Narrative: III. a. 2. A.

Oregon's Core Program Activities

WorkSource Oregon:

The WorkSource Oregon (WSO) system integrates the services provided by all WIOA core partner programs. The state-level agencies that administer the programs, and the activities and services provided through Oregon’s American Job Centers, branded WorkSource Centers in Oregon, are described in the linked WorkSource Oregon Operational Standards. Please refer to that document for detailed discussion and description of the one–stop services and activities. In order to be designated as a WorkSource Oregon center, services among core program partner staff must be aligned, resulting in seamless provision of services to customers.

All operational functions, including supervision and management where appropriate, will be taken into consideration when developing a functional staffing plan for each center. Agreed–upon staffing plans, including methodology, roles, and expectations, will be documented and may be solicited during program monitoring.

Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth:

At the state level, Oregon has formed several cross–agency workgroups focused on policy that are instrumental in implementing these state strategies. Locally, each of the nine local workforce development boards (WDBs) will develop and submit a comprehensive four–year plan, in consultation with the chief elected official. This document clarifies what the local WDBs must provide and do in order to implement State strategies and be in compliance with WIOA and state requirements.

The local plan will identify activities on how workforce partners and programs in each local workforce area will align and implement the vision and goals of the Oregon Workforce and Talent Development Board and requirements of the WIOA (see local planning guidance and resources). The local WDBs are responsible for convening the workforce partners necessary to develop and implement the plan in the local area. As additional guidance is provided from the U.S. Department of Labor and/or the Oregon Workforce and Talent Development Board, the Office of Workforce Investments (OWI) within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission may ask for the local WDBs to provide additional information in the form of a local plan modification.

Employment Services:

Services provided through the WSO centers will be customer–centered. There is no longer a required sequence of services in WSO centers. Rather, the appropriate service may be accessed at any time based on customer needs. In 2015 WSO adopted the WorkSource Oregon Standards, a set of service standards that will be used to guide local service delivery, and to ensure a common language for both customers and staff.

Trade Act:

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers, commonly referred to as Trade Act, assists workers who have been laid-off or had a reduction of work hours due to foreign competition become re-employed in suitable work. Trade Act offers a variety of benefits and services for eligible workers: re-employment services, job search and relocation allowances, training benefits, income support, tax credit for health insurance, and wage subsidy for workers 50 or older.

Trade Act is an active and engaged partner to core programs and WSO centers. Co-enrollment occurs based on needs and eligibility, and documented through collaboration with partners and data systems.

Trade Act Navigators (TANs) support local rapid response service delivery and have a focus on re-employment services to trade-affected workers. Trade Act staff refer participants to support services outside of what Trade is able to provide for barrier removal.

TAA Information Sessions review benefits and services of the TAA Program, TRA deadlines, as well as sector strategies and partner services available in local areas. 

Trade Act staff conduct comprehensive assessments of skill level, aptitude, abilities, skill gaps, career interests, employment barriers, and supportive service needs. To avoid duplication of services, Trade Act accepts assessments completed by partner staff and provides assessment and training plan information to partners of co-enrolled participants.

The Oregon Trade Act program’s Central Trade Act Unit (CTAU) Case Management team assists trade-affected workers with identifying skill gaps, accessing and completing training required for the worker to become re-employed. Training for affected-workers should lead to employment in a high demand occupation, supported by labor market information, assessments, and meeting required criteria for training approval.

Trade Act participates in strategy meetings for each certified TAA petition that includes staff from Trade, CCWD, local service providers and unemployment insurance. Items reviewed during the meeting include wraparound services that are provided for participants that meet other funding stream requirements from partners, an overview of what Trade Act can pay for and services provided, any special training opportunities in the area, and a communication plan between partners.

MODIFICATION/REPLACEMENT OF TRADE ACT SECTION

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers, commonly referred to as Trade Act, assists workers who have been laid-off or had a reduction of work hours due to foreign competition become re-employed in suitable work. Trade Act offers a variety of benefits and services for Page 46 eligible workers: re-employment services, job search and relocation allowances, training benefits, income support, tax credit for health insurance, and wage subsidy for workers 50 or older.

