers to inform them of One-Stop employer services, including the ARS, partner employer services, and services to employees. The Teams will encourage agricultural employer engagement in employment and training opportunities and Rapid Response services. The SMA/H-2 operator continually disseminates to agricultural employers and their agents information on One-Stop employment and training services to MSFWs, MSFW employment rights, worker safety and health, housing, and MSFW partner services.

Locally, One-Stop Centers will coordinate the services of one-stop partners, community based organizations, the state MSFW contacts, MSFW groups, state cooperative extension service, and parish (county) agents, and other agencies and organizations listed above to do the following:

1. Give local presentations on One-Stop services, including the My Life, My Way online self-assessment tool and the LWC Star Jobs portal, both accessible online and through smartphones,

2. Set up and utilize an integrated referral system to provide maximum services to MSFWs,

3. Inform agricultural employers of MSFW services and rights,

4. Encourage agricultural employers to utilize the Agricultural Recruiting System (ARS),

5. Promote the hiring of MSFWs to employers in all sectors, including agricultural,

6. Provide required employer posters and other handouts in the English language and in Spanish,

7. Meet on a regular basis to exchange information, discuss problems, and
coordinate efforts,

8. Offer to distribute their information pamphlets during outreach contacts and provide materials for them to distribute to MSFWs,

9. Offer services that are relative to their needs, and

10. Advise them of all employment changes affecting their community.

Additionally, the SMA/H-2 operator will continue an ongoing relationship with the LA Farm Bureau Federation and participate in its annual Mid South Labor Seminar, providing materials or conducting presentations on agricultural labor issues.