Narrative: II. a. 2.

Partner Services

Through a statewide network of job centers and partner organizations, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s (DHEWD) Office of Workforce Development (OWD) coordinates and aligns their partnership with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ (DOLIR) Division of Employment Security(DES); Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) and Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR), and the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD) including Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB). Together the partners provide a robust menu of vital reemployment and support services, including access to skill-building training, National Certification and Career Connections for jobseekers, targeted programs for veterans, youth and the unemployed, and cost-saving human resource assistance and financial incentives for businesses. The partners braid workforce, education and training activities with support services to meet the needs of  jobseekers and employers including individuals with barriers to employment and the underemployed.

Missouri has 19 partners that collaborate to deliver programs based on the needs of customers and employers. Referrals are made between partners as needs are identified. Missouri’s employment services include, but are not limited to, short-term training, apprenticeships, employability skills, on-the-job training (OJT), job placement, resume preparation, interviewing skills, networking, occupational exploration and retention services.

Missouri’s employer services include, but are not limited to, specialized recruitment and customized job fairs, posting open positions, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), incumbent worker training, qualified applicant referral, customized employment, apprenticeships, and access to pre-released justice involved individuals and other customers with barriers. Combined and required partners’ education and training activities include access and funding for short-term training, high school equivalency, postsecondary education, life skills training, workplace readiness training, and skill based training.

In addition to the above employment, educational and training services, Missouri offers customers an avenue to obtain credentials through testing provided at Missouri Job Centers (MJC). Customers can obtain a National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) using the ACT skills certification system. The NCRC is used for screening, hiring and promotion, as well as for fulfilling training needs for existing employers. MJCs also play a pivotal role in providing veteran services, one of Missouri’s top priorities. MJCs have priority services for veterans. They are served before all other customers. SBE Veterans can request to see the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staff at any time in the process to receive specialized services.

As stated above, services to veterans are a top priority. As advocates for veterans, Missouri continuously pursues avenues to improve their employment outcomes. The State of Missouri engages in the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP). Missouri has been successful in increasing interagency collaboration, extensive statewide training in best practices for an array of partners and improvement in employment outcomes for people with disabilities. A new development for Missouri EFSLMP is underway. The goal of this initiative is to expand Employment First activities to include creating pathways for veterans with disabilities to find employment in state government thus making Missouri a model employer for hiring veterans with disabilities. This program assesses support for veterans’ employment within state government, including current strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Employment Services

MJCs offer an array of employment services to adults, dislocated workers, in-school youth, out-of-school youth and UI claimants. Missouri provides co-enrollment services to leverage resources and provides comprehensive service delivery to customers with barriers to employment. If MJC customers, who are first provided career services through Wagner-Peyser, are ready for employment, staff members are available to assist them with job search and placement. If these customers are determined to need individualized career or training services, they are referred to partners to meet their identified needs.

Unemployment claims are made via Division of Employment Security's (DES) electronic unemployment compensation claim filing website, UInteract at uinteract@labor.mo.gov, or by phone to the UI claims center. All individuals who file for unemployment insurance services are automatically registered and receive information on available jobs that meet their skill set. Self-serve job search on jobs.mo.gov, or any of the other job search engines, is available in the computer labs. Registered customers can speak to staff who will complete an initial assessment to determine the level of services the customer needs.

Adult Education and Literacy

Missouri Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) activities are available at the local level. AEL provides basic skill development, academic education, secondary skills toward high school equivalency, postsecondary remediation and English language acquisition for those eligible. Missouri AEL incorporates employability skills and workforce preparation into its instruction. Career pathways and employment strategies are used for the sector strategies identified in each region. It is the ultimate goal for AEL learners to be placed in unsubsidized employment with in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency. Missouri also has an established correctional education program for institutionalized individuals, which has been operating successfully for over 25 years. Correctional activities include adult education and literacy activities; secondary school credit; career pathways; concurrent enrollment; and transition to re-entry initiatives and other post-release services with the goal of reducing recidivism.

Funded correctional education programs are required to give priority to serving individuals who are likely to leave the correctional institution within five years of participation in the program.

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation’s (MVR) workforce development activities assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for, enter into, engage in, advance in or retain competitive integrated employment. These activities include assessments, vocational guidance and counseling, and job preparation activities, such as disability awareness, resume writing and interviewing skills. Additionally, MVR provides eligible individuals with training (OJT, apprenticeships, customized employment, funding for community colleges and universities).

MVR is a key partner and works closely with the job centers to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible individuals with disabilities. MVR has appointed a state liaison to collaborate with OWD, and MVR staff serves as active members on all 14 local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs). The MVR liaison participated in the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with all 14 WDBs. These MOUs direct and explain how partners work together to deliver services to individuals with disabilities in the local community.

Through the MOUs with job centers, MVR is the primary referral source from job center partners for  individuals with disabilities. MVR counselors visit various MJCs, both full service sites and affiliates, frequently to provide services to consumers in a timely fashion. MVR is available for technical assistance to job center staff regarding rehabilitation technology and accommodations in the workplace.

An MVR business outreach specialist has access to OWD’s statewide case management system known as MoJobs. This arrangement helps strengthen MVR’s and OWD’s partnership and improves the sharing of resources for individuals with disabilities. MVR has offices in each of the 14 workforce regions. Both MVR and OWD are using Missouri Connections as a vocational guidance tool for their clients. Individuals can log into Missouri Connections when working with both MVR and OWD. This eliminates the duplication of clients’ records and allows for more efficient and effective services for mutual clients.

Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Missouri is one of 22 states with separate agencies that support blind and general vocational rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) specializes in meeting vocational needs specifically for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. RSB believes that collaboration with stakeholders is essential to maximizing resources and delivering optimum services that forge career pathways through work development activities. RSB works closely with MVR, employers and community partners to coordinate and strengthen its network of services. RSB offers a multitude of services to eligible youth and adults ranging from disability/blind awareness and interpersonal social skills training to career planning and job readiness training.