Trade Act is an active and engaged partner to core programs and WSO centers. Co-enrollment occurs based on needs and eligibility, and documented through collaboration with partners and data systems.

Trade Act Navigators (TANs) support local rapid response service delivery and have a focus on re-employment services to trade-affected workers. Trade Act staff refer participants to support services outside of what Trade is able to provide for barrier removal.

TAA Information Sessions review benefits and services of the TAA Program, TRA deadlines, as well as sector strategies and partner services available in local areas.

Trade Act staff conduct comprehensive assessments of skill level, aptitude, abilities, skill gaps, career interests, employment barriers, and supportive service needs. To avoid duplication of services, Trade Act accepts assessments completed by partner staff and provides assessment and training plan information to partners of co-enrolled participants.

The Oregon Trade Act program’s Central Trade Act Unit (CTAU) Case Management team assists trade-affected workers with identifying skill gaps, accessing and completing training required for the worker to become re-employed. Training for affected-workers should lead to employment in a high demand occupation, supported by labor market information, assessments, and meeting required criteria for training approval.

Trade Act participates in strategy meetings for each certified TAA petition that includes staff from Trade, CCWD, local service providers and unemployment insurance. Items reviewed during the meeting include wraparound services that are provided for participants that meet other funding stream requirements from partners, an overview of what Trade Act can pay for and services provided, any special training opportunities in the area, and a communication plan between partners.

During 2020-2021, the Oregon Trade Act program was approved to bring the TRA unit into the Central Trade Act unit. To improve upon customer service, the TRA unit joined the TAA call center to utilize one phone number, which gives participants one entry point for Trade Act services.

In support of Oregon’s co-enrollment efforts, TAA currently refers all dislocated workers, who are trade eligible, to dislocated worker programs across the state.

The Trade Act program plans to host annual retreats beginning summer 2022 with OED area managers, business services teams, workforce board staff and Title I providers to collaborate on service delivery strategies to better serve the common customer including underserved populations. The retreats will be co-sponsored by the Oregon Trade program and the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Committee (responsible for management and oversight of Title I funds).

TAA staff continue to provide videos of both Rapid Response and Trade Act Information Sessions as well as providing in-person services to underserved communities who may not be able to access virtual services. Additionally, the Oregon Trade Act Program has been approved by the Department of Labor for a two-year pilot to assist Trade affected Oregonians who meet Governor’s Brown definition of underserved communities obtain technology they need to have equitable access to services and employment opportunities.

Adult Basic Education:

The Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) and local area Adult Basic Education (ABE) service providers will fund allowable activities under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). Local providers will align Title II activities with local area plans, such as sector strategies and career pathways. These adult basic education and literacy activities will also be coordinated across the core programs and partners through one–stop center participation, referrals, and co–enrollment where feasible.

An important goal for Title II Adult Basic Skills service providers will be in improving access to, and completion of, post–secondary credentials. CCWD, as the Title II agency at the state level, will collaborate with local Title II providers to support this goal, through investment of leadership funds and other activities. An important means to address this goal will be expansion of integrated education approaches. These include programs such as I–BEST, Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) and Oregon Pathways for Adult Basic Skills (OPABS), as well as other programs developed in response to local needs. Local Title II providers will be encouraged to explore bridge programs and services that result in transition to post–secondary education. Local Title II providers will work with the state and local boards to clearly define career pathways across the state that promote transition of adult education students into industry recognized credentials, licenses and portable stackable certificates.

SNAP Employment and Training:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T) provides Oregonian’s with employment and training services to help them achieve and maintain their employment goals. Part of the SNAP E&T program is administered by the Oregon Employment Department (OED) and funded through a contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Self-Sufficiency program. Another statewide based SNAP E&T provider is the Oregon Community College Consortium which includes all 17 community colleges in Oregon. Other WSO partners including numerous non-profit and community-based organizations around the state also receive funds through DHS to provide SNAP E&T services. This creates a SNAP Provider Network to support participants and provide an array of wraparound services, particularly for those with specialized needs such as homeless youth and adults, refugees and those in recovery and reentry programs. 

