Narrative: b. 4.

All related WIOA policy memos including those specific to serving priority populations have been combined into a unified policy manual which is continuously updated for accuracy and content. The updated manual can be found at: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wia/WIOAPolicyManual.pdf.

 Several methods are used to comprehensively implement and monitor priority of service to priority populations including public assistance recipients, other low-income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient. These methods include program compliance monitoring, case file review and electronic case management systems. CT DOL uses the CT HIRES automated case management system which includes a database with fields to identify individuals who may be designated basic skills deficient, a recipient of public assistance, or to meet the definition of low income.

 CTDOL, along with its workforce partners, continues to pursue the most effective and efficient use of its data capturing capabilities in order to determine the characteristics of the individuals being served through the workforce development system. The goal of these efforts is to better identify those individuals from priority populations who are seeking assistance in order to coordinate the most appropriate mix of programs and services through both required and non-required partner program agencies and organizations. 

In Connecticut, the Department of Social Services determines which TFA recipients are mandated to participate in employment services. Those clients that are determined mandatory are referred to the Jobs First Employment Services (JFES) program administered by the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) in partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the 5 Workforce Development Boards (WDBs).  When clients are first referred to the JFES program, they are assessed by their case managers to determine whether they are basic skills deficient or not. For many years, the assessment tool used to determine their reading and math levels was the CASAS.  The CTDOL JFES and WIOA units have been collaborating on a new policy that will change the way that JFES clients are assessed. That policy has been developed in partnership with all 5 WDBs, along with the management teams of the CTDOL JFES and WIOA units.  While the framework of the new policy is well developed, it has not been made public as of yet, as some fine tuning of the language is still required.

Approximately 90% of our JFES clients are basic skills deficient in either math or reading. Our JFES case managers are encouraged to co-enroll JFES participants into WIOA whenever they think it would benefit the participant. The receipt of Temporary Family Assistance automatically makes a participant eligible for WIOA as a low-income adult. In some regions, like the Eastern region, almost all of the JFES participants who attend vocational training in a given year do so using WIOA funds.  JFES program funding is also available to provide case management services, job search assistance, employment readiness workshops, vocational training, Subsidized Employment opportunities, community service opportunities and other special benefits including child care subsidies through the Care4Kids program, where JFES participants are given priority for application review and childcare access, and transportation assistance including bus passes, mileage reimbursement and the use of Uber and Lyft ride sharing services to assist clients who don’t have easy access to public transportation. 

As funding for the JFES program has been reduced by 31% over the past 4 years, we have found more and more value in leveraging the resources of both programs.

 In addition, the CTDOL  JFES and WIOA units work closely in conducting financial monitoring of the 5 WDBs for both programs. The CTDOL JFES Unit scrutinizes JFES contracts for any  financial concerns related to the JFES contracts which are then passed along to the WIOA staff who conduct

on- site financial monitoring at the WDB locations. This enables the JFES and WIOA programs to compare notes and ensure that expenditures are properly accounted for across the two programs.

The JFES and WIOA units have also collaborated on some training initiatives for staff in both programs.  

We conducted a 3 day Business Engagement Training for all JFES and WIOA case managers around the state in the Fall of 2018.

In July 2019, the CTDOL JFES and WIOA units implemented a joint plan to have every JFES and WIOA case manager in the state of Connecticut achieve the Certified Employment Interview Professional Certification (CEIP) credential.  This nationally recognized credential gives every single JFES and WIOA case manager the knowledge to provide high quality guidance to job seekers on all aspects of the art of job interviewing. This plan involved training all of these case managers in 4 separate cohorts. Each cohort began with a “Kick -off” event at the DOL Central Office which reviewed the entire process with the participating staff and set expectations for the group. Representatives from PARW flew from Florida to Connecticut in order to observe the “Kick-off’ event process for themselves.           

This is the first mass certification process in the country for this credential and the Professional Association of Resume Writers viewed these “Kick - off “ events  as a best practice that could be replicated around the country.

CT will update its policy manual to reflect the specific method of monitoring to ensure the priority for public assistance recipients and other low-income individuals etc. which will include – authorizing local WDBs to develop their own priority of service delivery to targeted populations. CTDOL plans to establish target goals for service delivery to priority populations and through program monitoring will assess each local WDBs progress in meeting those goals.

CT maintains a flexible policy in determining basic skills deficiency at eligibility.  WDB’s are directed to maintain a local policy regarding testing which aligns with state and federal requirements as follows:

• Standardized
• Reliable
• Formalized
• Fair
• Cost Effective
• Easy to administer and interpret results

 Individuals tested for measurable skills gains under a documented achievement of at least one functional level must be tested utilizing National Reporting System-approved Connecticut Competency System (CCS) CASAS (Goals) testing.  Administered tests must include an Appraisal placement test, math and reading tests and posttests.   Accommodations are available for learners who have a documented disability.

Describe the State’s criteria regarding local area transfer of funds between the adult and dislocated worker programs.

Under WIOA 100% of funds for a fiscal year may be transferred between adult employment and training activities and dislocated worker employment and training activities, if approved by the Governor. Connecticut’s policy and criteria for transferring funds can be found in the current WIOA manual at: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wia/WIOAPolicyManual.pdf.