RSB and MVR have a cooperative agreement for serving individuals who are Deaf-blind. Individuals who meet the Helen Keller definition of Deaf-blind may receive services from both agencies. RSB and MVR staff participated in joint training to discuss the cooperative agreement and best case practices developed to outline coordination of services. The cooperative agreement provides an opportunity for each agency to serve individuals with multiple disabilities by taking advantage of the skills and expertise within each agency, while at the same time, utilizing the resources of RSB and MVR to the best advantage.

RSB works with employers through a variety of activities at the local level to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities to facilitate the provision of VR services and transition services, including transition services for youth and pre-employment transition services. District offices engage in outreach activities meeting directly with employers to identify employment needs and educate employers about the services RSB can offer for existing and new employees. Each district office and the Prevention of Blindness program have a tonometer to screen for the early signs of glaucoma as a service to employers and to promote VR services. Outreach activities are extended to employer health fairs, job fairs, chamber of commerce events and participating in local WDBs.

RSB has one job development specialist that works directly with employers to develop relationships and identify clients from various offices to meet employer needs. This position serves on several committees including the St. Louis Deafblind Taskforce, St. Louis County Disability Resource Committee, Employment Liaison Committee, Employment Working Group for Immigrants and refugees, St. Louis Transition Council, St. Louis Special School District Agency Collaborative, and the Urban League. This position receives and distributes job postings to VR staff and assists clients in the development of business plans required for self-employment vocational goals.

RSB participates in the National Employment Team (NET), a one-company approach to serving a variety of businesses through the national network of VR programs. The NET’s vision is to create a coordinated approach to serving business customers through a national VR team that specializes in employer development, business consulting and corporate relations. The NET supports a dual customer base, meeting the employment needs of qualified applicants and support services provided by the VR program. This offers VR agencies a national system for sharing employment resources, best practices and provides business connections. The point of contact from each VR agency is invited to participate in phone conferences to learn more about a specific company’s business, their hiring needs and trends, discuss accessibility and accommodations, and their success with VR services in other states.

The Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) was built for VR and businesses to work together for the success of hiring individuals with disabilities. TAP is an online system, which includes both a national talent pool of VR candidates looking for employment and a job posting system for businesses looking to hire individuals with disabilities. TAP is led by the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation and the NET in partnership with disABLED person, Inc., and TAP is supported by the NET, which includes VR business consultants in every state, the territories and D.C. who can partner and can provide support services to businesses at the national, state and local level.

TAP services to businesses include posting jobs that will reach all 80 agencies in 50 states, territories, and DC; voluntary self-disclosure of candidates; resume searching and geographic availability of candidates; job reporting metrics; compliance reports; preliminary interview capability; online job fairs; printable transcripts; partnership opportunities through the NET; and manual or automated job postings through their application programming interface.

Every RSB counselor and district supervisor has access to TAP and can invite VR clients to enter their information into the system. Counselors can help their client enter information, edit résumés and send job leads to clients.

RSB’s clients are able to access jobs.mo.gov, which is a web-based employment resource for clients and employers maintained by the OWD. This site offers clients career planning and job exploration, self-assessment, and wage data to analyze careers, trends and growing occupations in Missouri. Clients are able to search for job orders and referral information from employers for job openings that meet their qualifications. Clients can access other job portals through this system, expanding the search outside of Missouri. Employers can also perform a job search for available applicants that match the skills for their specific employment needs and can access information on incentives, business resources and recruitment.

RSB has formal contract agreements with community rehabilitation providers to work with employers and assist clients with job search, job placement and customized employment opportunities. Other services include work-based learning experiences, task analysis and job coaching when needed.     RSB Pre-Employment Transition Services provide high school age youth with a foundation for the school-to-work transition through employment readiness skills instruction, including work place readiness training, job exploration counseling, and self-advocacy training. The program is designed to enable consumers to gain the skills necessary to achieve their personal independence and vocational goals by focusing on problem solving and critical thinking, teamwork, communication, professionalism, and networking. In addition to employment readiness instruction, the consumer experiences work-based learning for a period of up to sixteen weeks and 120 hours total. During this time, the consumers receive OJT and an hourly wage during their placement at a job site. Involvement in this program is intended to increase a consumer’s career awareness, build marketable vocational skills and support a healthy self-image.

Family Support Division

The Family Support Division offers employment and training services through SkillUP, Missouri Work Assistance (MWA), Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Excel Centers (Adult High Schools), Healthcare Industry Training and Education (HITE), Summer Jobs, and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). SkillUP and MWA offers a variety of employment and training activities including short-term training, OJT, job search assistance, resume preparation, direct linkages to employers, work experience and employability skills. Both SkillUP and MWA require performance outcomes, which include employment. These programs blend resources with other agencies and local non-profits.

JAG is offered at 55 schools to students with at least three barriers. JAG offers project based learning, trauma informed care and employer engagement. JAG students are 230 percent more likely to find full-time employment. In Missouri, JAG achieves over a 95 percent graduation rate. After graduation, 91 percent of students were engaged in some combination of work, higher education and/or military for 35-40 hours per week.

HITE provides healthcare training, wrap-around services and coordinates with employers on placement. HITE case managers, employers and schools coordinate services to ensure clients are training in fields where they can obtain employment. HITE and training providers develop curriculums based on employer needs.

Summer Jobs offers low-income individuals age 14-24 years the opportunity to gain work experience. Excel Centers provide adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while their child(ren) can attend an on-site daycare, as well as the opportunity to gain non-credit certificates.

Several Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have employment and training units within their organizational structure, including, MJCs (hosted by the CAA or co-located with the CAA), WIA Youth Employment programs, Adult/Dislocated Worker Services, career preparation, internships, OJT, mentoring, HiSET and other supportive services. CAAs administer employment and training programs, share referrals with workforce partners and coordinate services at the local level.

(B)

Employment Services - Core Partners

• Adult Program (Title I of WIOA),

• Dislocated Worker Program (Title I),

• Youth Program (Title I),

• Adult Education and Literacy Program (Title II),

• Wagner-Peyser Act Program (Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended by title III), and

• Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV).

Strengths 

Governor’s Initiatives

Governor Parson is Missouri’s 57^th governor. His top two priorities are workforce and infrastructure, which support the goals of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). He is committed to developing a skilled workforce for high-demand, high wage jobs and offering educational opportunities through more certificates, apprenticeships and alternative credentialing programs. To accomplish Missouri’s goals, he has tasked all agencies to work as a team to align the focus of businesses, the education system and government. The SFY 2020 budget included funding to support this effort and will continue to support this WIOA planning period.