SNAP participants receive a one-on-one orientation to the employment and training services available through WSO, the SNP Provider Network, and other community partners. This orientation provides an overview of the program, its benefits and requirements, so SNAP participants can choose to participate, or not participate, in the SNAP E&T program.   

SNAP participants are served through a case management model of customer service. This model provides each SNAP participant with a workforce professional who works with the participant and then guides, motivates, and supports them in their process of obtaining employment. Participants are also eligible for support services to include gas vouchers, bus tickets, interview clothing, tools, and training.

Launched in 2017 as a pilot program, OED has since expanded the program statewide and continues to develop the program and build partnerships with DHS, the SNAP Provider Network and other WSO programs such as regional business services teams to help remove barriers and place participants with employment and training opportunities.     

MODIFICATION/REPLACEMENT OF SNAP SECTION

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T) provides Oregonian’s with employment and training services to help them achieve and maintain their employment goals. Part of the SNAP E&T program is administered by the Oregon Employment Department (OED) and funded through a contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Self-Sufficiency program. Another statewide based SNAP E&T provider is the Oregon Community College Consortium which includes all 17 community colleges in Oregon. Other WSO partners including numerous non-profit and community-based organizations around the state also receive funds through DHS to provide SNAP E&T services. This creates a SNAP Provider Network to support participants and provide an array of wraparound services, particularly for those with specialized needs such as homeless youth and adults, refugees and those in recovery and reentry programs.

SNAP participants receive a one-on-one orientation to the employment and training services available through WSO, the SNP Provider Network, and other community partners. This orientation provides an overview of the program, its benefits and requirements, so SNAP participants can choose to participate, or not participate, in the SNAP E&T program.

SNAP participants are served through a case management model of customer service. This model provides each SNAP participant with a workforce professional who works with the participant and then guides, motivates, and supports them in their process of obtaining employment. Participants are also eligible for support services to include gas vouchers, bus tickets, interview clothing, tools, and training.

Launched in 2017 as a pilot program, OED has since expanded the program statewide and continues to develop the program and build partnerships with DHS, the SNAP Provider Network and other WSO programs such as regional business services teams to help remove barriers and place participants with employment and training opportunities. Today the SNAP E&T program plays a pivotal role in Oregon’s workforce system for serving low-income and underserved communities, assisting them with reemployment, training and support services to help them achieve career goals.

Participation in the STEP program dropped in PY 2020 as WSO centers, community colleges, and public libraries closed their doors to the public due to COVID. In response, the STEP program established a partnership with Free Geek, an Oregon-based non-profit, to ensure STEP participant’s digital connectivity needs were met. Through this partnership, the SNAP program provided over 400 free laptops to STEP participants to help them complete training and employment activities. The STEP program plans to continue this partnership with Free Geek into PY 2021 and beyond as resources and funding allow.

COVID-19 changed the employment outlook for many STEP participants. As many industries reduced employment, STEP participants engaged in training activities that better aligned with the new post-COVID economy. The SNAP program increased job training funding for occupations within Oregon’s Sector Partnership and Priority Occupations as defined by Oregon’s Workforce Development Boards. In FFY 21, 138 participants received short-term training costing roughly $230,000, while 211 received technical/vocational training costing roughly $416,000. The program expects to see continued enrollment in job training with positive occupation outcomes in PY 2021 and beyond.

In addition to funding training activities, the STEP program launched a pilot in January 2020, to offer additional assistance with childcare, housing, utilities, automobile repair, and automobile Insurance to help participants address barriers to employment and remain engaged in reemployment and training activities. By the start of PY 2021, these support services were expanded statewide. The STEP program expects these support services to remain in place through Program Years 2022 and 2023.

And finally, in response to WSO center closures during the pandemic, the STEP program began offering assistance with internet and phone services in July 2020, to help customers connect virtually with programs and services. These services proved popular and by the end of PY 2020, almost $49,000 was disbursed to eligible participants. The disbursements are expected to increase in PY 2021 and beyond as the economy recovers and STEP participation increases.

With WSO centers closed for much of PY 2020, and many ES staff assisting with UI claims processing, the total amount spent on all support services in PY 2020 was roughly $420,000 compared to just over $1M in PY 2019. Funding is expected to increase to pre-pandemic levels in PY 2021 now that centers are open and fully staffed.

