Narrative: II. a. 2. B.

STRENGTHS LWC has developed policy, vision, certification criteria and contracts to assist LWDBs in complying with WIOA’s expectations. LWC requires development of a regional plan by respective LWDBs including performance targets. In the past two years, LWC has created a strong foundation on which to build true partnerships through implementation of the new basic service delivery model and the Continuous Improvement Process as support strategies to LWDA operations. This plan has ensured the existence of at least one comprehensive One Stop Center in each LWDA, and will encourage LWDBs to operate “additional affiliate One-Stop Centers with any subset of partners, or specialized centers”, as allowed under WIOA. The plan drives the realignment of funding streams to improve accountability across core programs, support career pathways and sector strategies, and create continuous opportunities to measure performance and identify areas for improvement, resulting in an effective and efficient operation.

WEAKNESSES/OPPORTUNITIES Louisiana Workforce Development Area (LWDA) leadership across the state has experienced, in many instances, challenges developing viable regional workforce partnerships with economic development and educational entities. Vast improvement has been seen in this area over the 18 months, which should allow the development of regional plans that align with the Governor’s vision on workforce and the sharing of resources and ideas for regional implementation, as scarcity of resources, and the true need to partner are becoming drivers. Budgetary realities and restrictions, combined with the refocus and expansion of services under WIOA, require the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) in particular (and LWC in a broader sense) to take a comprehensive look at how it provides support to service partners. Although all 15 of Louisiana Workforce Development Areas have at least one Comprehensive Center where all core and additional WIOA partners have signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) containing infrastructure agreements, the challenge is to continue developing an integrated system that is inclusive of all partners. This will only work if the LWDAs “buy in” and become more strategic and effective in managing formula-fund dollars. This is an opportunity to guide LWDBs toward a more proactive, strategic, and engaged approach.

Title II (Adult Education)

STRENGTHS Adult Education has adopted and implemented the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) for Adult Education. Standard alignment with K-12 partners provides rigorous standards that specify what learners should know at each level. Provide professional development activities/training that aligns CCRS with evidenced-based practices. Developed and mandated teacher certification course to improve teacher quality and understanding of WIOA requirements. Data driven teacher quality evaluation process.

WEAKNESSES/OPPORTUNITIES Streamline assessment mandates and reporting results for students. Adult Education has the capability to provide assessment services throughout the workforce training system for One-Stop Centers, including services to Out-of-School Youth (OSY) under WIOA, as well as post-secondary educational institutions, TANF and SNAP programs. Employer engagement and involvement on program design and curriculum to ensure valid education/training meet regional labor market demands. Develop procedure to evaluate programs and activities to ensure continuous improvement and expansion. Must ensure ABE teachers evaluations include analysis of education services provided to WIOA OSY to ensure WIOA Common Measures are understood and met, or exceeded.

Title IV (Vocational Rehabilitation Services)

STRENGTHS As a result of LRS, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program being within LWC’s organizational structure in Louisiana, integration of vocational rehabilitation into the local One-Stop infrastructure has already begun, with some local areas having counselors working within the One-Stops. An array of services is provided by each component of the One-Stop, including LRS/VR. LRS has Employment Development Specialists available in three regions. These individuals are specialized in working with individuals with disabilities, including job placement.

WEAKNESSES/OPPORTUNITIES Expand the integration of vocational rehabilitation services within One-Stop Centers. Proactively address physical and programmatic accessibility; space and logistics, including funding/cost allocation agreements. Integrate VR into the one-stop service delivery model. Eliminate duplication of effort/services where possible. Cross-train staff, and clarify services available. This includes those responsible for providing said services. To enhance employer outreach and collaboration with one-stop efforts in employer engagement.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

STRENGTHS Department of Children and Family Services currently has partnership to provide Employment and Training Services to TANF recipients state wide through its Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Initiative. TANF recipients (STEP) are connected to local Business and Career Solutions Centers (BCSCs), statewide, and are often co-enrolled under WIOA Youth and/or Adult Programs.

OPPORTUNITIES State needs to consider increasing the amount of TANF funding dedicated to work-related activities in an effort to increase overall capacity of STEP and other E&T programs and services to eligible participants. Referral opportunities through improved partnership with Adult Education and other programs that will be housed in comprehensive one-stop centers in each local area.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program

STRENGTHS The Trade unit has redesigned and implemented new forms to capture data specific to federal requirements, which has improved the quality of the initial interview and intake process. The Trade unit has restructured its filing system according to the outline of the federal requirements which has streamlined the case management function; improved the organization and flow of the quarterly monitoring review, and minimized the opportunity for findings and disallowed costs. The Trade unit has changed its manual Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) claim filing process to a new automated system, which has tremendously improved customer service and decreased the changes for human error and has increased timely processing.

WEAKNESSES/OPPORTUNITIES The trade unit has the opportunity to become a best practice state over a period of time with the implementation of the new forms, which will yield better results from state and federal monitoring reviews. Retention and quarterly training for TAA staff is essential to ensure continuous improvement and expansion of the Trade program. The Trade Unit must continue to work with the Geosol as issues arrive with new automated claims process in order to ensure that the system is efficient and effective in servicing its adversely trade affected customers.

Jobs For Veterans State Grant (JVSG)

STRENGTHS Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist are providing individualized career services to 99% of the Veterans they provide services to. Despite serving only veterans with Significant Barriers, DVOPs have achieved an Entered Employment Rate (EER) of 66%. Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) are integrated in to the Business Services Teams within their assigned workforce regions. LVERs conduct employer outreach with and as a part of regional business services teams.

OPPORTUNITIES Incorporate the service delivery strategy utilized by DVOPs in to the One-Stop Centers statewide. Currently the EER for all Veterans receiving services statewide is 51%. Large opportunity for improvement. LVERs could be more involved in employer engagement centered on assisting employers to develop and start registered apprenticeship programs and On-the-job training programs. These efforts could provide more opportunities for Veterans to learn while they work.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

STRENGTHS Several reputable NPOs within the state currently providing employment and training programs for seniors 55 and older. Governor’s Office has an existing Office of Elderly Affairs that supports services to elderly citizens.

OPPORTUNITIES Developing partnerships with LWDAs in local areas where NPOs exist to create a referral system; Opportunity to increase the number of NPOs in the state to provide elderly employment and training services in local workforce development areas and workforce regions. Leveraging WIOA and other federal and non-federal funding to expand services supports by Governor’s Office of Elderly Services.

Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)

STRENGTHS Local CAAs have the autonomy to develop strategies and activities that support the needs of low income individuals to secure, and retain employment. CAAs administer Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and often other local, state and federal resources that may assist job- seekers or workforce training participants to remain self-sufficient.

OPPORTUNITIES A large percentage of Louisiana CAAs are not engaged partners in their local or regional workforce planning activities, often causing duplication of services. CAAs must take this opportunity to increase their involvement with LWDBs in developing One-Stop Center partnerships, in particular the development of effective cross referrals, and co-enrollment. The ensuing expansion of services under WIOA will require the LWDB and CAA to take a more comprehensive look at how partner resources are aligned and utilized in providing supportive services to job-seekers.