Nearly $50 million was invested in education through Missouri Fast Track, Missouri One Start and Missouri Excels. Fast Track is a new scholarship program, which will allow Missourians to receive training in high-demand areas largely taught at community colleges, technical schools, colleges and universities. In addition, Missouri One Start will increase and consolidate the Missouri Works program, aimed at assisting new and existing businesses with upgrading their workers’ skills to build out their workforce needs. Further, the Missouri Excels program through Missouri higher education Institutions will develop and expand employer-driven education, training programs and initiatives to increase career readiness.

The budget provided $9.5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to provide employment and training services to thousands of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Food Stamp) recipients. In addition, the budget included $4.3 million in TANF funds and $1.5 million in General Revenue to continue and expand funding to Excel Centers, which assist adults over the age of 21 to earn high school degrees and, in some cases, certifications for a number of fields of work. These Excel Centers allow adults to finish their diplomas as well as provide them with job training after graduation. Of the 1,291 enrolled from October 2018 through June 2019, 131 were receiving SNAP recipients and 640 qualified to use TANF funding. Excel Centers also receive match funding through the Food and Nutrition Service based on their eligible tuition costs for SNAP clients.

The budget provided increased funding for the Jobs for Missouri’s Graduates of $2 million. JAG is an intensive youth program that serves students who have academic potential, but who face significant barriers like poverty, challenging family situations, and a history of personal trauma. This program helps students graduate from high school and transition into college, military service or careers.

In addition, there will be several long-term investments in Missouri’s infrastructure beginning with $5 million to help every Missourian have access to high-speed broadband internet, which will allow more clients to receive online employment and training services.

Governor Parson also transitioned the Division of Workforce Development from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Higher Education to ensure additional opportunities for jobseekers and a more skilled workforce. In addition, with the support of the governor, the Department of Corrections (DOC) is designing and streamlining processes and programs that will provide justice involved individuals’ rapid attachment to work. There are approximately 18,000-20,000 justice involved individuals released each year. DOC has been the lead agency in overall program design, assessment of current operations, and programs currently offered and engaged a multitude of agencies, non-profits, for profits and employers. The overall process is being designed to include referrals to SkillUP employment and training providers for SNAP recipients who can also provide a variety of supports. This partnership is a benefit to these individuals and their families, taxpayers and communities and is intended to reduce the long-term dependency on government benefits, reduce the overall cost to taxpayers for benefit programs and incarceration, reduce the need for additional correctional facilities, assist with family reunification, reduce intergenerational poverty, and provide safer communities.

Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

Governor Parson is supportive of fully integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. He signed Executive Order 19-16 to launch the Model Employer initiative for individuals with disabilities. Missouri was selected to participate in a mentorship program through the U.S. Department of Labor. This program will assist the state in reaching its goal of hiring more individuals with disabilities making Missouri a model employer for businesses and non-profit organizations.

Missouri is one of 11 states selected to participate in the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP). Through this program, the state will receive support with the development and implementation of Missouri as a Model Employer. Missouri will work with other states and national experts to create the capacity necessary to improve employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities. Participating in the EFSLMP are representatives from the Governor’s Office; Paraquad, a community rehabilitation services provider; Missouri’s Office of Administration; Department of Mental Health – Divisions of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; Department of Social Services; Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Vocational Rehabilitation; Department Higher Education and Workforce Development – Office of Workforce Development; Governor’s Council on Disability; Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council; and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development - Office of Workforce Development-Professional Development

Missouri Office of Workforce Development (OWD) continues to improve training for all levels of staff, local workforce development boards and partner agencies. In 2018 Governor Parson began the Missouri Way program, which focuses on developing focused leadership skills for all staff. Staff also have access to LinkedIn Learning. Within the first three months after hire date, OWD staff complete new staff courses and new partner agency staff are welcome to attend. Staff also learn to utilize Missouri's labor exchange and case management system, MoJobs. It is essential for staff to learn about the organizational purpose, legislative guidelines, products and services, how to access staff and customer information and resources, and how to complete daily employment services tasks.

Partnership and Referral

The strengths of Missouri’s workforce development activities are based on the collaboration, cooperation and coordination of the workforce system partners. Partners have developed methods for appropriate referrals by engaging in state and local discussions and utilizing an online directory of resources. Each partner offers unique strengths and the collaboration leads to increased client services through braiding of funding. This braiding allows clients to receive additional wraparound services that may not be available through another partner and affords the client more opportunities in achieving family supporting employment.

The WIOA Steering Committee continues to engage combined partners, required partners and stakeholders in conversations and planning regarding service delivery. These discussions continue to lead to further client-focused conversations. For example, many agencies are engaging with DOC to design services for justice involved individuals. In addition, partners are engaging in conversations regarding shared contractors to determine efficiencies that can be gained for shared clients, which better supports these jobseekers.

Employer Services

Missouri provides great opportunities for local job centers to serve employers. Missouri’s workforce system uses an integrated partner approach to engage employers and provide resources for them to list jobs, reach qualified candidates and to assist in increasing the skills of the workforce.

Low Unemployment Rates

The historically low unemployment rates continue to lead to additional opportunities for low income individuals with barriers. This is providing opportunities for clients otherwise not considered for positions in the past. Some of these populations include justice involved individuals, persons with disabilities and clients receiving government benefits. The Department of Social Services contracted with Mississippi County Caring Communities who subsequently contracted with the Missouri National Guard Foundation to conduct research to determine why clients are not engaging in family supporting employment in various cities in Missouri. The results will continue to lead agencies in the discussions of strategies to help with transportation, childcare and extreme poverty.

WIOA Implementation

Missouri has worked with combined partners from the beginning of WIOA to launch an effective and efficient process in implementing the new law. The process began with training and an MOU among combined partners, which has evolved into shared committees, planning and job center actions. All parties employ a continuous improvement mindset to meet future requirements that keep partners, jobseekers, employers and stakeholders engaged.

