Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 3. A. State Agency Organization
Describe the organization and delivery systems at the State and local levels for the programs covered in the plan, including the organizational structure. Include an organizational chart.
Current Narrative:
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services administers the majority of programs represented in this plan. The agency goal is to provide quality workforce services that support the development of a well-trained workforce that meets employer needs. The Division provides many services that support both jobseekers and employers and helps people succeed throughout their working lives. We support workers during times of unemployment, track and analyze labor market trends, and link businesses and jobseekers to a diverse range of employment services provided by the state’s workforce system. Through DWS’ local offices, the needs of employers and job-seeking individuals are facilitated by matching qualified workers with an employer’s specific employment needs.
https://dws.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Commerce-Org-Chart-PDF.pdf
DWS avidly supports Arkansas’s employer community and is cognizant of their needs. DWS offers many services to Arkansas jobseekers and residents including: referral to suitable employment opportunities; job training assistance to economically disadvantaged individuals and those dislocated due to business closings, layoffs, and natural disasters; case management for disabled veterans; assessment of an individual’s needs and referral to supportive agencies and programs.
The agency director is appointed by the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
Below is a list of programs administered by the Division:
- Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
- Local Veterans Employment Representatives
- Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
- WIOA Youth Program
- WIOA Adult Program
- WIOA Dislocated Worker Program
- Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
- Alien Labor Certification
- Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit
- Labor Market Information
- Unemployment Insurance
- Trade Readjustment Allowance
- New Hire Registry
- Career Readiness Certification
- Discretionary Grants
Note: Effective July 1, 2019, the Division added the Adult Education Section and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services under the Governor’s Transformation. The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services also serves as the Governor’s Administrative Entity for WIOA Title I funding, provides staffing support for the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, provides technical assistance to local workforce development boards, and monitors their activities.
The Adult Education Section is one of the six core programs under the Division of Workforce Services under the agency Department of Commerce. The Title II Adult Education Director and the Adult Education Senior Management Team, a team of three, oversee the adult education program in the state. The Adult Education Section supports adult basic and literacy education programs for adults who lack basic skills, a high school diploma, or proficiency in English. Adult education and literacy activities may also include workplace adult education and literacy activities, family literacy activities, English language acquisition activities, integrated English literacy and civics education, workforce preparation activities, or integrated education and training (IET) that provides adult education and literacy activities, concurrently and contextually with both workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster and is for the purpose of educational and career advancement.
The Adult Education Section has 37 providers that serve all 75 counties in Arkansas. The state office has seven middle managers or Program Advisors who provide technical assistance to adult education programs and literacy councils by interpreting federal and state regulations and providing support and guidance to the field. Program Advisors also evaluate program effectiveness through annual on-site visits, program reviews, and desk audits to ensure program compliance and monitor and approve federal and state grant budgets, amendments, expenditure reports, and adult education and literacy council program project applications.
The Adult Education section also has a High School Equivalency section, supported 100% with state funds, comprising a Senior Manager and two administrative support staff who oversee and support the high school equivalency test, GED®, in Arkansas. The state office also subsidizes 85% of the cost of the GED® test on behalf of Arkansans.
Adult Education also has a Finance Section comprising a Division Manager, Fiscal Support Specialists, an Auditor, and administrative personnel. The Finance Office ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, reviews and processes payments to the field, and conducts financial audits.
An Executive Assistant to the Director and two Administrative Specialists support the field program and staff in various vital administrative tasks.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) is the General Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency in Arkansas. Consistent with Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, states must appoint a state director and establish a State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) to receive federal vocational rehabilitation funds. In Arkansas, the ARS Commissioner is the state director of the vocational rehabilitation program. SRC members are Governor appointed. The Commissioner and senior management provide leadership to the agency’s major components including, Field Services, the Arkansas Career Development Center, Access and Accommodations, and Business Engagement. Field Services provides services in three primary categories: pre-employment transition, transition, and general vocational rehabilitation. VR counselors determine client eligibility, develop the individualized plan for employment with the client, oversee case management, provide vocational rehabilitation counseling and related job readiness services to assist clients in obtaining or maintaining competitive integrated employment. ACDC, ARS’ internal training unit, provides programs where clients receive industry recognized credentials as well as an array of supportive services. Access and Accommodations addresses a client’s assistive technology needs at school and at work. The Business Engagement unit is ARS’ primary link to employers and provides information about services and supports available to businesses
The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) is the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired in Arkansas. DSB is an independent commission and therefore has a governing board who appoints the director of the agency. Board members are appointed by the Governor. The Director and leadership team provide guidance and support to all units of the agency including, Field Services, Business and Technology, Fiscal, Business Engagement, Outreach, and Quality Assurance. Field Services staff include counselors for Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-Employment Transition Services, and Older Individuals who are Blind. The Business and Technology unit oversee the DSB Technology Lab to assess and train consumers on technology, Braille Services, and the Randolph-Sheppard Program.