Narrative: III. b. 7.

Arkansas provides veterans’ priority of service as mandated by Veterans Program Letter 07-09., and TEGL 07-09., “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. Service is provided to ensure veterans and covered persons receive consideration for all opportunities, for which they qualify. This increased focus includes the implementation of strategies and polices designed to ensure veterans and eligible persons of veterans receive the highest level of quality service within the framework of priority of service.  Arkansas increased its focus on veterans’ priority of service as a direct result of federal regulations. This increased focus includes the implementation of strategies and policies designed to ensure veterans and eligible persons receive the highest level of quality service within the framework of priority of service. The requirements of veterans’ priority of service as promulgated in Federal regulations are communicated via a statewide Veterans Priority of Service Policy, WIOA-1-8. 2-2.

Arkansas requires that all Local Workforce center staff members and other service providers give priority of service to eligible veterans, eligible persons, VR&E veterans, and other such groups targeted for special consideration. DVOP Specialists focus their efforts on assisting veterans most in need of their services including eligible veterans and eligible persons with an SBE, Vietnam-era, and/or veterans between 18-24 years of age. Local areas must ensure that veterans and eligible persons are served first and that this protocol is addressed in functional alignment plans and customer flow processes. Targeted veteran populations will be referred to DVOP Specialists (when available) or Wagner-Peyser staff members for the provision of individualized career services and other resources the veterans may require meeting their career goals.

Local offices must ensure that veterans and eligible persons are served first and that this protocol is addressed in the functional alignment plans and customer flow process. During the registration process, a series of questions identifies veteran status. Once the veteran or other eligible person is identified, the first available WFC staff conducts an initial assessment. This initial assessment uses a customized intake form, to help determine if the veteran or other eligible person has a Significant Barrier to Employment (SBE) or that they may be a member of another special priority group. During the initial assessment it is determined that the veteran has an SBE; they will be immediately referred to a Disable Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) or other trained staff for the provision of Individual Career Services and other services the veterans may need to meet their career goals.

ADWS regularly monitors Priority of Service through scheduled trainings, calls with managers and supervisors, and when making on-site visits at the Local Workforce Centers.

Signage –Appropriate signage will play a pivotal role if priority of service is to be implemented successfully. As such, Arkansas has designed, published, and distributed appropriate signage to all Centers and affiliate service sites throughout the state. Signage must be placed prominently at or near the entrance, as this may encourage customers to register first so that veteran status can be determined and documented as soon as possible. The placement of additional signage is required; however, the location of this additional signage is at the discretion of the Center Manager. It is strongly advised that the additional signage be placed in strategic locations and high traffic areas throughout the center, such as resource rooms and common waiting areas.