Division of Employment Security

The Missouri Division of Employment Security (DES) administers the state’s Unemployment Insurance program, which pays unemployment benefits to eligible recipients who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. The nature of the program, provision of services and potential benefit payment places the division at the forefront in identifying workers who have recently become unemployed. Regardless of benefit eligibility, through the existing partnership with OWD, all claimants are auto-registered and referred to MoJobs.gov for job availability and reemployment services through an automated interface. During the unemployment insurance claims process, job history, job skills and geographical preference information is collected from each claimant allowing DES to provide a list of available jobs from MoJobs.gov that meet the criteria they have specified in real time. Furthermore, select claimants that continue to claim unemployment benefits for a set length of time are referred by DES for enhanced reemployment services as part of the Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. As part of this program, Missouri Job Center (MJC) staff provide tailored in-person enhanced reemployment services to aid each individual in their timely return to work. The RESEA program first targets services to former military and then prioritizes selection of recipients with the greatest barriers to reemployment.

TANF – Statewide Convenings

Partners understand that in order to collaborate effectively they must meet on common interests and develop strong relationships with each other. The FSD has hosted several statewide meetings to provide training and discussion for their work program, SkillUp. The FSD has also brought state partners together to focus on federal funding of programs and how money might be redirected to support more workforce services. Regions host meetings with partners to collaborate on job fairs, employer services and disability education.

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Missouri is one of 22 states with separate agencies that support blind and general vocational rehabilitation programs. Operating as a separate agency has provided Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) with the infrastructure to devote workforce development activities to a specific population with unique barriers. RSB counselors, teachers and mobility specialists are educated and trained on the provision of services for individuals who are significantly visually impaired or blind. This specialization allows RSB to provide quality services from skilled employees leading customers to higher employment outcomes. Additionally, this expertise equips RSB with the ingenuity to add value to the combined efforts of the WIOA partnership. 

RSB is dedicated to achieving the partners’ vision and believes that collaboration is the key to achieving a cohesive workforce system. RSB explores every resource available to magnify the provision of vocational rehabilitation services that promote the expansion of competitive integrated employment opportunities for customers while meeting the needs of employers. RSB has developed employer relationships across the state by communicating directly with HR staff on employment needs, identifying customized employment opportunities and providing disability/blindness awareness and sensitivity training. Outreach activities have resulted in competitive integrated employment outcomes and work experience opportunities, both paid and unpaid, for youth and students with disabilities and adult clients.

RSB supports a united approach to working with clients and employers through participation in the National Employment Team, the national network of vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. This resource provides businesses with direct access to a pool of qualified applicants and the support services offered by RSB, and RSB clients with access to national and local employment opportunities and career development resources. The result of participating in this “one company” approach is that it has enabled RSB to access and study the diversified needs of employers and link them to the individual employment needs of VR customers.

Service Design and Delivery Committee

The Service Design and Delivery Committee, comprised of all WIOA partners, is tasked with ensuring seamless service delivery throughout the workforce system. The first step in accomplishing this goal was addressing referrals through the creation of an online service directory, Services Navigator. This tool assists partner staff in providing guidance and resources to customers. Launched in July of 2018, the system has over 5,600 users. This project was funded by the Department of Social Services through TANF funds.

Adult Education and Literacy

Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) continues to lead the nation in Measurable Skills Gain for the approximately 18,000 students they serve with over 63 percent of their students achieving an educational gain. AEL serves more individuals than almost any other Missouri WIOA partner providing education to people who have decided to improve their lives and are ready to be employed. Missouri’s AEL program continues to rank top in the nation for Measurable Skills Gain performance. AEL students that are working toward passing their High School Equivalency (HSE) have a 95 percent pass-rate, and of those who attain their HSE, over 59 percent go on to employment or post-secondary within the first year. 

With over 250 class sites and 500 teachers across the state, AEL has one of the largest number of service sites of the WIOA partners providing face-to-face instruction as well as providing an online option (www.molearns.com) for students who cannot get to a class or would prefer to learn at their own pace. MOLearns is a national model of providing online services to adult students. 

In addition to providing service to one of the highest number of customers at one of the highest number of sites, it is at the lowest cost-per-customer of all the WIOA partners. Missouri AEL provides a highly effective and efficient service to Missouri’s adults.

Partners Listen

Partners listen to jobseekers and employers. Each have techniques for gathering feedback from their customers. How do partners know what jobseekers and employers want? They ask and listen. Each partner has techniques for gathering feedback from its customers. Information on effective methods to engage customers, needed services and quality of services are necessary for the development and implementation of employment programs. Partners collaborate to obtain feedback such as OWD’s assistance with MVR on business engagement surveys. Combined partners work with other state agencies on collecting feedback to improve services and processes. The governor’s office has instituted a Customer Experience Measurement Working Group comprised of Missouri’s 16 executive department representatives. The group’s purpose is to assess current practices of managing feedback and develop recommendations on measuring and tracking citizens’ experience with state government. All combined partners are represented on this taskforce. 

Weaknesses

Data Sharing and Integration

While Missouri has made progress in the sharing of data, true data integration is still a challenge.  Each partner operates independent systems that do not have the capability to communicate with each other. Governor Parson has encouraged all departments to explore options to share and integrate data through his workforce development initiatives. This has helped spur more discussion and pilot projects around these issues.

Through initiatives such as the Workforce Data Quality Initiative Grant (WDQI) and strong support from the governor’s office, there is movement forward in this area. Core partners have completed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that now allows data sharing of employer information. Work continues on a data warehouse that will allow opportunities to safely share jobseeker information as well.

Workforce System Branding

Missouri is rich in numerous workforce partnerships and collaborations. Partners continue to be successful at braiding services to maximize resources. To capitalize on this success, a plan to market partner services as a combined workforce system would be beneficial to customers as well as partner staff. Public awareness is valuable to the partners’ efforts to expand WIOA initiatives. Jobseekers and employers can access the workforce system through any partner. As such, it would be advantageous to have a branded identity for partners who jointly operate within the workforce system and their available services.

