Located in:
- III. Operational Planning ElementsThe Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support 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 PoliciesThe 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. 3. A. State Agency Organization
Current Narrative:
All agencies work closely with the state workforce development board, referred to in West Virginia as the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB). The SWDB advises the Governor on workforce priorities and initiatives while also overseeing workforce activities managed regionally by Workforce Development Boards (WBD’s). A few of the many responsibilities the SWDB is charged with includes: developing opportunities for West Virginians to gain employment and earn competitive wages, developing and implementing workforce solutions based on the input of representatives and local workforce development boards around the state, addressing West Virginia’s workforce needs through efficient workforce training and development programs. The SWDB also works with DOE and DRS in developing and implementing the federally mandated state plan under WIOA. As to the Workforce Development Boards, West Virginia has a total of seven (7) designated local areas with a WDB in each. WDBs are responsible for the oversight of funds and activities, delivering career assessment, job search, and education and training related services through organizations identified and established by the board.
The Executive Branch of West Virginia’s State Government is headed by the State’s elected Governor, who directly oversees over a dozen State Departments, Bureaus, Commissions, and other Boards and Councils. The implementation of WIOA in the State of West Virginia is carried out by three of those departments: The Department of Commerce, The Department of Education, and the Department of Education and the Arts.
The Department of Commerce consists of 10 agencies, including the Development Office; Division of Energy; Division of Forestry; Geological and Economic Survey; Division of Labor; Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training; Division of Natural Resources; Division of Tourism; Office of Economic Opportunity; and WorkForce WV. WorkForce WV provides workforce development services statewide, at 18 local offices, including 13 comprehensive career centers, distributed through 7 geographic regions.
The WV Department of Education consists of the State’s Board of Education and six primary divisions; Education Support, Finance and Administration, School Effectiveness, Teaching and Learning, Technology, and Career Technical Education. The Division of Career Technical Education houses the Adult Education program.
The Department of Education and the Arts is comprised of six agencies, including the Division of Culture and History, WV Public Broadcasting, WV Center for Professional Development, WV Library Commission, Volunteer WV, and the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). DRS provides services to individuals with disabilities statewide through 28 branch offices, distributed through 6 geographic districts.
See attached organizational chart.