Narrative: d. 4.

Within the Oklahoma workforce development system, known as Oklahoma Works, is a network of Centers or One-Stop offices where employment, education and training providers are integrating services to assist both job seekers and employers. Job Seeker customers receive assistance preparing for and searching for work, making career decisions, and accessing training opportunities. Most people who walk into an Oklahoma Works Center are in search of information such as where the job openings are located, what training opportunities exist, or what kinds of community services are available. They may also be in need of a computer, phone, or fax. These core services are available to everyone through the Centers, usually with limited assistance. In fact, there are full–service, comprehensive “Resource Rooms” set aside for self–help, or limited assistance, much like a community library. There are computers and software for customers to prepare a resume, for instance, with books, videos, and even staff nearby to answer basic questions or give limited guidance. For those individuals who require more in-depth assistance, Oklahoma requires applicants to complete questionnaires which will assist us in determining what services will best fit the customer’s needs and which agencies or partners will be best equipped to fill such needs. The customer and the Center staff will discuss items like background, education and/or certifications, experience and work history, skills, etc. and then map out a strategy to get the customer on a career or training path. The information that is obtained creates a “snapshot” of potential program eligibility thus allowing Center staff to make proper referrals to additional programs or resources. As mention briefly in VI.b, Oklahoma provides two reemployment services tracks to help Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants return to work more quickly: Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment and 50% Eligibility Review Interview. Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) RESEA is an individualized process consisting of an orientation to the Center and all available workforce system resources, a UI eligibility review, an assessment of a claimant’s skills and career goals including any necessary transferable skills discussions, a discussion of job search strategies, establishment of an individual reemployment plan, provision of job referrals, and follow-up appointments. This program addresses the “harder to serve/need intensive” category i.e. those with multiple barriers to employment needing a variety of assistive services to return to work. RESEA claimants have been identified as likely to exhaust UI benefits and unlikely to return to their previous occupation; therefore, they must be scheduled before receiving the 5th week of UI benefits. Additionally, RESEA will serve Unemployment Compensation for eX-Service Members (UCX) claimants. These reemployment services are provided in an effort to reduce the time a claimant will be paid UI benefits and increase the likelihood the claimant will attain self-sufficient employment. 50% Eligibility Review Interview (ERI) The 50% Eligibility Review Interview (ERI) is delivered in a group process consisting of information on available services, work search review, expansion of work search efforts, and the provision of job referrals. This group is intended to be a triage type, informational session designed to serve the masses; taking far less time than its Reemployment Services counterpart, RESEA. The ERI is conducted with claimants in demand occupations who possess the skills and experience to return to work, often in the same or similar occupation. These claimants are equipped with additional reemployment strategies and tools, and are expected to return to work more quickly.