Narrative: III. a. 2. A.

The core programs have worked diligently together to align services across core programs and other program partners and are including other non-core programs such as Trade Adjustment Assistance and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment.  Staff from the core agencies are actively engaged in training opportunities that include all operational levels of the core partners and key stakeholders named in the combined plan. Arkansas has a good history of core programs alignment, but to better facilitate these activities, strategies including a common intake process, inter-agency data sharing, case management integration, and co-location of resources when possible, are being developed and implemented.

The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services shall use funds made available under WIOA Title I to support local workforce development board activities to provide services through the adult, dislocated worker, and youth programs. Services through these programs include career services such as outreach, intake, and orientation; initial assessment; labor exchange services; eligibility for services; referrals to programs; performance and cost information; information on unemployment insurance; financial aid information; and follow-up services. Additionally, for those who qualify, training and supportive services will be provided. Training services may include occupational skills training, on-the job training (OJT), Registered Apprenticeships, incumbent worker training, and skill upgrading and retaining.

Adult Education providers are required to offer programs, activities, and services that include adult education, literacy, English language acquisition activities, workforce preparation activities, and integrated education and training.  Family literacy, workplace activities, and Integrated English literacy and Civics Education activities are optional unless the provider was awarded IEL/CE funding in the request for proposal (RFP) process. 

An adult education director, recommended or appointed by the Director of Adult Education, serves on each local workforce development board (LWDB) and works closely with the other core partners to serve those with barriers to employment and meet the needs of employers.  Some adult education programs are collocated in the One-Stops, allowing better access to services. For example, in a few of the One-Stops, adult education provides adult basic education classes on-site while others have a career coach that comes a few days a week to assist individuals with career services activities.  The Title I Adult Program has referred individuals whose native language isn’t English to adult education for services. In contrast, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services has been very instrumental in providing disability screening to adult learners who are interested in working. Arkansans that are co-enrolled typically have higher outcomes than those just enrolled in one program. The wraparound services and support have been key to their success.

The local workforce development boards are utilized in the Adult Education’s request for proposal (RFP) process.  Local workforce development boards are allowed to review and comment on the RFP application of each eligible adult education applicant. One of the considerations is how the eligible provider demonstrates alignment between proposed activities and services to the one-stop partners. This includes how the applicant plans to align with the LWDB regarding employment, training, education, and supportive services that adult education learners need. In addition, the eligible adult education application must include the applicant’s proposed activities, services, and the regional needs identified in the LWDB proposed local plan, including concurrent enrollment.

Adult education providers must offer students integrated education and training (IET) programs. IET is a service approach that provides adult education and literacy activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement. An IET program must include three components: adult education and literacy activities, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training. In addition, as part of a career pathway, the design of an IET program should support the local and state workforce development board plans as required under WIOA. Adult education providers rely heavily on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and other educational entities for the training component. In addition, adult learners are connected to programs such as TANF, WIOA, and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services to help pay tuition costs, as Title II funds cannot pay tuition on learners' behalf. This braided funding approach allows programs to maximize the services and allows adults to be co-enrolled in multiple programs.

Wagner-Peyser Employment Services (ES) continues to knit all partners together by serving as the hub for all workforce development services.  Employment services staff are housed at Arkansas Workforce Centers and provide career services and referral services to customers of all demographics.  As front-line representatives, ES staff are trained to thoroughly interview, serve, and refer customers to intensive services offered through WIOA partners. 

The ADWS will provide labor exchange services through funds provided under WIOA Title III including labor market information to the individuals seeking services. The information will include information on local, regional and national labor market areas such as: 

• Job vacancies in labor market areas
• Information on job skills necessary to obtain the jobs
• Local, in-demand occupations and related earning potential
• Opportunities for advancement in those occupations

Additionally, One-Stops and partners must provide appropriate services for individuals to obtain or retain employment. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Individual Employment Plan (IEP)

• Career planning and counseling (no longer called case management)
  • Comprehensive assessment
• Occupational skills assessment
• Short-term prevocational services
• Internship and work experience including transitional jobs and industry partnerships
• Workforce preparation
• Out-of-area job search
• English language acquisition
• Financial literacy

Aligned closely with Wagner-Peyser services is the JVSG program, offered through the network of American Job Centers throughout the state.  As a required one-stop partner, customers who qualify for veterans services will receive priority of service and receive individualized career- and training-related services to eligible veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment (SBEs), as well as other authorized populations. LVER staff will perform business outreach and strategically assist employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services provides activities necessary to assist individuals with [LK1] Services are divided into pre-employment transition, transition, and vocational rehabilitation services. Required pre-employment transition services target students with disabilities and help them determine career interests through job exploration, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education, workplace readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy. Transition services assist students with disabilities to transition from secondary education into postsecondary education and employment. Clients and VR counselors jointly develop the individualized plan for employment (IPE). The individual’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice are utilized in IPE development. The IPE identifies a client’s vocational goal, necessary services, and roles and responsibilities to assist the client in goal achievement. Services provided may include vocational counseling, vocational training, restoration, assistive technology, on-the-job training, and job placement. ARS counselors are aware of services provided by other core programs and refer as determined appropriate.

DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired. These services ensure that individuals provide opportunities for those age 14 and older to have competitive integrated employment. Through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Transition services, DSB can support Youth with a Disability and Students with a Disability in their transition from secondary education to postsecondary education and employment. Services are determined using informed choice of the participant with support from the DSB counselor to ensure the employment goal considers the participant’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests. DSB staff are aware of the services and opportunities provided by other core programs and refer participants to additional resources and services when possible.

 ARS received the following comment from Disability Rights Arkansas:

The Plan states: “Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services provides activities necessary to assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain competitive integrated employment.” The federal requirements for vocational rehabilitation include services to assist individuals with disabilities to advance in employment as well.

ARS Response – ARS appreciates DRA’s noting this omission and this change adds advance in employment.