Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 2. The State policies that will support the implementation of the State’s strategies (e.g., co-enrollment policies and universal intake processes where appropriate). In addition, provide the State’s guidelines for State-administered one-stop partner programs’ contributions to a one-stop delivery system
Current Narrative:
Since the initial state plan, representatives from Adult Education and Literacy, Career and Technical Education, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Vocational Rehabilitation, Wagner-Peyser, and WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth programs continue to work collaboratively to provide smooth referrals between and among the various one-stop partner agencies. This integrated service delivery model expects each partner’s staff will give customers the information they need to access partner services. If a partner is unsure of which agency to refer customers, the partner may make a referral to the local job center.
This includes the ability to provide meaningful assistance to Unemployment Insurance claimants in partnership with Division of Employment Security (DES). Missouri Job Center (MJC) staff must have adequate knowledge of claimant rights and responsibilities to assist them in understanding DES publications and correspondence.
Each partner will continue to develop the ability to track referrals and complete follow up to create a uniform and consistent process. Office of Workforce Development requires MJC staff to document every referral including the method of referral and subsequent follow-up. Each referral must include an initial assessment (to the degree information can be shared), a listing of services already planned, and the services requested of the organization receiving the referrals.
Missouri continues to create policies to support the implementation of its strategies:
Strategy 1 - Utilize Partnerships to Provide High-Quality Customer Service
The combined partners developed an MOU committing to work together to provide high-quality workforce services. Partners will continue to develop policies and service agreements to support collaboration in improving services. Partners cross train job center and other partner staff on programmatic requirements and processes.
Strategy 2 - Create Sector Strategies
The partners require local providers through policy and guidance to utilize MERIC data or engage employers when placing clients in high-demand industry positions.
Strategy 3 - Develop Career Pathways
When partners provide job placement services, they have policies in place that require providers to create career pathways with clients. A more robust service structure allows the creation of better career pathways for customers; therefore, Missouri is initiating a combined referral process to explore the feasibility of a unified intake system.
Strategy 4 - Leverage Leadership from Core Partners to Move Forward on Missouri Goals
Partners continue to learn about each service offered and use this information to align polices with Missouri’s vision and goals. Creating policies that support consistent messaging is vital to improving services to customers. Co-enrollment continues to be a focus for partners and will be an ongoing effort regarding referrals and tracking services.
Strategy 5 - Create Environments that Foster Local Partnerships
Partners not only align policies at the state level but also require it at the local level to coordinate services for the benefit of the customer. Co-enrollment is a valuable part of coordinating services and remains one of the leadership priorities.
Strategy 6 - Devote and Reallocate Resources that Generate Partnerships
Partners will continue to develop policies to share and reallocate resources that lead to non-duplication of efforts and additional capacity. Partners will continue to follow MOU and Infrastructure Funding Agreement guidelines, which encourages utilizing all resources including cash and in-kind contributions. This leads to the opportunity for increased and new partner collaboration.