Narrative: III. b. 2.

Under the direction of Governor Sanders and the workforce cabinet, several new technologies and tools are being developed to support the implementation of the State’s strategies.

One strategic activity to support integrated service delivery is the implementation of CiviForm, an innovative digital tool designed to streamline the application process for government and community services. Developed with support from Google.org, it simplifies the experience of finding and applying for various services, making them more accessible and efficient for residents.

Role in the Arkansas Workforce State Plan:

• Facilitate Access to Workforce Services: Integrated service delivery, enabled by tools like CiviForm, allows residents easy access to a range of services critical for employment and training.
• Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness: By breaking down silos between different service providers, integrated service delivery ensures that resources are utilized more efficiently and effectively, leading to better outcomes for residents.
• Data-Driven Service Improvement: The data collected through integrated service delivery processes can be used to continuously improve service delivery, tailor services to meet emerging needs, and inform workforce policy decisions.
• Enhance User Experience: By providing a one-stop-shop for services, integrated service delivery makes it easier for residents to access the support they need, improving overall satisfaction and engagement.

This initiative is crucial for ensuring that all Arkansans can easily access the support and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.

A forthcoming online portal will be a skills-based learning, employment, and advancement platform.  It will serve as a one-stop hub for accessing a wide range of resources, including training programs, job listings, and career guidance, personalized to each individual’s unique skills, experience, preferences, and goals. The portal will simplify the journey from learning to employment, making it more efficient and user-friendly for Arkansas residents.

Role in the Arkansas Workforce State Plan:

• Skills-Based Matching: Utilizing advanced matching algorithms, the portal will connect job seekers with employers based on skill compatibility
• Leverage Learning and Employment Records (LERs): Incorporating LERs, the portal will enable individuals to maintain a comprehensive and verified record of their skills and work history.
• Connect Learning to Employment: The platform will provide access to a range of learning and training opportunities, allowing individuals to acquire or upgrade skills in alignment with market demands.
• Empower Individuals: The platform will empower job seekers and workers by providing them with tools and information to navigate their career paths effectively.
• Enhance Employer Engagement: The portal will enable employers to identify and connect with candidates more efficiently, based on skill needs.
• Facilitate Continuous Learning and Advancement: The platform will promote a culture of continuous learning and skill development, crucial for career advancement and workforce adaptability.
• Streamline Work Search Activities: The portal will feature an intuitive dashboard for Unemployment Insurance claimants to track their required weekly work search activities to maintain benefit compliance while simultaneously connecting with jobs that match their skills and experience.

The online platform will provide an integrated digital environment where individuals can explore, acquire, and showcase their skills and competencies. The portal will support the overall Arkansas Workforce Strategy by seamlessly integrating education, training, and employment services into a unified platform, aligning individual skill sets and career aspirations with local employment and advancement opportunities.

As these new platforms are launched policies and procedures will be developed to ensure optimum utilization by all WIOA core and non-core partners.

Arkansas currently has in place a Co-enrollment and Co-Funding Policy.  WIOA Title I-B Policy Manual- Policy 2.7.  The policy describes the requirements and regulations concerning co-enrollment and/or co-funding of WIOA Title I-B participants with various WIOA Title I-B programs, with other WIOA programs, with Arkansas Job Center partners, and with other appropriate entities, in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), the WIOA Final Rule, Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs) published by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (ETA), and policies of the Arkansas Workforce Development Board (AWDB).

Under WIOA I-B, participants may be eligible for Youth, Adult, and/or Dislocated Worker services. The participant may also be eligible for the services of other one-stop partners, as well as services for one-stop partners. WIOA I-B case managers must be informed about the services of all WIOA funding streams (including other titles and subtitles). Case managers must coordinate with other agencies as appropriate to provide the full array of services documented as needed by the participant [WIOA § 134(b)(2)(A)(v); 20 CFR 680.230]. Co-enrollment (or dual enrollment) and/or co-funding with other entities is encouraged in order to give participants the best array of services. 

Adult Education’s request for proposal (RFP) application is aligned with the State Plan and outlines the requirements of eligible providers' role in supporting the implementation of the State’s strategies. The state office provides the adult education providers a student intake form that each provider must follow and includes information such as demographics, contact, program referral information, and barriers to employment descriptors. This information is entered into the state’s data management system, LACES, for tracking purposes. The state is in the final stages of a Common Intake Form, which will reduce the redundancy of basic information on behalf of Arkansans seeking services. The RFP also outlines the eligible adult education provider’s role in supporting the infrastructure of the One-Stops.

Infrastructure costs and other partnering agreements are developed between sub-grant recipients and local workforce development boards. Infrastructure costs are paid using federal funds and state funds, if needed, to supplement the costs. Adult Education requires its local providers to negotiate and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses the service delivery elements required by WIOA with the workforce board of their respective regions. Two or more local areas in a region may develop a single joint MOU if they are in a region that has submitted a regional plan. The MOU includes a description of services to be provided through the One-Stop delivery system, an agreement on funding the costs of the services and the operating costs of the system (including funding of the shared services and operating costs of the One-Stop), methods for referring individuals between the One-Stop operators and partners for appropriate services and activities, methods to ensure the needs of workers, youth and individuals with barriers to employment. The duration, procedures for amending, and assurances of the MOU are reviewed to ensure substantial changes have not occurred, renewal, not less than once every 3-year period to ensure appropriate funding and delivery of services are included. The MOU may contain other provisions, including in-kind partner contributions and alternative funding, agreed to by the parties consistent with WIOA Title I, the authorizing statutes and regulations of one-stop partner programs, and the WIOA regulations. The Title II Adult Education Director reviews and signs off on all adult education providers' MOUs and Infrastructure Funding Agreements (IFAs).

ARS’ core partners are collaborating to create a unified intake process that can be utilized by all agencies. The common intake form will enable all agencies to receive referral information for potential applicants. The common intake includes specific questions identifying individuals requiring partner consultation and referral.

DSB is actively participating with the core partners to develop and implement the common intake form to share referrals from all potential applicants.