The results of the Missouri National Guard Foundation report indicated clients lack awareness of employment programs such as the SkillUP program. The report cites that clients who are engaged in the program overwhelmingly find it beneficial. The Foundation recommended statewide branding of the workforce system. The WIOA Steering Committee has also been discussing branding. The committee will continue conversations on strategies to promote awareness of workforce services and further explore the benefits of branding.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

Strengths

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are in continual contact with their communities and are regularly engaged when employment, disasters and community planning arise. CAAs’ input is highly regarded. Employment Security Corporation of Joplin, Central Missouri Community Action of Columbia and Community Action Agency of St. Louis County are known for their areas of expertise nationwide.

CAAs complete a Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan every three years by gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. The CAAs in conjunction with the Missouri Community Action Network, have developed a model tool for collecting and mapping data elements to determine demographics related to needs and other issues. CAAs share their information with WIOA partners and other community partners to maximize resources available to assist in the mission of WIOA.

CAAs are now an employment and training provider for SNAP clients through the SkillUP program, which allows them to offer these services when serving clients that may need energy assistance or other programs they offer.

Weaknesses

CSBG funding is limited and needed for services other than employment and training activities.

Some CAAs catchment areas are very rural and have limited access for employment support services, such as transportation and childcare assistance. In addition, these areas lack employers that provide steady positions with wage and benefit structures, which meets families’ needs.

SkillUP

Strengths

TANF funding allowed the SkillUP program to expand from 40 provider locations to approximately 270 statewide. Food Stamp recipients with a child(ren) at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level can be served with this funds. These funds also allow for short-term payment of services to ensure the participant’s success such as childcare copayment, housing assistance and utilities.

The FSD received a waiver from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to allow Missouri to accept applications made by incarcerated individuals prior to release from a correctional facility with the date of release considered the date of application. This will allow justice involved individuals to have food security as well as allowing immediate engagement with a SkillUP provider to enroll in training or find employment, thus decreasing the likelihood of recidivism. 

SkillUP and Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) are working towards programs that follow the same basic guidelines and principles while adhering to their respective federal rules. Providers hold biweekly conference calls to share information, report on success and concerns and allow other agencies and partners to provide information on their agency/program.

The FSD Engagement Specialists reach out to clients to determine if needs are being met on their road to self-sufficiency.

SkillUP outcomes are focused on employment. Beginning October 1, 2020, they will also include measures on credential attainment, training, enrollments and employment.

Weaknesses

SkillUP is underfunded by the FNS; therefore, the program is funded with TANF dollars. Utilizing  TANF funds for this population, results in other projects not being funded. In addition, the total amount of need greatly exceeds the funds available. These different funding streams require an intensive amount of state and local staff time as they pay for different low-income clients and allow for different services.

The transition into OWD’s case management system has been a challenge as not all features in the original business requirements were put in place prior to release. The FSD and OWD continue to collaborate on ensuring the requirements are in place to meet employee and employer needs.

Missouri’s rural areas have limited access for employment support services, such as transportation and childcare assistance. In addition, these areas lack employers that provide steady positions with wage and benefit structures, which meets families’ needs.

Currently MWA and SkillUP are in different case management systems requiring provider staff to be knowledgeable of both systems. In addition, the federal performance requirements are not consistent across programs. 

Missouri Work Assistance

Strengths

SkillUP and MWA are working towards programs that follow the same basic guidelines and principles while adhering to their respective federal rules. Providers hold biweekly conference calls to share information, report on success and concerns and allow other agencies and partners to provide information on their agency/program.

The FSD Engagement Specialists communicate frequently with participants to encourage engagement in the program. The engagement specialists have consistent contact with MWA case managers to discuss a participant’s case, address concerns and share regional information. 

MWA contractors are required to be physically located at a minimum of one job center in each MWA region.

MWA outcomes are focused on education or credentials leading to employment, unsubsidized employment and career pathways.

MWA contractors serve both TANF and SNAP recipients.

MWA contractors have 84 physical locations, and contractors have a presence in every county.

The FSD staff and MWA contractors are knowledgeable of local resources to assist in removal of barriers.

The FSD workforce staff are continually enhancing community partnerships and sharing information about work programs.

Weaknesses

Missouri’s rural areas have limited access for employment support services, such as transportation and childcare assistance. In addition, these areas lack employers that provide steady positions with wage and benefit structures, which meets families’ needs.

Currently MWA and SkillUP are in different case management systems requiring provider staff to be knowledgeable of both systems. In addition, the federal performance requirements are not consistent across programs

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation

Strengths

The strengths of Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation’s (MVR) workforce development activities revolve around its desire and ability to effectively partner. MVR works with a largely unserved or underserved population of individuals with disabilities. As a partner in Missouri’s workforce system, MVR can open the door to an array of services for its clients. In turn, MVR brings diversity and inclusivity to the workforce system.

MVR collaborates with combined partners, required partners and other agencies or organizations on the state and local level. The program looks for innovative ways to expand services, which typically involves partnering, as demonstrated by the numerous projects it undertakes. For instance, MVR is participating in new pilots for customized employment, apprenticeships and justice and foster care involved youth. Through these pilots, MVR is working with numerous partners such as OWD, RSB, DMH, public universities, employers and many more.

Prior to WIOA, MVR had a business liaison dedicated to working with employers and partnering with local workforce boards. With the passage of WIOA, this one position has grown to six business specialists who comprise the MVR Business Team. This team collaborates with all WIOA partners statewide. Specialists participate in NEXUS groups with the goal of connecting all jobseekers with barriers to job or training opportunities. Several workforce regions hold reverse job fairs where employers come to potential employees. The business team plays a key role in these events inviting business partners and jobseekers. Some of the employers that the business team have relationships with include Nestlé Purina, Cerner Corporation, Olive Garden and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

The Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Divisions of Behavioral Health (DBH) and Developmental Disabilities (DD) have been longstanding partners with MVR in assisting eligible individuals seeking vocational rehabilitation services to gain employment. MVR has appointed a DMH liaison, and DMH has representation on WIOA teams consisting of combined partner programs and other partner agencies. In partnership with DBH, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), an evidence-based supported employment service for adults with serious mental illness, has been a focus. IPS requires close program and clinical relationships between local mental health and vocational rehabilitation staff to ensure success.