TANF JOBS:

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Self-Sufficiency Programs administers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.  The Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program is a component of the TANF Program.

The JOBS Program is Oregon's TANF employment and training program. Education, training and job placement services are provided to TANF single-parent and two-parent families with the goal of helping prepare for, find and keep a job. Job retention and wage enhancement services are provided to individuals transitioning from TANF or the Pre-TANF Program.

JOBS program services are planned for and provided through contracted partners as well as through a network of workforce partnerships including local Workforce Development boards (LWDBs), Employment Department offices, community colleges and other community partners that provide family stability services such as mental health and substance use disorder services. Coordinated service delivery planning, for both workforce and family stability-focused resources, are conducted through local planning meetings.

State leadership and technical assistance support local JOBS program efforts. A core set of mandatory procedures and services are in place in all areas. However, service delivery mechanisms and program design may vary among the 16 Districts due to differences in local needs and resources.

To provide JOBS services to working TANF participants to help them transition from TANF to employment, DHS staff uses a strength-based engagement and case management approach that works holistically with the entire family. The intent of engagement and case management is to help families move forward based on their needs and become self-supporting. DHS respects and empowers families by recognizing they are capable, have strengths, and have resources that can help them take control of their lives. Benefit delivery is integrated with self-sufficiency enhancing services. The outcome of engagement and case management is increased family accountability and success for individual families in reaching and sustaining their goals. Engagement and case management takes a team effort. The team consists of the participant, the Family Coach, branch staff and community partners the participant may be working with.

JOBS services include various levels of Job Preparation and Placement services, Retention and Wage Enhancement services, Self-Sufficiency and Intervention services, Youth and Child services and Teen Parent services.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Title IV, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) works with individuals with disabilities to identify, pursue, obtain and retain competitive and integrated employment. In Oregon, there are two VR Programs, the general VR agency and the Oregon Commission for the Blind’s VR program (OCB). OCB serves Oregonians who are legally blind with specialized services. Core program activities for both VR (general) and OCB include individualized assessment, vocational exploration, job placement services, retention services and necessary and appropriate support services. Title IV, Vocational Rehabilitation and OCB works in partnership with Workforce, Education, and relevant local programs that impact a positive employment outcome for individuals with disabilities.

As Core VR programs, Oregon VR and OCB will ensure that programmatic access to our services is available at all WSO sites. Depending on local needs and opportunities, VR and OCB will continue to support the current co-location of VR staff and services as appropriate. VR and OCB will continue to have conversations about increasing co-location opportunities around the state. VR and OCB will always be available to assist Workforce partners when it comes to serving individuals with disabilities and will provide technical assistance and training in the best techniques to work with such individuals.

Vocational Rehabilitation services and VR services for Oregonians experiencing vision loss should be considered “value added” to assist our workforce partners when they are serving individuals with disabilities. VR and OCB participate on local boards and at the state level. This participation and engagement will allow VR and OCB to assist and help develop programmatic and individualized services to effectively provide employment for individuals with disabilities. Services through Vocational Rehabilitation and OCB are individualized and consumer driven. If there is the possibility of utilizing other funded activities, Vocational Rehabilitation and OCB is are required to pursue any and all “comparable benefits”.

When initial assessment is complete, disability created barriers identified, accommodations identified and provided, and a career or vocational objective identified based upon interests, abilities, Labor Market Information and any other factor influencing the choice of vocational objective, employment services consist of:

• Individualized job placement activities.
• Coordination with other services that provide employment services as are available and appropriate based on the disability and the barrier being addressed.
• Follow–up and post–employment services (PES) as required for our clients in order to intervene more effectively and timely if a disability created impediment may cause job loss.

An Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) is to be completed within 90 days of eligibility unless the Vocational Rehabilitation or OCB Counselor (VRC) and the consumer are in agreement to delay. If this is the case, then the dates which the IEP will be completed must be identified.

At any stage of the VR process, VR/OCB may, with the consumer’s agreement, refer to any other entity in the workforce system that may be of benefit to achieving an acceptable employment outcome.

