Narrative: IV.

The MPWS ensures joint planning and coordination among all partners through several different strategies. For example, the WIOA Steering Committee oversees specialized subcommittees, which are aligned with the combined plan strategies. These include service design and delivery, data integration, youth, and employer engagement. An ad hoc one-stop certification team also meets around that process every three years. The committees represent core and required partners, as well as additional state and community partners to assist in carrying out the MPWS’s vision and goals.

Each quarter, the partners host a Statewide Partnership meeting. This meeting brings together state agencies, local board directors, provider staff, and state board members. The meeting agenda provides updates on local and statewide activities and profiles invited guests who present on their particular initiatives. These quarterly gatherings not only serve as information sharing meetings but also provide the opportunity for the MPWS to engage in joint planning.

The MPWS partners are invited to and participate in the Missouri Workforce Development Board (WDB) meetings. The WDB serves as the convener of state, regional, and local workforce system partners to enhance the capacity and performance of the workforce development system. The Board actively participates and collaborates closely with the core partners, the required one-stop partner programs, and other programs and activities of the workforce development system, including public and private organizations. This engagement is crucial in the Board's role to help integrate and align a more effective job-driven workforce system that invests in the connection between education and career preparation. The Board advises Missouri's workforce partners in the setting and implementation of workforce policy for the state's local workforce regions.

Core partners participate in the review and approval of local plans and local plan modifications. As part of this process, partners ensure their programs are well-represented at the local level. They have input in the planning activities allowing for alignment of services at the state and local levels. This type of participation is beneficial in terms of eliminating service program silos.

As part of the MPWS, there are countless opportunities for joint planning and coordination among the core programs, required one-stop partner programs, and other programs and activities included in this combined state plan. Some of these opportunities are listed below.

Core partners serve on many cross-agency councils and attend cross-agency meetings, including the Missouri Apprenticeship Team, Nexus groups, and the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Council. They participate in ad hoc projects that support community-driven needs.

AEL is integral to the collaborative, multi-agency MPWS that leads to employment and postsecondary pathways for adult students. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s commissioner represents AEL and MVR on the SWDB. AEL service providers participate in infrastructure cost-sharing negotiations with LWDBs, resulting in agreements with all partners. AEL supports infrastructure costs for some of its local service providers, while other local programs use in-kind contributions instead of cash. Additionally, 18 local AEL Directors (out of 29) serve on Missouri’s 13 LWDBs, while more than a dozen programs hold classes at One-Stop locations. AEL ensures that all programs inform students at orientation about the MPWS. Local programs also employ career advisors and transition staff who make direct referrals to partner agencies.

MPWS partners serve on the Board of the Missouri Association of Workforce Development, a professional organization focused on networking, sharing of best practices, and holding an annual conference which enhances partnership and collaboration statewide.

The MPWS staff serves as active members on local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) and participates in the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with all WDBs. These MOUs direct and explain how partners work together to deliver services to jobseekers in local communities. 

Local workforce boards hold partner meetings to develop and review the Memoranda of Understanding and the Infrastructure Funding Agreements. Local boards also host interagency team meetings to address the job center operations.

MVR hosted cross-agency connection meetings to assist with cross-training and resource sharing. These meetings encourage partnering at the state and local levels. Coordination of services at these levels benefits shared customers and partner staff.

RSB offers each local board technology assessments to help with accessibility solutions for blind and visually impaired individuals. This includes software assessments, software updating, uninstalling old software, and training on how to access the assistive software.

RSB has also provided Job Center staff training in basic sighted guide techniques to assist blind or visually impaired patrons.

DSS shares benefits and programs with field staff. They host opportunities for partners to connect, learn, and share best practices. DSS hosts monthly provider calls for CSBG contractors, employment and training providers, and staff calls. The different formats allow providers to discuss best case practices, learn policy changes, and ask questions from program staff.

Beginning in February 2022, DSS conducted an informational series called DSS Learning Labs where state agencies and community partners shared high-level program and contact information. The series was open to the public and available for frontline staff at state agencies and community organizations to watch and ask questions. These sessions were recorded and posted online for staff to reference when needed.