MVR has a long-standing partnership with community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) in Missouri. These nonprofit CARF (Commission on Accreditation Facilities) accredited programs provide an array of employment services on a fee-for-service basis to assist individuals with obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment. The services offered include supported employment, employment skills training, employment services, and Employment Services Plus, which provides specialized services for deaf and hard of hearing, autism spectrum disorder, and brain injury. These services also include job development, placement, on-the-job supports and retention services to assist individuals with obtaining and maintaining employment. This partnership has grown to 114 service locations in Missouri bringing both statewideness and choice of provider. This MVR and CRP collaboration has been very successful in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment outcomes.

MVR has a robust offering of pre-employment transition services for students and youth with disabilities. The Groundhog Job Shadow Month occurs during February and is a collaboration between MVR business specialists, transition specialist from the University of Missouri College of Education, local education agencies and businesses to provide job shadowing opportunities to students with disabilities.

MVR offers a paid six-week summer work experience program for students with disabilities in coordination with CRPs, local school districts and employers. There are over 200 work sites and more than 600 students participating. This has been a successful program growing annually. MVR coordinates summer work experience programs with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The CIL Summer Pre-Employment Transition Services programs provide potentially VR-eligible students with disabilities access to job exploration activities, workplace readiness training and social support and self-advocacy, including peer mentoring.

MVR sponsors students with disabilities to participate in the Governor’s Council on Disability Missouri Youth Leadership Forum that focuses on leadership, citizenship, social and career development skills. MVR is also working with Wonderland Camp, a summer camp for youth with disabilities, on an internship program.

MVR staff, along with employers, local workforce boards, other partner agencies and CRPs, plan and hold accessibility events. These popular events occur statewide and are well attended by local HR managers, clients, service providers, potential employees and employers of individuals with disabilities. These events bring stakeholders together for education on employing individuals with disabilities and offer the opportunity to network. 

MVR co-plans and presents at the Missouri Rehabilitation Association’s (MRA) annual training conference. This event is an example of collaboration activities MVR supports. Session content involves education and training on employment and highlight the extensive collaboration of statewide partnerships, which can help individuals with disabilities connect to employment. Featured speakers are partners from OWD, FSD, DMH, universities, service providers and industries such as healthcare. MVR also supports partner collaboration through its attendance and presentations at the Missouri Association of Workforce Development annual conferences.

Weaknesses

Order of Selection

MVR has operated under an Order of Selection since October 2003 due to the number of applicants requesting services, rising service costs and limited federal funding. The Rehabilitation Act requires eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities to receive services first. All other eligible individuals receive services as funds become available. An order of selection is a “waiting list” for services. For the majority of the last eight years, MVR was able to clear the waiting list; however, once again, increasing costs and limited resources forced the agency to place applicants on a wait list since April 2018.

 (C)

Missouri possesses great capacity for collaboration among its partners to provide the activities previously identified in (A) above. The state has embraced the vision behind WIOA by including the Department of Social Services as a combined partner along with the integration driven by Office of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance, Adult Education, Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.

The WIOA Steering Committee, comprised of combined partners, has already made strides in implementation by assembling teams of appropriate subject matter experts, working through goals and objectives for strategies, and collaborating and accommodating the sector strategies planning.

The Steering Committee continues to develop the knowledge of the workforce system and program expertise of partner staff. This provides key capacity development in training on leadership, customer service, performance measures, sector strategies, career pathways and service referral models. The Steering Committee intends to instill the learning and cultural implications of sector strategies and career pathways into each of the agencies and to support each other in necessary changes to ensure implementation success.

The years of operating as a WIOA partnership have allowed Missouri to grow in experience and capacity. Many great opportunities, joint programs and shared beliefs have resulted from the passage of WIOA. For example, partners have a common vision of employer engagement and family supported employment. Monthly meetings of the Training and Employment Administrators of Missouri (TEAM), comprised of executive directors of each local workforce board, is an opportunity for partners to work and learn. WIOA partners attend monthly meetings demonstrating commitment to building a stronger workforce system.

Adult Education and Literacy

There are over 500,000 Missouri adults over 18 who do not have a secondary diploma or equivalent. Missouri’s Adult Education and Literacy program (AEL) currently serves 19,565 students in English Language Acquisition (5,023), Adult Basic Education (12,994), and Adult Secondary Education (1,548) in 35 local program providers. Missouri’s AEL has an existing budget environment with low chances of securing additional state funds for collaborative efforts and escalating costs that are not supported through growth in either federal or state funds. Not all AEL classes are at capacity, so it is possible to serve additional customers. However, expanding to additional classes may require additional resources.

Leveraging funding with other WIOA partners is a best-case opportunity to provide additional services to customers. Secondary funding available to Titles I or IV participants can be used to extend existing Title II funding. For clients coming into Missouri’s Job Centers (MJC), if individuals do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, they are to be directed toward available classes in the area from Title II. All Title I classes offered to clients toward an equivalency credential are to be managed through Title II.

Office of Workforce Development

The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) provides a robust menu of vital re-employment services, including access to skill-building training, career connections for job seekers and human resources assistance for businesses. These services are provided through a statewide network of MJCs and the jobs.mo.gov web portal.

With the assistance of trained professional staff, MJCs streamline customer flow to provide an expanded product box of valuable career assistance services, including specialized workshops, skills assessments, resume writing assistance and more. These services equip the state’s workforce with the training and skills needed by employers to compete in the 21st century economy. Job centers offer jobseekers use of supportive equipment, such as computers, telephones, fax machines and copiers. Businesses may use job centers to seek or interview potential employees, test applicants’ occupational skills or gain access to labor market information.

OWD also provides several innovative, targeted skill-building programs, such as the Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program for unemployment insurance claimants, specialized job search assistance for veterans; an Apprenticeship USA grant, a nationally recognized On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program, ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate, as well as a Summer Youth program in partnership with the Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.

Family Support Division

The Family Support Division (FSD) created the Workforce Development Unit (WDU) in March 2018. While the FSD has administered employment and training programs for many years, this unit’s purpose is to laser focus on clients, programs, outcomes, cross-division/cross-department initatives and develop sustainable programs that address the needs of SNAP recipients, TANF recipients and other low-income persons. Currently there are 339,000 SNAP households and 11,000 TANF (cash benefit) households. There are individuals that may chose not to participate due to disability or other circumstances within both of these populations.