Title IV VR and OCB, will continue to work with the local boards and other partners to ensure coordination and alignment of program elements. Current and future activities that are being practiced and proven at the local level will be shared among with the general VR agency and OCB to develop best practices. VR and OCB engage with local leadership teams when appropriate, and will continue to work within the workforce system to ensure that Oregonians with disabilities can access services they need without duplication.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and The Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) will continue to work with clients to ensure that businesses have access to the talent they need through the VR system. VR and OCB work with Community Rehabilitation Providers and contracted individual job developers to reach out to employers and market the individual skills of participants who lack the ability to market themselves. Through this process, businesses often get employees whom they otherwise would not have screened into employment opportunities but who can meet their business needs. VR and OCB also work with federal contractors to help meet their Section 503 requirements and targets.

VR and OCB will be establishing establish procedures that are acceptable under our rules and regulations to assist our clients in moving forward in their careers and address disability based barriers that may preclude future career growth. We will also listen to the business needs of the in–demand occupations so that our clients will be prepared for employment opportunities that exist in our economy and have opportunities for growth and advancement.

VR and OCB is are active in working with students and the educational system to ensure access to appropriate and timely labor market and employment information to assist the students in making informed decisions regarding future careers and work. VR and OCB are partnering with the educational systems to provide meaningful work experience and opportunities. While the VR focus and mandate is to work with students with disabilities, a framework is being established that may be replicable and effective for all students. We will build from our current youth program that is an internationally recognized best practice.

Due to the application and eligibility process of VR and OCB services, co enrollment needs to be defined and cannot include an “eligibility” process. At this time discrepancies between core programs exit process will have an impact on co enrollment planning. Strategies regarding co enrollment will be influenced by the results of our resource sharing agreement, which will need to be finalized at which time we can proceed with planning. Co-enrollment of VR and OCB clients with Title I and Wagner-Peyser services is a longer-term goal but these, and other significant issues exist and must be overcome, such as inflexible and out-of-date Information Technology systems and full accessibility of workforce system tools. However, Oregon continues with its early planning efforts to modernize its computer systems. The feasibility of integrating VR/OCB, Wagner-Peyser and Title I enrollment processes into one seamless process will be explored as part of that effort.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission:

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has responsibility for developing state budget recommendations, allocating state funding, and approving new academic programs at Oregon’s community colleges and universities. Within the HECC, the Office of Workforce Investments (OWI) is responsible for WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth and the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) is responsible for Adult Basic Education. In addition, CCWD will work with all 17 community colleges to support effective practice in transitioning working learners into post–secondary credit programs. This work includes supporting these students during their programs with both internal college services and WIOA partner supplied services (i.e. SNAP, Vocational Rehabilitation). In addition, students will have appropriate guidance and support as they complete their degree or certificate and seek employment or further education.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

PHAs and CDBG Entitlement Jurisdictions are also able to access and/or utilize their funding to support job creation, job training/education, and family self-sufficiency activities. The funding streams available to PHAs include the Family Self-Sufficiency program which combines three factors that, together, can help households in HUD-assisted rental housing make progress toward economic security: (a) stable, affordable housing; (b) case management or coaching to help support residents in identifying and pursuing goals, connecting to work-promoting programs and services, and building financial capability; and (c) an economic incentive for participating households to increase their earnings in the form of an escrow account that grows as participants’ earnings’ grow; Family Unification Voucher (FUP) provides rental assistance and supportive services to participating FUP youth for the first 18 months that the youth participates in the program. Examples of the skills targeted by these services include money management skills, job preparation, educational counseling, and proper nutrition and meal preparation:  Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Vouchers is a partnership with local PHAs, public child welfare agencies (PCWAs), and Continuums of Care (CoCs) to assist communities in ensuring that every young person who has had experience with the child welfare system has access to safe, affordable housing where they are supported to reach self-sufficiency by working toward their education and employment goals.

