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Plan: Washington PYs 2024-2027
Combined Plan C

Section: WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Narrative: III. b. 7.

Published
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—

III. b. 7. Priority of Service for Veterans

  • A. Describe how the State will implement the priority of service provisions for covered persons in accordance with the requirements of the Jobs for Veterans Act, codified at section 4215 of 38 U.S.C., which applies to all employment and training programs funded in whole or in part by the Department of Labor.

  • B. Describe how the State will monitor priority of service provisions for veterans.

  • C. Describe the triage and referral process for eligible veterans and other populations determined eligible to receive services from the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program’s Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist/Consolidated Position.

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)

Current Narrative:

To implement and monitor the priority of service provisions for veterans, Washington adheres to a structured policy framework and comprehensive approach, as outlined in the WorkSource System Policy 1009 Revision 3 and WorkSource System Policy 1022 Revision 1. These policies ensure that veterans and eligible spouses are given precedence in accessing employment, training, and placement services, as mandated by the Department of Labor and consistent with the Jobs for Veterans Act codified at section 4215 of 38 U.S.C.

Washington State ensures priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses through clear point-of-entry procedures across its WorkSource system. Upon entry, individuals are asked about their military service to identify veterans and eligible spouses who are then informed about their priority status. This process is facilitated through various channels, including in-person visits, telephone inquiries, and online interactions via the WorkSource website. The policy mandates that all DOL-funded programs within the state, regardless of the level of funding, adhere to this priority of service.

Implementation of Priority of Service:

All qualified programs in the one-stop system, including WIOA Title I-B and Title III services, adhere to this policy. Priority is given to veterans and eligible spouses, allowing them access to services earlier or in place of non-covered individuals if resources are limited. The policy also outlines the need for local policies at WorkSource Centers and WIOA one-stop system providers, ensuring that veterans and eligible spouses are identified at the point of entry, made aware of their entitlement, and informed about available programs and services.

Monitoring Priority of Service:

Monitoring the implementation of Priority of Service is a shared responsibility. Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) and staff involved with the Consolidated Veteran Services Representative (CVSR) are key in providing training and identifying areas for improvement in delivering Priority of Service. WorkSource office Administrators and local supervisors are tasked with the operational implementation and monitoring of the priority of service, ensuring that veterans and eligible spouses receive the benefits they are entitled to. The effectiveness of the priority of service delivery is assessed through quarterly reports submitted by LVERs and DVOP staff.

Triage and Referral Process:

At the point of entry, whether in-person or virtually, veterans and eligible spouses are identified and informed about their Priority of Service. This includes a comprehensive explanation of their entitlement and the range of programs available to them. Those eligible for Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) services are referred accordingly for individualized career services, with the process ensuring that they can also access basic employment preparation skills, workshops, and other eligible programs within WorkSource in the interim. Veterans  with significant barriers to employment (SBE) identified through the WorkSource system are referred to DVOP specialists for intensive services, as outlined in Policy 1022-1. This includes a wide array of eligible populations such as homeless veterans, those with disabilities, and recently discharged veterans facing unemployment. The referral process ensures that veterans with SBEs are directed to the most appropriate services tailored to their needs, enhancing their reintegration into the workforce.

This structured approach, backed by the policy and its operational requirements, ensures that veterans and eligible spouses in Washington State receive the support and priority they are entitled to under federal law, reflecting the state's commitment to serving those who have served the country.