The WDU will remain client-focused and continue to develop programs that are or will become data driven to show long-term economic impact by providing exceptional services resulting in family sustainability and reduction of intergenerational poverty. The goal of the programs is rapid attachment to work so that families can achieve economic sustainability and reduce intergenerational poverty. The SkillUP and MWA programs offer transportation assistance and work-related assistance.

The WDU adminsters nearly $50 million in employment and training funds and continues to grow as new programs are legislated or developed based on client need. The programs currently include the Missouri Work Assistance program, SkillUP, Jobs for Americas Graduates, Excel Centers, Summer Jobs, and the Healthcare Industry Training and Education Program. The WDU will also administer multiple new decision item programs. The capacity of the WDU is contingent upon the allocation of TANF and SNAP funding.

The WDU continues to pursue data sharing with partners and engage multiple stakeholders and build long-lasting relationships. The WDU educates Resource Centers on employment and training programs, works with the Income Maintenance Call Center to discuss employment with clients and create partner referrals. The unit engages with the Department of Corrections (DOC) on various projects to ensure shared and low-income clients receive the support needed to ensure success.  The unit works with DOC on initiatives including accepting Food Stamp applications pre-release and a multitude of other projects.

In October 2018, the WDU hosted the Focus Federal Funds workgroup which fostered state agency relationships and encouraged ongoing discussions with multiple state agencies. The WDU and employment and training providers began massive outreach to clients, commissioned the Missouri National Guard Foundation, through Mississippi Caring Communities, to conduct research and worked with other state agencies to share program information with staff to blend funding. 

The Missouri National Guard Foundation completed a qualitative and quantitative report to determine why clients in certain parts of the state aren’t employed. The intention of this report is to identify barriers and develop stratgies to assist clients  in overcoming barriers and ultimately to increase the clients employed. This report was shared with the Focus Federal Funds group, department directors and will be shared with other stakeholders including Local Workforce Development Board Directors. The surveys were conducted in Kansas City, Poplar Bluff and Springfield. Many respondents indicated they were not aware of the SkillUP program, but those in the program had a positive experience. The Foundation will also conduct this analysis in seven other locations.

The key barriers outlined in the report by city include:

• Kansas City – Motivated to find work, but they lack transportation. While there is transportation, it is not accessible throughout the city.

• Poplar Bluff – Out of all cities, most likely to say they lost a primary income and have taken on a great deal of debt. Are struggling to meet basic needs.

• Springfield – Out of all cities, most likely to be tech-savvy young moms in a dual-income household. Need access to affordable childcare.

Potential recommendations by city:

• Kansas City – Assist respondents in the logistics of employment including finding jobs near bus routes, budgeting for transportation or navigating bus routes.

• Popular Bluff – Provide emotional support groups and debt management classes.

• Springfield – Offer childcare at Springfield employee assistance programs.

There are over 70 workforce programs housed in many agencies, so the WDU will offer the interested agencies the opportunity to engage in statewide program branding. Clients can then understand the benefits of the workforce development system. In addition, the Foundation will offer soft skills training classes, determine the outcomes and next steps.

DOC is leading the reentry effort and part of this effort includes coordination with OWD, the FSD and nonprofits to review, design and streamline processes and programs that will provide individuals, who are justice involved, rapid attachment to work. DOC has been the lead agency in overall program design, assessment of current operations and programs currently offered. OWD has been providing training/support “behind the walls” in some locations. The FSD became engaged in this process regarding the supports that can be provided through TANF funds such as work-related supplies (i.e., work boots, clothing, hygiene, etc.), transportation assistance, and payment to obtain documentation required for employment (i.e., non-driver’s license). Since it is likely these individuals will be released without the supports necessary to become self-sufficient, the FSD is working toward providing benefits faster upon release (i.e., Food Stamps, cash assistance) to ensure clients can “get on benefits sooner” to “get off benefits sooner.” The overall process will be designed to include referrals to SkillUP employment and training providers for SNAP recipients. These providers can provide a variety of supports. This partnership is a benefit to these individuals and their families, taxpayers and communities and is intended to reduce the long-term dependency on government benefits, reduce the overall cost to taxpayers for benefit programs and incarceration, reduce the need for additional correctional facilities, assist with family reunification, reduce intergenerational poverty, and provide safer communities.

The WDU is entering the second year of receiving technical assistance from the Administration for Children and Families through the Integrating, Innovative, Employment, and Economic Stability Strategies group. FFY 2018’s projects focused on understanding coaching models and making changes to space where clients are served to increase their engagement and success. The City of Springfield put this into action using some of the ideas in creating an open space so that clients and the job coaches sit side-by-side to discuss their goals. FFY 2019 will focus on program branding, client outreach and establishing a coaching framework.

The WDU will continue to implement programs and projects based on clients’ needs, including, but not limited to, utilizing TANF funding to assist justice involved individuals, employer engagement, purchase of a Truck Simulator through Three Rivers Community College, data sharing with DOC to provide aggregate data on the long-term benefit usage of shared clients, analyze the reasons clients are not engaging in employment, focus on initatives, internal and external stakeholder partnerships, and creation of strategic future plans.

SkillUP

SkillUP has rapidly grown since July 2018 with an infusion of TANF funding. SkillUP increased from 40 to 270 provider locations with the addition of the Missouri Community College Association, Community Partnerships and Missouri Community Action Agency Network, all of which oversee the operations through multiple entities within their respective network. From October 1, 2018 – July 11, 2019, 4,338 Food Stamp (SNAP) recipients have received employment and training services, an increase of 107 since July 5, 2019, through the SkillUP program compared to 1,336 clients who received services from October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018.

Missouri Work Assistance

Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) provides training, education and employment preparation for TANF. In addition, MWA began providing services to SNAP participants through the SkillUP Program. The contractors have the capacity to provide effective coaching and case management services at 84 physical locations, during home visits or other locations convenient for the participant. There are 135 case managers, in addition to auxiliary staff, that provide focused coaching. MWA providers are co-located with at least one MJC within each region.

