Narrative: III. a. 2. C.

The Core Partners are each committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality, customer-centered services to Vermonters. This will require each partner to become familiar with each other’s programs and services to ensure that a customer has all tools available to him or her, regardless of where he or she enters the workforce development system. In order to facilitate this, the partners are committed to the following activities to align services to individuals: cross training, common referral, and better communication. The WIOA requires, and Vermont is committed to, a comprehensive one-stop delivery system. However, not all Vermonters engage the workforce development system through the American Job Centers. In order to ensure Vermonters have access to all available services, each partner is committed to a cross training program to familiarize staff with individual department program services. Cross training of staff will occur annually and on a regional basis. For new staff, orientation will include an introduction to all core partner programs and services. This cross training will help to facilitate a transition of customers from program to program for better education and training outcomes for individuals. This should also include training to identify, address, and resolve implicit bias and stereotypes to help expand access to all Vermonters. Additionally, the core partners are committed to developing a universal referral process for common customers to be used for expanded and coordinated case management. There are areas of overlap in service that will be better coordinated with a common referral process. This common referral will follow the customer from program to program, identifying the services provided by each partner. As each partner becomes more familiar with each other’s services, individuals will be able to access each program’s services regardless of where they enter the workforce development system. Finally, in order to facilitate coordinated service to individuals, each partner is committed to more effective communication among the partner programs. The partners are committed to a concentrated effort to share information and resources amongst each other. The partners plan to explore joint case management strategies similar to what is used with postsecondary education plans developed under the economic services department. In developing a plan, the customer must visit and discuss the plan with multiple state programs, i.e., Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, the VDOL, the DVR, and state educational institutions. The programs work in collaboration to ensure the participant’s educational plan will provide the participant with the best opportunity to succeed. Additionally, each program must sign off of the plan in order for the participant to get final approval and funding. This type of collaboration must be expanded to other areas of the workforce development system in order to ensure the success of Vermont participants and avoid the duplication of services.