Oregon's Cross-Agency Teams and Work Groups

The Workforce System Executive Team (WSET):

The WSET is both an operational and decision–making group regarding workforce system project development and implementation. The WSET is responsible for the following activities:

• Collaborating and jointly agreeing on best approach to workforce systems issues that impact multiple agencies, programs, or initiatives.
• Providing/assigning resources to populate project teams.
• Ensuring that projects are staffed by cross–agency resources.
• Ensuring alignment across projects and teams with a system–wide viewpoint.
• Providing consulting and oversight to project teams.
• Making project, system, and program commitments for their agency, as appropriate.
• Reviewing and approving outcomes, products and recommendations of project teams.
• Making recommendations to leadership for approval, as appropriate.
• Representing agencies and briefing respective leadership on discussions and progress outside of meetings.
• Knowing when leadership must be consulted for a final decision and ensuring that all stakeholders requiring input at the leadership level are included in vetting processes. Inviting stakeholders (leadership, content experts, etc.) to meetings as appropriate to the agenda to ensure that work continues to advance.

WSET members include agency and program managers from:

• Employment Department (W–P/Title III, UI, MSFW, Vets, LMI)
• Higher Education Coordinating Commission (Titles I & II)
• Department of Human Services (Title IV, SNAP E&T, TANF)
• Oregon Commission for the Blind

WSET engages other partners as appropriate including Business Oregon, Department of Human Service Senior Community Service Employment Program, and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Employment & Training.

WIOA Local Area Advisory Group:

The purpose of this group is to identify state and local policy and process needs and provide feedback on policy development. Membership includes local area program managers, compliance officers, etc., with state staff filling guest/advisory/technical assistance roles as needed. This group includes a youth–focused sub–group.

Career Pathways Alliance:

The Alliance is made up of program staff, directors and others who oversee career pathway initiatives and programs within the 17 Oregon community colleges, including short–term training programs and bridge programs for Adult Basic Skills students. Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) is often a part of Oregon’s high quality, Career Pathways infrastructure. This track includes CTE programs with stackable credentials and strong relationships with the industry and local employers to identify competencies and needs. VESL courses accelerate time to completion and increase certificate and degree attainment for low–skilled workers and Adult Basic Skills students.

Community College WIOA Workgroup:

This is a diverse cross–section of community college administration, staff, and faculty members who serve in workforce development, career and technical education, customized training, and adult education programs. Within the WIOA Workgroup there are various subgroups working on specific issues: creating a community college planning framework, developing a definition/visual for career pathways in WIOA, investigating data and reporting concerns with the eligible training provider list, etc.

MODIFICATION:

WSO Shift to a Virtual Service Delivery Model/Pandemic Response  

In response to COVID, WSO centers closed to in-person traffic spring 2020 and did not fully reopen until summer 2021. During this transition, the state begin to phase in a number of system enhancements to support the delivery of services in a virtual format. Enhancements included new video conferencing software for use with external customers; a new WSO website, available in multiple languages, that greatly improves customer access to the menu of reemployment and training services; an online scheduling tool, available in both English and Spanish, that allows job seekers to arrange virtual or in-person appointments with staff, or reserve computer time in a center; automated emails to inform job seekers of their registration status and encourage customer engagement with WSO staff; and customer relationship management software for customers to submit questions through a central portal, thus streamlining staff workflow in responding to inquiries. All enhancements were operational by late 2021.

The scheduling tool, launched in September 2020, has been popular with customers and helped streamline center workflow for staff. To date over 2,000 appointments have been scheduled, with seventy percent initiated online by the job seeker. Of those scheduling an appointment with staff, 60% opted for a virtual meeting using video conferencing software vs. meeting in-person with staff.

To further enhance the scheduling tool’s utility in serving Oregon’s diverse customer base, an updated version in ten additional languages (identified thru census data and customer use of other translation services) is planned for spring 2022. The state is also exploring options to integrate the tool with state email and calendaring systems to further enhance its utility in managing center workflow and communicating with customers.

The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program was an early adopter of the scheduling tool, encouraging claimants selected for the program to schedule their RESEA orientation with staff online. In addition, other workforce programs are exploring how the tool can be used to work more seamlessly together to connect customers with reemployment services. For example, the state’s Unemployment Insurance division is exploring how the tool can he used to connect claimants seeking reemployment services with WSO center staff, rather than just providing them contact information.

WSO leadership remains committed to offering services thru a virtual format to expand service delivery to more and diverse communities including underserved populations while also helping to protect the health and safety of staff and customers in light of the ongoing pandemic.