Healthcare Industry Training and Education

The FSD received the Health Professions Opportunity Grant, which began the Healthcare Industry Training and Education Program beginning in September 2015. The Local Workforce Development Boards including St. Louis Area on Training and Education, Central Region Workforce Development Board and the Full Employment Council who operate the program have placed over 1,700 low-income individuals in high-demand healthcare trainings. To date, almost 1,088 participants have completed this training and nearly 800 have obtained employment with an average wage of $13 an hour.

Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is administered through Community Action Agencies (CAAs). CAAs have approximately 3,000 total staff across all programs including CSBGs, Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Head Start, Weatherization, etc. CSBG has developed significant networks and partnerships within their regions that allow for maximizing capacity to help individuals attain and retain employment.

Excel Centers (Adult High Schools)

Excel Centers opened in Springfield, Poplar Bluff and St. Louis in October 2018. These centers assist adults over the age of 21 to earn high school degrees and, in some cases, certifications for a number of fields of work. These Excel Centers allow adults to finish their diplomas as well as provide them with job training after graduation. From October 2018 – May 2019, 1,291 total students attended with 131 SNAP clients, 640 TANF eligible clients and 520 other students. Many students attended multiple terms for a total of 2,493 total classes taken with 228 SNAP clients; 1,110 TANF eligible clients and 1,155 other students. The Columbia location opened in October 2019.

Jobs for Americas Graduates

Jobs for Americas Graduates (JAG) is dedicated to helping students, who experience significant barriers in their lives, to graduate from high school and make positive transitions to postsecondary education and/or a meaningful career. JAG focuses on a set of core competencies that prepare students to succeed in the workforce. JAG consistently achieves graduation rates over 90% for participating students. In 2018, JAG served more than 63,000 students in approximately 1,500 communities in 34 states. Since inception, over 1.3 million students have benefited from JAG. Missouri has achieved 5 of 5 performance outcomes in the JAG program since 2016. In 2018, 98.15% (319 out of 325) graduated their senior year and 75% (20 out of 24) graduated from an alternative school. Missouri has 55 schools participating in JAG,

Jobs League

As of October 1, 2019, the WDU began administering the Job Leagues (formerly Summer Jobs) program. This program provides work experience for 16-24 year olds. During 2018, there were 1,234 enrollments for work experience. The WDU will determine current outcomes, efficiencies and opportunities to blend services with other programs.

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation’s (MVR) 25 offices provides services in all counties across the state to assist individuals with disabilities achieve successful employment outcomes. With close to 300 vocational rehabilitation counselors, support and administrative staff statewide, MVR maximizes coverage in metropolitan, urban and rural areas. MVR has the capacity to serve all types of disabilities including specialized populations such as deaf/hard of hearing, individuals with autism spectrum disorders and traumatic brain injuries. Annually, counselors work with more than 29,000 individuals with an average daily count greater than 15,000.

MVR participates in 14 NEXUS groups across the state. NEXUS groups are a collaboration of WIOA partners with the goal of expanding employment opportunities for people with barriers to employment through the development of business partnerships. MVR expands its range of services through its work with Centers for Independent Living (CILs). MVR partners with 22 CILs located throughout Missouri sharing referrals and providing services to mutual clientele.

MVR is contracting with the University of Missouri (MU), College of Education, to provide assistance with the provision of pre-employment transition services. There are 41 transition specialists located across the state, who collaborate with local education agencies and MVR to provide pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities who are potentially eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. With the MU specialists, MVR can reach students in all school districts.

MVR offers a paid six-week summer work experience program for students with disabilities in coordination with community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), local school districts and employers. There are over 200 work sites and more than 600 students participating. This has been a successful program growing annually.

MVR is expanding its capacity through new pilots in several areas such as customized employment, apprenticeships and peer mentoring for students with disabilities involved in the justice and foster care systems. Through these pilots, MVR is collaborating with numerous partners such as Department of Mental Health, Department of Social Services, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, CILs, rehabilitation service providers, MU, Missouri State University, OWD and employers. Braiding services through these collaborations opens opportunities to reach more Missourians with disabilities desiring to work.

MVR and Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) have collaborated to develop a cooperative agreement to ensure maximum statewide utilization of services. By establishing a cooperative relationship, MVR and MoAT can increase rehabilitation technology services utilization and understanding by taking advantage of the expertise and knowledge within each agency. The agreement provides a plan for the coordination of services; for using the resources of the cooperating agencies to the best advantage; to provide information sharing, technical support and training; to facilitate the referral of potential eligible individuals between agencies; and to jointly serve eligible individuals in obtaining rehabilitation technology services. MVR has a director and an assistant director of assistive technology who are resources for staff and assist in evaluating assistive technology needs.

Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind’s (RSB) six district offices include a total of 94 staff comprised of rehabilitation counselors, teachers, mobility specialists, children’s specialists and support and administrative staff delivering services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. RSB takes a team approach based on the unique barriers and needs of the individual. Concentration in the area of serving blind and visually impaired individuals affords RSB the capacity to provide tailored trainings and resources to its statewide customer base. 

RSB continually evolves with the growth and changing needs of customers and employers. RSB is engaged in pilot projects with MVR, Department of Mental Health (DMH), and CRPs to expand customized employment opportunities for Missourians with disabilities. Through the use of pilot communities in central and southwest Missouri, this cross-agency approach will include training on and employing a new service delivery model designed to create high quality sustainable customized employment services. Engaging these pilot communities will create opportunities for feedback and adjustments made prior to approaching a statewide effort. 

RSB is committed to the expansion of pre-employment transition services that provide students the supports necessary to be successful in their independence, postsecondary education, and employment. RSB advocates for early awareness of vocational rehabilitation to minimize gaps and delays from school to post-school activities. RSB counselors and children’s specialists leverage their connections with local schools districts and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to facilitate the referral process. Counselors work with school districts to identify overlap in educational goals and services and negotiate any necessary cost sharing arrangements. RSB also utilizes community resources, such as local job fairs to disseminate vocational rehabilitation program information including providing technical assistance. Through these collaborations and braiding of services, RSB increases outreach to students and improves student transition into employment.